In Memoriam: The Rev. Leeland Newton Jones, Jr. (1921–2009)
Pioneer · Councilman · War Veteran · Educator · Minister
The Jones Firm proudly honors the life and legacy of The Reverend Leeland Newton Jones, Jr., whose remarkable career in public service, education, and civil rights advocacy helped shape the course of justice in Buffalo and beyond.
Born on June 15, 1921, in Buffalo, New York, Rev. Jones was the grandson of a former slave and a product of perseverance, brilliance, and grace under pressure. His life was defined by historic firsts — as a soldier, politician, community leader, and athlete — and by an unwavering commitment to equality.
Breaking Barriers on the Field and in Public Life
In November 1941, Jones made history as the first African American on an integrated University at Buffalo football team to compete on a field south of the Mason-Dixon Line — and likely the first Black player in the country to do so. This historic game at Johns Hopkins University came at a time when segregation was still deeply entrenched in the South. Barred from staying at the same hotel as his white teammates, Jones was instead hosted by Dr. Carl Murphy, publisher of The Afro-American Newspaper — a meeting that would later lead to his marriage to Murphy’s daughter, Carlita.
Jones’ football achievements were only the beginning. He served as student body president at UB, captained both the debate and football teams at Technical High School, and later served as a Buffalo Common Councilman representing the Ellicott District from 1952 to 1956 — becoming the first Black member of the Council, and first elected Black New Yorkers.
Service, Leadership, and Lifelong Advocacy
His studies at UB Law School were interrupted by World War II, where he served in the 15th Signal Corps Regiment as a cryptograph security officer and member of the Tuskegee Air Corps. Though offered an appointment to West Point and nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy, his applications were denied due to racial bias — a painful injustice that deepened his resolve to fight discrimination.
Following his public office, Jones held leadership roles across Buffalo, including:
- Field Representative, NY State Commission Against Discrimination
- Associate Director, Buffalo Urban League
- Trustee, University at Buffalo
- Assistant Vice President, Erie Community College
- Commissioner, Buffalo City Charter Revision & Citizens’ Rights Boards
Later in life, Rev. Jones was called to the ministry and became an associate minister at Bethel AME Church.
Honors and Legacy
Rev. Jones received numerous awards, including:
- Buffalonian of the Year (1988)
- 100 Most Outstanding Buffalonians of the Century
- UB Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee
- Civil Liberties Award, B.P.O.E. Elks
- Urban League Family Life Award
- Who’s Who Among American College Students
He was a lifelong member of organizations including AMVETS, the American Legion, the Black History Foundation, the UB Alumni Association, and others.
In 2006, after 61 years of marriage, he and Carlita moved to Maryland to be with family. Rev. Jones passed away in 2009 and is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo.
“You aren’t going to stay there; it just wouldn’t be right.”
— A friend’s words in 1941, offering shelter when hotels refused him — and a reflection of the dignity Jones carried throughout his life.