News  Clarence "Jeep" Jones: First African-American Juvenile Probation Officer in Boston

We begin with a piece on the first Black Probation Officer in Juvenile Court who later became the Deputy Mayor of Boston.

Clarence “Jeep “Jones was the first known African-American Juvenile Probation Officer in Boston.

Mr. Jones, who passed away at age 86 in February 2020, worked for the Massachusetts Probation Service from 1965 to 1968.

He was recruited to work for the City of Boston by then Mayor Kevin White following his stint with MPS. He served as the Deputy Mayor from 1968 to 1981. Mr. Jones also served as the executive director of the city’s Youth Opportunity Task Force.

A trailblazer and community activist, Mr. Jones is recognized as a central figure in the redevelopment of the city which led to a “building renaissance that transformed the city’s skyline,” according to Northeastern University’s Roxbury History Project. He is also noted for his role as a moderator between the city’s Black community leaders and city administration during Boston’s busing era.

Mr. Jones had many notable firsts including being the first African-American Juvenile Probation Officer, director of the city’s Youth Opportunity Task Force, deputy mayor, and chairman of the Boston Redevelopment Authority.