Hannah O. Jones Graduation 2023

GRADUATE CLASS OF 2023

FRIDAY DECEMBER 1, 2023 8:45AM

COMMUNICATIONS/ PUBLIC RELATIONS

ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY BACHELOR OF ARTS

Hannah O. Jones PROMISE KEPT MAMA

EXCLUSIVE READY FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER

Please join us as we celebrate the graduation of

Hannah O. Jones Bachelor of Arts - Communications/Public Relations

8:45 a.m.

Friday

December 1, 2023

ASU Stadium Alabama State University 915 South Jackson Street Montgomery, AL 36104

I kept my promise Mama

About the Graduate

Hannah O. Jones, a testament to the resilience born out of adversity, began her life's journey in Queens, New York. However, her early years unfolded against a backdrop of poverty, shaping her into a determined and strong-willed individual. Hannah's early years were marked by the harsh reality of homelessness.

Alongside her mother and brother, they faced the uncertainties of life, from the picking fields in Orangeburg, SC, to eke out a meager existence. The struggle for survival was palpable, with moments when they had to confront the daunting specter of hunger and the looming threat of child protective services intervening due to the dire conditions. Memories of the YMCA’s cots for beds or the Battered Women’s Shelters to the fields of Orangeburg, is where she learned the value of resilience and the strength that comes from facing adversity head-on. The experience left an indelible mark on her, a constant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of perseverance.

Born to a family entrenched in poverty, life threw its share of hardships at her from an early age. Yet, Hannah's spirit remained unbroken and her smiles never wavered.

Raised in Miami by a single mother, life became even more demanding when her mother's health took a turn for the worse. These health challenges started when Hannah was still in high school and would continue for many years throughout her college career. Hannah’s mother was also determined to fulfill her life’s ambitions of graduating from high school after 20 years. She even became a college graduate at the young age of 68 and then again at 70 with her Master’s Degree. The true personification of Dreams Deferred are not Dreams Denied.

Hannah found herself at a crossroads when her mother, the anchor of their small family, faced health challenges. Two heart surgeries and a myriad of other health issues demanded Hannah's immediate attention and care. Without hesitation, she put her dreams on hold to ensure the well-being of the woman who had given her life and had sacrificed so much for her.

She juggled the responsibilities of caring for her ailing mother while ensuring that her education did not fall by the wayside. It was a delicate balance between nursing her mother back to health and pursuing her dreams.

In 2016, life presented Hannah with a new role—motherhood. She welcomed her daughter, Brooklyn, into the world. The responsibility of being a new mother added layers of complexity to her journey, but it only strengthened her resolve to create a better life for her daughter.

In 2017, tragedy struck the Jones family, claiming the life of Hannah's mother Margaret Jean “Maggie Jean” Jones. The loss was profound, and grief hung heavy in the air. When Hannah's mother passed away it left a void that seemed insurmountable.

In the midst of her grief and in the face of adversity, Hannah clung to a promise made to her mother — the promise to earn a college degree. She refused to let the challenges of life, the grief of losing her mother, or the demands of motherhood deter her from this commitment. The dream of graduating from college was not just her own; it was a legacy she intended to fulfill in honor of her mother's sacrifices.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Hannah's determination burned bright. Over the course of 28 years, Hannah navigated the diverse landscapes poverty, homelessness, hunger and fears of juggling the complexities of life.

She carved a path toward education, breaking the cycle of poverty that had gripped her family for so long. Determined not to let adversity define her, Hannah pressed on, fueled by the memory of her mother's unwavering support and sacrifice.

Hannah's story echoes through the corridors of time as a reminder that circumstances may shape us, but they do not define us. In her triumph over adversity, she became a beacon of hope, proving that with perseverance and an unyielding spirit, one can rise above the challenges that life throws our way.

Finally, the day has arrived when Hannah will don her cap and gown. The journey to that stage has been a marathon of endurance, a testament to the indomitable spirit within her. As she walks across the graduation platform at THE ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY, she is carrying not only a degree but the fulfillment of a promise — a promise to a mother who had faced adversity with unwavering strength.

Hannah O. Jones

2023

Thank you for the impact that you have had on my life!

I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

Your presence, wisdom, and kindness have shaped me in ways words can hardly capture.

Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration. Your unwavering support and encouragement have fueled my courage during times of doubt.

Your belief in me has been a guiding light, pushing me to reach heights I never thought possible. Your words of wisdom have been a compass, helping me navigate through the complexities of life.

I am deeply grateful for the countless moments of joy and laughter we've shared.

Thank you for your patience during my moments of weakness and your celebration during moments of triumph.

I want you to know that your impact extends far beyond the surface. You have left an indelible mark on my heart and soul.

The lessons you've taught me, the moments we've shared, and the love you've generously given have become an integral part of who I am. i consider myself incredibly fortunate to have you in my life.

Thank you for being the beautiful souls that you are and for making my journey richer, brighter, and more meaningful. thank you.

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