James Wormley Jones was a trailblazing figure in Black history. Born in 1884, he was the first African American special agent hired by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 1919, making him the first known African American FBI agent. Jones was a skilled investigator with a keen understanding of the Washington, D.C., area, where he worked primarily on cases related to espionage and sabotage during World War I.

Despite facing discrimination and segregation within the FBI and society at large, Jones persevered and excelled in his role. His work was instrumental in uncovering and disrupting espionage activities in the nation's capital during a critical period in American history.

Jones' pioneering career paved the way for future generations of Black agents in the FBI and highlighted the valuable contributions that African Americans could make in law enforcement and national security. He retired from the FBI in 1952, leaving behind a legacy of courage, professionalism, and groundbreaking achievement in the field of intelligence and investigation. Jones' story serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the importance of diversity and representation in all sectors of society.