Van Jones

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Van Jones has been widely recognized for his impact on civil rights, criminal justice reform, and environmental policy. His Emmy Award for The Messy Truth VR Experience marked a rare achievement for a nonfiction interactive project addressing social issues. He is one of the few activists to have served in the White House and later become a leading media voice, reaching millions through CNN. His three New York Times bestsellers have shaped public discourse on green jobs and bipartisanship. As CEO of the REFORM Alliance, he has driven legislative changes in probation and parole systems across multiple states. His inclusion in the Time 100 and as a Young Global Leader underscores his influence beyond traditional activism.

AwardsVan Jones has won multiple awards for his activism, media work, and writing. He received an Emmy Award in 2020 for The Messy Truth VR Experience in the Outstanding Interactive Media – Social Impact category. He has also won two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Literary Work, an Environmental Media Award, the Reebok Human Rights Award, and the Echoing Green Fellowship. He was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2009 and a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader.

Honours & Distinctions

Time 100 Most Influential People

Time·2009

Listed as one of the world's most influential people.

World Economic Forum Young Global Leader

World Economic Forum·2009

Recognized as a young leader shaping global affairs.

Honorary Doctor of Laws

University of Tennessee at Martin·2010

Awarded for his contributions to social justice.

Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters

University of San Francisco·2012

Honored for his advocacy and public service.

Key to the City of Jackson, Tennessee

City of Jackson·2009

Awarded by his hometown for his national achievements.

Rankings & Lists

#Listed

Time 100

Time·2009

#Listed

The Root 100

The Root·2009

#Listed

The Root 100

The Root·2010

#Listed

The Root 100

The Root·2017

#Listed

The Root 100

The Root·2018

#Listed

Ebony Power 100

Ebony·2009

#Listed

Ebony Power 100

Ebony·2010

#Listed

Ebony Power 100

Ebony·2018

#Listed

Fast Company Most Creative People

Fast Company·2009

Magazine Covers

Time

2009-05-11

The Green Jobs Crusader

The New York Times Magazine

2008-10-05

The Green Collar Economy

Ebony

2009-03-01

The New Green Deal

Mother Jones

2008-11-01

The Green-Collar Solution

Records & Feats

First Special Advisor for Green Jobs at the White House

Career Milestone·2009

Appointed by President Obama in 2009, the first person to hold this role focused on linking environmental policy with economic opportunity for disadvantaged communities.

Emmy Award for Social Impact VR Experience

Awards·2020

Won an Emmy in 2020 for The Messy Truth VR Experience, a rare recognition for a nonfiction interactive project addressing social justice.