Camille Cohen Jones

Camille Marie Cohen Jones (January 1, 1884 – October 17, 1928), sometimes written Camille Cohen-Jones, was an American community leader active in national women's and political organizations, and was the founder and leader of the Louisiana Social and Beneficial Club, also known as the Louisiana Club of Chicago. The club connected and assisted fellow black Louisianans arriving in Chicago as part of the Great Migration.

Early life and education Cohen was born in New Orleans, the daughter of Walter L. Cohen and Wilhelmina Seldon Cohen. Her father, who was the Catholic son of a Jewish father and a Black mother, was an insurance executive and city official in New Orleans. She graduated from Straight University at age 18. sang on radio programs, and was active in Chicago politics. She was national chair of publicity for the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs and a member of the National Republican League of Women Voters. "Men should not have everything," she told an audience in 1924. "they certainly do not accomplish everything."

She corresponded frequently with W. E. B. Du Bois in the 1920s, about politics and events in Chicago. She was a contributing editor for the Associated Negro Press.

In 1926, Jones founded the Louisiana Social and Beneficial Club, a "home club" to connect and support fellow black Louisianans arriving in Chicago. She was also active in the Gaudeamus Charity Club and the Friendly Big Sisters Club.

Publications

"An Interview with President Mary McLeod Bethune" (1926, California Eagle) "Your Cab Company" (1927, The Crisis) "Southeastern Federation of Colored Women's Clubs Ends Biennial at B'Ham June 8-12" (1927) they divorced. She married Oscar D. Jones and moved to Chicago. She died in 1928, at the age of 44, at her daughter's home in Chicago.