Events
An Evening with CJ Jones
The video above is an invitation to An Evening with CJ Jones. Details are also included in English below.
Please join the Twin Cities Deaf* Community for a family-friendly celebration of ASL and Deaf culture with an evening with CJ Jones. Jones is an actor, producer, director, comedian, musician, and writer who created Sign World Studios, a Hollywood-based production company creating entertaining content for all, conceived by deaf talent, and brought to life by inclusive and diverse teams of deaf and hearing professionals. To ensure a continuous pipeline of industry-ready deaf talent is available to be hired by media companies anywhere in the world, CJ proudly launched SignLight, a non-profit subsidiary, to train this generation - and the next - for jobs at every level in the industry.
This event is cosponsored by the American Sign Language (ASL) Program in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) in partnership with the Deaf Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Task Force.
All questions regarding the event should be directed to Jonathan and Leah at jcpenny@umn.edu and ldolezal@umn.edu.
*We use "Deaf" as an inclusive term for all Deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf Blind, DeafDisabled, late-deafened, etc.
Photographs taken at the event may be used in University of Minnesota print and online publications, promotions, or shared with the CEHD community.
The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, familial status, disability, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local commission created for the purpose of dealing with discrimination, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. All are welcome.
The University of Minnesota campuses were built on the traditional homelands of the Dakota and Ojibwe, and scores of other Indigenous peoples who have walked on these lands from time immemorial. It is important to acknowledge the peoples on whose land we live, learn, and work as we seek to improve and strengthen our relations with our tribal nations. We also acknowledge that words are not enough. We must ensure that our institution provides support, resources, and programs that increase access to all aspects of higher education for our American Indian students, staff, faculty, and community members.
CJ Jones
About CJ Jones
After decades of TV, film, stand-up comedy, and stage appearances that brought him unsurpassed popularity in Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and Hearing Signers communities worldwide, CJ is making an impact throughout the entertainment industry.
CJ was born in St. Louis, Missouri, one of seven hearing children born to Deaf parents who communicate in American Sign Language. At age 7, he contracted spinal meningitis and consequently lost his hearing. Possessing a zest for life and commitment to giving, CJ’s dedication to the betterment of the Deaf community grew into a passion. Armed with an indomitable spirit and abundant talent, his warmth, energy, and optimism excite everyone he meets.
CJ created the Na’vi Sign Language (NSL) for James Cameron’s highly anticipated Avatar 2 and will introduce the world to NSL as part of the film’s promotional campaign. CJ also received global acclaim for his role as Joseph, the caring father to Ansel Elgort as Baby, in Edgar Wright’s blockbuster Baby Driver and will reprise the role in the upcoming Baby Driver 2.
In addition to CJ’s many breakthrough roles in broadcast and streaming series are his many accomplishments as a producer, director, and writer, including short films, co-writing and directing several episodes of the popular fairy tales series Once Upon A Sign, and creating and producing the International Sign Language Theater Festival.
A leading advocate and champion for the inclusion and representation of people with disabilities at all levels in all forms of media, CJ is an in-demand speaker and frequent panelist at industry events in Hollywood and around the world. His many talks in forums from TedX to Gallaudet’s 2021 Commencement Address, where he will be the recipient of an Honorary Degree, can be seen on YouTube.