[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 96 (Wednesday, July 11, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         A TRIBUTE TO CAROLINE R. JONES, A WOMAN OF MANY FIRSTS

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 11, 2001

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Caroline R. Jones for her 
tremendous contributions during her shortened life.
  Born and raised in Benton Harbor, Michigan, as Caroline Richardson, 
the eldest daughter in a family of ten children, she graduated from the 
University of Michigan with a degree in English and science.
  Caroline traveled to New York City in 1963 to look for teaching 
positions. She ended up taking a job as a secretary at J. Walter 
Thompson, at the time the world's largest advertising firm. She soon 
switched career paths after she was moved to the creative department. 
It was there that she was selected for a junior copywriter program. 
With this selection, Caroline became the first African American trained 
as a copywriter in the firm's 140 year history.
  Caroline's success did not end at J. Walter Thompson. She worked at a 
number of leading general market and black-owned agencies as both a 
copywriter and as a creative director. Caroline later became the first 
black woman elected vice president of a major advertising firm. 
Caroline also helped to found the Black Creative Group as well as 
Mingo-Jones Advertising, where she served as executive vice president 
as well as creative director. During her time at Mingo-Jones, Jones 
created the ``We Do Chicken Right'' campaign for Kentucky Fried 
Chicken.
  Jones started her own firm in the 1980s, Creative Resources 
Management, as well as many shops under her name. She was also the 
successful television and radio host of two programs, ``In the Black: 
Keys to Success'' and ``Focus on the Black Woman.''
  Mr. Speaker, Caroline Richardson Jones devoted her life to 
eliminating the barriers of sex and racial discrimination in the 
advertising arena. Only 59 at her death on June 28 from cancer, she 
will always be remembered for her tireless efforts in promoting the 
agenda of Annual Legislative Weekend sponsored by the Congressional 
Black Caucus. As such, she and her family are more than worthy of 
receiving our recognition today. I hope that all of my colleagues will 
join me in remembering and honoring the life of this remarkable woman.

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