Jones denied the request to replay the game, ultimately determining that a ruling on the game was out of the jurisdiction of a courtroom, a decision that, though not popular, was praised by Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt at Jones’ investiture. “Upholding the rule of the law can be inconvenient, time consuming and not result in a popular outcome,” said Holt. “I have admiration for Bernard Jones on many levels, including his respect for the rule of law and how he took that pressure, that extra burden of facing voters, with that message that the rule of law matters.” Jones remembers that electrified time in his career as he processed the case, with racial undertones and hostilities amid a call from many in the community to “let the kids play.” He knew no matter his decision he’d be celebrated by some and vilified by others, but that reality didn’t play into his ruling. “I had a lot of people in the profession say to ignore the law, but our job is not one where we ought to be concerned with what is popular but about doing what is right and what the law requires,” said Jones. “Folks were surprised and disappointed but what people cannot say was that my decision was not consistent with the law. It was a challenging and difficult day, and still there are folks who aren’t happy, but it was right not only from a legal perspective but from a practical one, and that’s what I pride myself on.”
Dean Emeritus Lawrence K. Hellman from OCU School of Law spoke at Jones’ investiture of his work ethic, unlimited energy, determination and wisdom beyond his years. He laughingly added that the only problem, both when Jones was on faculty at OCU and still today, is that Jones is so young. “It has been a joy to watch his judicial career,” said Hellman. “He has unlimited devotion to the values of judiciary independence, the rule of law and democracy. He’s able to deliver unpleasant rulings without being unpleasant.” Jones entered federal judicial service in 2015, appointed a U.S. magistrate judge, the first African American appointed to this position in Oklahoma. He held this position until his 2019 appointment to federal district court service. Jones is the second African American to hold this position in Oklahoma, following mentor and friend former Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange. Jones’ family lived around the corner from LaGrange when he was a child, and she attended high school with his dad. Jones has long admired her career and is grateful for the trails she’s blazed. “She and I have a series of firsts under our belts, but we have never been interested in or focused on being first,” said Jones. “We want to ensure that we’re not the last. She led a great example for me, and it’s one I intend to build on.” Dad life Lankford remarked that the progression to become a U.S. district judge, from initial consideration to presidential nomination to Senate confirmation, is a long, hard process, commending Jones and his wife and children for accepting the challenges. And Jones is quick to credit his family for believing in him when he hasn’t believed in himself. He and Mautra, vice president of institutional advancement and external affairs for Langston University, both have demanding careers, which Jones eloquently calls vocations of service. “We come from humble beginnings,” said Jones. “We want to do our part to ensure others have similar opportunities.” Just as Mautra attends court functions regularly, Jones often meets Langston students. As parents, in their careers and as community leaders, the duo recognizes that working together expands their opportunities for service and the impact they are able to make on the world around them. In addition to teaching their three kids the value in helping others, the Jones parents impart their faith and the importance of working hard. “Those were the things impressed upon me that have helped me be a better judge and better member of society,” said Jones. As Jones strives to set a good example for his kids, he’s also a playful dad, quick to listen and ever affirming of the uniqueness his children possess. “What truly brings me joy is the fact that they are so inquisitive and so empathetic,” said Jones. The Jones children have, truly, never met a stranger, and are attuned to the realities of the world, both good and bad, thanks to parents intent upon raising fellow citizens who will give back. “They really see people and want them to succeed,” marvels Jones. “I love that about them. They are thoughtful children and have realized early on that it’s not just about them.”
THE JONES FAMILY SHARES IN BERNARD’S SPECIAL DAY.
12 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JUNE 2020
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