Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamille Jones
Hi Jamille, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I founded Pint Size Protesters, a Columbus-based nonprofit focused on building a more inclusive and just future led by the youngest generation of social justice activists.
The art of protest isn’t new to me. It all began in 2014 when my partner Jebel, our daughter Zuli—who was just 10 weeks old at the time—and I took to the streets of New York City, where we lived at the time. We were there to protest the murders of Mike Brown, LaQuan McDonald, and Eric Garner, all victims of police violence in 2014.
Fast forward to 2020, after the murder of George Floyd. By then, Zuli was 6 years old, and once again, we found ourselves on the streets—this time in Columbus, OH, where we now live. We were even more enraged and infuriated that six years later we were still fighting for the same justice.
While we felt safe protesting with our child in downtown Columbus, the city’s central hub for protest activity, we realized many families might not feel the same sense of safety. Still, they were equally enraged and eager to get involved. That’s when the idea for Pint Size Protesters was born. What started as a small “what if” in my mind has grown into an online community of over 400 families from all backgrounds across the Columbus metro area and beyond.
Together, we share ideas and resources for engaging kids and their caregivers and educators in anti-racism and activism. In addition to our online community, we offer hands-on support like kid-centered curriculum, advocacy workshops, interactive event activities, and DEI consultation. All with the mission to raise anti-racist children and foster the next generation of social justice activists through our three pillars: Organizing, Educating and Demonstrating.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running a nonprofit focused on social justice can be incredibly rewarding, but it comes with a variety of obstacles and challenges.
Some of these challenges include:
– Funding and resource constraints. Many social justice nonprofits rely on grants, donations or fundraising efforts and there are a lot of great agencies doing really great work, so in this environment, it’s important to support each other and the limited funds that exist.
– Real or perceived opposition to the cause. The work that we do is important and helps the youngest among us understand how to support and care for others. In the current political climate though, this work sometimes faces criticism from people or groups who do not understand this mission or feel that this necessary change is essential.
– Maintaining momentum and impact. We are a volunteer-based organization. At this time, we do not have any paid employees, so the curriculum, the marketing and social media, and the activism is scheduled and actioned on by a small but mighty group of caring people who are available for this work because it is important work.
– Raising awareness. Effectively educating the public about complex social justice issues, especially those that involve systemic inequality or historical trauma, can be challenging. And interestingly, harder for those of us who identify as grown-ups than for the kids. We work to simplify these topics without oversimplifying the nuances. Navigating these challenges requires a great deal of resilience, creativity, and adaptability, as well as a deep commitment to the cause of justice.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In addition to leading Pint Size Protesters as the Founder & Executive Director, I have the pleasure of working as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at OhioHealth where I lead the development and execution of transformative programs and initiatives that promote a culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging across a large network, including 30,000 associates, 15 hospitals, and more than 200 ambulatory sites.
I am also a Member at Large of the Gahanna City Council where I act as an advocate, representing the interests of the collective community while also supporting individual needs and ensuring a functional local government, all while helping to oversee municipal fundamentals through policy and prudent financial leadership.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Listen to and learn from those directly affected by the issues you’re passionate about, and educate yourself on the history and complexities of social justice.
Start by getting involved locally, build community with others, and be open to learning from mistakes.
Take care of yourself, stay patient, and remember that progress takes time—every small step matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pintsizeprotesters.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pintsizeprotesters
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pintsizeprotesters
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pint-size-protesters
