James Wormley Jones was the first African American FBI special agent in the United States. Born in Fort Monroe, Virginia in 1884, Jones joined the Bureau of Investigation, the precursor to the FBI, in 1919. With his appointment, he broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black FBI agents.

Jones was initially hired as an undercover investigator, tasked with infiltrating radical organizations and monitoring activities in the Black community. Despite facing racism and discrimination within the Bureau and society at large, Jones excelled in his role and conducted investigations with courage and determination.

Throughout his career, Jones played a key role in several high-profile cases, including the Marcus Garvey mail fraud case and the Ku Klux Klan's activities in the South. He was known for his keen investigative skills, dedication to the job, and commitment to upholding justice.

James Wormley Jones retired from the Bureau of Investigation in 1952 after a long and distinguished career. He passed away in 1958, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and trailblazing achievement as the first Black FBI special agent.