Page 20 - Pipeline JanFebMar2020

by Malcomb Hardy
As we dedicate a month
to black achievement, we commemorate extraordinary contributions in the fight for inclusion and civil rights, such as the 55th anniversary since the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, the Selma marches and the heinous race-fueled assault known as Bloody Sunday. In February, we honor and memorialize the brave souls who shed blood, tears and lost their lives fighting for equality. We honor the black faces that changed the world through their revolutionary contributions to science and industry, politics and education, and those who have helped shatter the glass-ceiling.
In the spirit of black excellence, there remain heroes and front- runners that go unnoticed, but have broken barriers in our own community. We spoke to one who’s bridged a gap at the Lansing Board of Water & Light.
Meet TJ!
In 1988, Tim Jones (TJ)
began work as a temporary employee for the BWL. Hired on as permanent part time, he later worked as a mail clerk but spent most of his years with the water department. During his time at the BWL,
TJ has witnessed racial tension and controversy, and noticed a lack of diversity on all levels, particularly among tradesmen. This inspired him to do something different. After 20 years at BWL, Tim
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decided to accept an electric apprenticeship in 2009 with the support of Pat Hanes and John Holliday, which he says is the best place he’s worked as an employee.
“It feels good to have a supervisor who has your back, the best group to work with bar none,” said TJ. He already completed the required coursework, and breezed through his apprenticeship, becoming the first black Underground Cable-Splicer in the history of the Lansing Board of Water & Light.
“I wanted to prove that we can all come together and work past and with our differences, and wanted to be part of the change taking place at the Board. I wanted to show that we had the same goals and breaking the color barrier within my department was a way to put action behind my words,” he said.
TJ off the clock...
Outside of work, TJ wears many hats and has a passion for
God, his inspiration and only source of hope. As a certified faith-based clinical counselor, member of the International Institute of Faith Based Counselors, Captain of the First Responders Chaplains with the IAC Global Chaplains Network and Ordained active minister with Ecumenical Ecclesia Church, TJ finds missionary work and spiritual outreach
to be his vocational calling. TJ credits his parents for his
selflessness and his upbringing that shaped him into the man he is today. He is proud to instill in his three children the same great morals and values his parents imparted in him.
TJ also loves to read, travel and spend time with his family. You can catch him around
the domino table at family gatherings or relaxing on one of his famous “family and friends” cruises. He loves food, and his favorites are soul food, Chinese and sushi. TJ is a huge basketball fan!
According to TJ: “inclusion means regardless and in spite of abilities, disabilities and inabilities, everyone has the right to be respected, given equal opportunities and
be appreciated. Everyone’s opinion should be heard, there should be some type of dialogue no matter who you are.”
BREAKING BARRIERS, A SIT DOWN WITH TIM JONES