James Wormley Jones was a trailblazing figure in Black history as the first African American FBI special agent. Born in 1884 in Fort Monroe, Virginia, Jones served as a special agent with the Bureau of Investigation, later known as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), from 1917 to 1919.

Jones' background as a former police officer in Washington, D.C., with fluency in multiple languages including French and German, made him an ideal candidate for the FBI. During his time as an FBI special agent, Jones worked on cases involving espionage and sabotage during World War I.

Despite facing racial discrimination and limited opportunities for advancement within the FBI, James Wormley Jones paved the way for future generations of Black agents in the bureau. Jones' pioneering role as the first African American FBI special agent highlights the perseverance and determination of Black individuals in breaking down barriers and making significant contributions to law enforcement and national security.