ROBERT JONES
Let’s Play. 2022, Acrylic paint on canvas.
Creatively interprets the experience of Kiore:
“Slow down. And it ain't that serious. You know what I'm saying? Just slow down.”
Let’s Play is a piece that displays the concept that when guys play checkers they are playing a game of reactions, but when they learn how to play a game of chess they learn how to play a smart game of responding. In short, Let’s Play is the black boy responding to the game of life.
Robert Jones is an innocent exoneree from New Orleans, Louisiana who served more than twenty-three and a half years in prison for crimes he did not commit. Since his exoneration in 2017, Jones has been diligently working in the greater New Orleans area as an activist, trying to bring about real changes in the criminal legal system that caused him and his family so much harm.
Jones is currently the Director of Community Outreach at the Orleans Public Defenders (OPD). He joined OPD soon after his exoneration because he understands the importance of providing effective legal representation to all, regardless of race and wealth. Jones is also the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Free-Dem Foundations, a nonprofit organization that mentors young men at the cusp of young adulthood. Additionally, he is an entrepreneur, published author, public speaker, and a respected community activist.
Jones serves on several boards and committees. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the Innocence Project New Orleans, an advisory board member of the Center for Racial Justice at Dillard University of New Orleans, a member of the New Orleans City Council Advisory Committee, and a member of New Orleans Voices, a community advisory committee developed to further the goals of the McArthur Safety and Justice Challenge.
INSTAGRAM robertjonesofnola
