Monique Jones, Community Leader and Minister, Announces Campaign For Fayetteville City Council Ward 4

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas — Monique Jones, a respected community leader, minister, and food pantry director, is excited to announce her candidacy for Fayetteville City Council Ward 4. Her campaign will officially launch with an event on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Catfish Hole.

“We simply have to respect tradition in Fayetteville while we embrace all progress which uplifts our community, particularly in addressing food insecurity with the ALICE population and supporting local businesses both for profit and nonprofit.  We have to engage and involve local faith-based organizations, small business owners, nonprofits, and community members with lived experience in conversations about their needs and perspective. After continuing the work in the community to support and encourage those closest to me, I know that this is an opportunity to make a real difference,” said Monique Jones. 

“I’m running in the community to provide clear, actionable plans for everyone to work inclusively, showing how tradition and progress can serve all community members.”

Jones has been recognized in Fayetteville for her steadfast dedication to helping others. Her leadership at the St. James Missionary Baptist Church’s food pantry was featured in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, highlighting her commitment to fighting hunger and supporting the vulnerable in the community. Currently, Jones is lobbying in Washington DC, advocating for issues such as the Child Tax Credit and the Farm Bill, and urging lawmakers to prioritize aid for millions of families facing hunger.

As a mother of a child with special needs, Jones has firsthand experience navigating systems that often fall short in providing adequate support. Her work with the Fayetteville Housing Authority has also given her a profound understanding of the challenges renters face and the measures the city can take to offer better assistance.

“In Fayetteville, we have the ability to effectively address issues like food insecurity, affordable housing, provide greater support for small businesses, and ensure that all students, including those with disabilities have access to the resources they need,” Jones stated. “I am committed to working with the community to bring positive change to Ward 4, and I believe we can accomplish great things working together.”

The public and press are invited to join the campaign launch event on September 19th  from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Catfish Hole, located at 4127 W. Wedington Dr, Fayetteville AR 72704. Monique will deliver remarks at 6:15 p.m., and guests will enjoy food provided by Catfish Hole. Event hosts include Joi and Dustin McGowan, Gladys and Richard Tiffany, Sharon Killian, Charlisa and Bennie Moses, Albious Latior, JP Beth Coger, Solomon Burchfield, Nate Walls and John L Colbert. 

Ward 4 includes several key neighborhoods and community centers in the western part of Fayetteville, including areas west of Deane Solomon Rd and I-49 north of Tofino Dr, as well as Markham Hill and a portion of the Town & Gown district. Monique Jones is committed to ensuring that every resident has a voice in city government.

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About Monique Jones
Monique Jones grew up on land handed down through generations of her family, where mutual aid was a way of life, and neighbors helped each other meet their needs. A mother of seven and grandmother of nine, she has lived in Northwest Arkansas for over a decade, operating a small business that provides case management, life coaching and business coaching services. Her commitment to community service has led her to roles as a CASA advocate, Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor, caregiver for individuals with disabilities, and participant in Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build. She is the Past President and 1st Vice President of the Northwest Arkansas NAACP Branch #60AC, serves as Board Chair of Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition and held the position of Vice-President on the Fayetteville Housing Authority Board of Directors as a Federal Commissioner. She is a minister at the Historic St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Fayetteville and leads one of the state’s fastest-growing food pantries.