OUR FOUNDER
Darius Jones is Founder and President of the National Black Empowerment Council (NBEC), a national nonprofit dedicated to closing the systemic wealth, influence, and achievement gaps between African Americans and more structurally advantaged groups.
Under his leadership, NBEC has forged strategic partnerships across education, economic empowerment, and other key societal issues, creating pathways for upward mobility in Black communities. Through NBEC, Darius has spearheaded initiatives to support voter education in Detroit and facilitating homeownership opportunities to over 100 individuals through partnership programs.
In addition to his work with NBEC, Darius serves as Senior Advisor to the National Black Empowerment Action Fund (NBEAF), a Black-led advocacy organization focused on the economic, educational, and social uplift of Black communities across the country. NBEAF drives public conversation through grassroots engagement, policy decisions that affect the daily lives of Black Americans and elevating Black leaders nationwide.
Darius’ dedication to leadership development extends to his founding of Vanguard Leadership Group (VLG), an honor society and leadership academy for top minority students at Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. His leadership development efforts continue through a distinguished academy for top students at these institutions, grooming the next generation of Black leaders.
With an extensive career in political engagement and public advocacy, Darius previously served as the Deputy National Political Director for Mike Bloomberg’s 2020 presidential campaign, where his strategies increased Bloomberg’s support tenfold within the African American community and secured endorsements from hundreds of Black elected officials.
Prior to that, Darius spent a decade as National African American Constituency Director for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), where he oversee African American outreach across the U.S. and developed strong relationships with tip African American political, business, and community leaders in support of the U.S.- Israel relationship.
Darius began his career in public service by working with former U.S. Senator San Nunn’s office. He later became Executive Communications Manager and Speechwriter for former Atlanta Mayors Bill Campbell and Kaim Reed, as well as Dr. Walter Broadnax, President of Clark Atlanta University.
Darius had been featured in Politico, Black Enterprise, The Washington Post, Forbes, New York Post, Rolling Out, and many other publications. He is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University.
Darius and his wife, Tori, live in Atlanta with their two children, Jonathan and Auset.
