The Jones family embodies the importance of community service, generosity, and hard work. S. L.’s stores offered fair treatment and a helping hand—be that a job, store credit, or business guidance. Ida Mae served on the Parent Teacher’s Association and led field trips for neighborhood children to T.O. Fuller State Park and the Memphis Zoo. Both were lifelong members of the NAACP and organized voter registration drives for Boxtown residents. As a testimonial from “Bass” Annie Ruth Rice states, “She [Ida Mae] looked out for others by keeping them abreast of what was happening in the greater Memphis community, encouraging involvement in voter registration drives, leading sessions on how to improve the beautification of neighborhoods, and discussing ways to build self-confidence and improve life skills.” 

You can find that testimonial, and many others, in the Community collection.