Are you curious about the wealth of Van Jones, one of the most influential political commentators in America? Do you want to know what is Van Jones net worth? Have you ever wondered how he has accumulated so much money?
Jeff Bezos has pledged to give Van Jones and chef Jose Andres a total of $200 million. At a news conference held after the Amazon CEO returned from his $5.5 billion space excursion, Bezos revealed his choice.
At a news conference following their trip, Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos said he would give the $200 million gift to charity in their names. The CEO of Amazon also clarified that Van Jones and Andres were free to use the money as they saw fit.
So, what is Van Jones net worth? The answer to this question depends on many factors, including how much money Van Jones makes from his various projects. Read on to learn more about Van Jones’s wealth and how he has amassed so much money over the years.
Who is Van Jones?
Anthony Kapel Van Jones is a political commentator, environmentalist, attorney, and author. He is best known for hosting CNN’s “Crossfire,” co-hosting the TV show “The Messy Truth,” and his advocacy work in prison reform, civil rights, and environmental protection.
Van Jones is the host of The Redemption Project and Van Jones Show.
He has written several books, including Rebuild the Dream (2012), The Green Collar Economy (2008), and Beyond the Messy Truth: How We Came Apart, How We Come Together (2017). Jones has also authored opinion editorials for various publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Guardian.
He is a recipient of the NAACP’s President’s Award, the Liberty Hill Foundation’s Upton Sinclair Award for Social Justice, and the Heinz Award for his work in green job creation.
Van Jones has also appeared on several TV shows, including HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, ABC’s This Week, and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
Early Life and Education
Anthony Kapel Jones was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. He was born on September 20, 1968. Jones’s parents, Willie Anthony Jones and Loretta Jean Jones are his inspiration. His parents both worked in education; his dad was a principal, and his mom taught high school. Angela Jones is his twin sister.
When he was young, he frequently accompanied his grandfather to religious gatherings. Next, Jones got his diploma from Jackson Central-Merry High School, a public institution in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1986. After deciding to pursue further education, he enrolled at UT Martin and eventually graduated with a BS in communication and political science.
When he finally settled in Connecticut, he attended Yale University’s law school and earned his Juris Doctorate. Soon after, Van moved to San Francisco and helped establish a socialist group called Standing Together to Organize a Revolutionary Movement (STORM). They held the rally in opposition to the excessive police force.
Career and Projects
After receiving his law degree from Yale Law School, Van Jones started his career as a public interest lawyer in San Francisco. He later became Ella Baker Center for Human Rights and Green For All founding partner.
The organization is committed to creating green economic development policies that ensure communities of color are not left behind. Jones also served as a senior advisor for green jobs to the Obama Administration in 2009.
In 2010, Jones became a CNN political contributor and host of the show “Crossfire,” which ran until 2014. He is currently a co-host of the CNN show “The Messy Truth.” Moreover, he is also an executive producer for two films: “11/8/16” and “The Reunited States of America.”
He has also helped establish various charitable organizations, including the REFORM alliance.
After completing his legal education, Van became involved in activist groups, including Rodney King Verdict. In addition, he started a human rights NGO named the Ella Baker Center. As time went on, he became an advocate for eco-capitalism and social justice for the environment.
In addition, he has served in a variety of capacities for environmental and not-for-profit organizations. They іnсludе Nаtіоnаl Ароllо Аllіаnсе, Јulіа Вuttеrflу Ніll, Frее Рrеѕѕ, Rаіnfоrеѕt Асtіоn Nеtwоrk, аnd Ѕосіаl Vеnturе Nеtwоrk.
Bestselling Author
Van Jones is the author of seven books. Two of those books were No. 1 on The New York Times Best Seller list. Obama’s advisory committee hired him after reading his first book, “Green Color Economy.” The book is packed with information about implementing sustainable development in an economic system. He has placed particular importance on UN Agenda 13.
He advocated cutting costs to a minimum while increasing output to its full potential. Many people think his suggestions are radical. Obama asked him to consult him because of this very situation.
The following are some of the books he has written:
- The Green Collar Economy One Solution Can Fix Our Two Biggest Problems (2008)
- Rebuild the Dream (2012)
- Beyond the Messy Truth: How We Came Apart, How We Come Together (2017)
What Is Van Jones Net Worth?
Van Jones net worth is estimated at around $5 million. This amount comes from his income from speaking engagements, television appearances, book sales, and other projects. He is also the CEO of several organizations, so his income is also supplemented by the profits earned from these ventures. Additionally, Jones earns money through various investments and endorsements.
Additionally, he received $100 million in 2021. Van Jones and Jeff Bezos share a desire to bring Americans together across political divides. The money came from the Courage and Civility Award, given to those who work to bring people together in a divided world.
The billionaire said that Jones and Andrés could use the money for charity or to “spread the wealth,” adding that they could do “anything they want” with it.
Jones added, “sometimes dreams come true” when accepting the medal.
He thanked Bezos for taking a chance on him and explained that he intended to donate the funds to “those who share a similar spirit.” The 52-year-old CNN political commentator has an annual salary of $1 million.
Personal Life
Married for 13 years, Van Jones and Jana Carter called it quit in 2020. She is the niece of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States.
She got her law degree from Yale and worked for the Oakland Unified School District and other firms before she and Jones tied the knot. The couple married in 2005 and had been together for over a decade until Carter filed for divorce from Jones in September 2018.
Jones posted on Instagram that he was divorcing his wife but that while divorce meant the end of his marriage, it would not mean the end of his family. #FamilyForever.”
The political analyst told People that they “still love each other very much” despite their decision to break their marriage. Together, we have raised our children, operated our businesses, and helped each other succeed. No feuds, no drama, just progress.
Van Jones and his ex-wife Jana are the parents of two young sons, Mattai Jones and Cabral Jones. Carter requested they share legal and physical custody of their children during the divorce procedures, and the former spouses continue to raise their children together.
Controversies
Jones made headlines earlier in 2021 when he was rumored to be dating Kim Kardashian after she and Kanye West broke up. The reality star cleared the air on the first installment of the “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” reunion
Van told me over text, “Many people have asked me out on dates because of this rumor, and for that, I am eternally grateful. What E! News claimed Kardashian said.”
In 2018, Kardashian and Jones collaborated for the first time to lobby the White House for changes to the nation’s criminal justice system. Jones previously gushed about the reality star, calling her “one of the best advocates that we have in criminal justice” and said she is “going to be an incredible attorney.”
Awards and Nominations
Van Jones is the recipient of numerous awards and honors. Some of his most notable ones include:
- 1996 – Brick Award, Now renamed Dosomething Awards
- 1998 – Reebok International Human Rights Award
- 2008 – Time magazine, Environmental Hero
- The NAACP President’s Award (2009).
- 2008 – Global Green USA “Community Environmental Leadership” Award
- 2008 – Essence magazine, 25 Most Inspiring African Americans
- 2009 – Hubert H. Humphrey Civil Rights Award
- 2010 – Global Exchange Human Rights Award Honoree.
- 2012 – Rolling Stone Magazine 12 Leaders Who Get Things Done
- 2013 – The Root Magazine 100 Honorees
- David E. Glover Vanguard Award from the Oakland Citizens Committee for Urban Renewal (OCCUR)
- 2016 – Webby Award for The Messy Truth miniseries
- The National Urban League’s Whitney M. Young Jr. Leadership Award (2017).
- The Stephen Colbert Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama (2019).
- The National Education Association’s Excellence in Education Award (2021).
- The Courage and Civility Award from Jeff Bezos (2021).
Jones has been nominated for numerous Emmy Awards but has yet to take one home. He was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2018. He has also been featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.
Money and Routines That Helped Van Jones Get Where He Is
Forget About the Past and Concentrate on the Future
Van Jones maintains that elucidating the past serves no useful purpose. Put that in the past and look forward instead. The civil rights activist is quoted as saying, “I can’t ask my coworkers to waste their time and effort justifying or explaining my actions. We need everyone’s support to prevail in our fight for the future.”
A lot of people only get far from their goals because they spend so much time dwelling on the past. No matter how hard you try, you can’t go back in time and alter your history. As a result, rather than dwelling on the past, you should work to improve both the here and now.
Widen your horizons and aim high
If you want to be successful in life, you need to broaden your horizons and dream big. In particular, you shouldn’t keep putting off your dreams for later and should act on them immediately. Jones argues that we should welcome change, broaden our minds, and pursue ambitious goals at the present moment. “Big issues call for big answers.”
Don’t settle for obscurity just because it’s easier. On the flip side, you shouldn’t restrict yourself in any way. You should shoot for the stars and put in a lot of effort to make your aspirations a reality. Just keep in mind that the bigger your aspirations, the more effort, and difficulty you’ll have to put into achieving them.
Advocate for the Change You Desire
Only by actively seeking and welcoming change can your life and the lives of those around you improve. A quote attributed to Jones reads, “If we stand for change, we can launch a popular movement with power, influence, magic, and genius.” Van has spent his entire professional life advocating for reform in the United States.
You can’t wait around for other people to make a difference in your life. If you want to see positive change in your life and the world, you need to be at the vanguard of that movement. For example: if you want to be financially independent, you should go out and get a job or establish a business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Dolly Parton receive $100 million from Jeff Bezos?
A: Yes. Dolly Parton receives $100 million from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The singer and businesswoman are well-known for sharing her good fortune with others, particularly in the field of education. This is the same as Bezos’s gifts to chef Jose Andrés and activist Van Jones in 2021.
Q: In what administration Van Jones became a special advisor?
A: Van Jones was appointed Special Advisor for Green Jobs in the Obama Administration in 2009. This was part of President Obama’s effort to make the United States a global leader in clean energy technology and green job creation. Jones worked to create green jobs throughout the country and provide economic opportunities to underserved communities.
Q: What Emmy Award nominations has Van Jones received?
A: Van Jones has been nominated for numerous Emmy Awards but has yet to take one home. He was named a producer on CNN’s special The Messy Truth in 2017, which earned him Emmy nominations for Outstanding Television Movie and Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking. He was also nominated for Outstanding Informational Series or Special in 2018 for his work on the CNN show The Van Jones Show.
Q: Which non profit organization is Van Jones associated with?
A: Van Jones is the founder and president of The Dream Corps, a non-profit organization that works to create economic opportunities in underserved communities. He is also the co-founder of several other non-profit organizations, including Color of Change, Rebuilds the Dream, and the Yes We Code initiative.
Q: Does Van Jones have social media accounts?
A: Yes. Van Jones is active on social media, with accounts on both Twitter and Instagram. He often shares updates about his work and advocacy efforts on these platforms. He has a following of over 1 million people who are inspired by his words of encouragement and advice.
Final Words
Van Jones is a renowned activist, author, and CNN host. His net worth stands at an estimated 5 million dollars. He has been actively advocating for social justice and change in the United States since 2009 and aims to make a difference in people’s lives. He is an inspiration and an example of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. We can all learn something from his example and follow in his footsteps.