From Richmond to Ithaca

This chapter provides a contextualized background for the life of Eugene Kinckle Jones. Although circumscribed by the limits of Jim Crow, Jones made key decisions that affected his entire life. Thus, this chapter details his life from its beginnings in Richmond, Virginia, and as he matriculated through Virginia Union College for Negroes and later Cornell University. Both institutions helped to shape his life and opinions. In 1908, after graduation from Cornell University with a master's degree in economics and social science, Jones would have to put the ideals and motto of the new fraternity to work: “We shall be first of all, servants of all, we shall transcend all.” Eventually, his educational experience would propel him before the nation as a leader of social work and an advocate for institutional cooperation among the races..