In this episode, Eric sits down with the lovely Evelia Jones, direct descendant of Sally Hemings; intimate companion of Thomas Jefferson for nearly four decades with who he had six children with. They discuss her experience as a child growing up in the South, her exposure to art and performance as a young girl, her Father -- the late, talented but somewhat unsung hero; artist Lawrence A. Jones and the road he paved in the African American art world and role he played in the community... They discuss her life as an Arts Educator and her mission to promote her Father's legacy.
Guest Bio: Evelia Jones is a direct descendant of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson. Before retiring she was a teacher in the Los Angeles public schools for 34 years. Jones wrote an Op-Ed piece with historian Harvey Wasserman for the Los Angeles Times in 2019 entitled “It’s time to recognize Sally Hemings as a first lady of the United States”. About Eric's Perspective: A podcast series on African American art with Eric Hanks Eric Hanks — African American art specialist, owner of the renowned M. Hanks Gallery and commissioner on the Los Angeles County Arts Commission; offers his perspective on African American art through in-depth conversations with fellow art enthusiasts where they discuss the past, present & future of African American art.
