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To honor, recognize, and celebrate the life of Mr. Kojo Kamau and to extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends on the occasion of his passing, Monday, December 12, 2016.
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WHEREAS, Mr. Kojo Kamau passed away peacefully on Monday, December 12, 2016 surrounded by family and some of his dearest friends; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Robert Jones Jr. who became affectionately known by the residents of Columbus and Central Ohio as Kojo Kamau was born on Friday, October 11, 1939 in Columbus, Ohio to Robert Jones Sr. and Elizabeth Jones Perkins; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Kojo Kamau, a Columbus native, a U.S. Air Force veteran, and an internationally recognized artist will always be known for his accomplished work as a photographer - his talented photographic eye provided the residents of Central Ohio with a unique glimpse into our local neighborhoods, our city’s residents, local and international celebrities as well as a look into his many world travels; and
WHEREAS, Kojo’s international work has also been included in many of the City’s significant collections, including: the Columbus Metropolitan Library, the Columbus Museum of Art, the Columbus Foundation, the Ohio Supreme Court and prominently featured on the Long Street Cultural Wall connecting downtown Columbus to the King-Lincoln District located on the city’s near east side; and
WHEREAS, Kojo believed in using his power and artistic talent to enlighten, enhance, and enrich the lives of the residents of Columbus as well as to convey a meaningful perspective as an eyewitness to history; and
WHEREAS, Kojo's talent, insight and perspective will be forever missed by his fellow artists and by this community; and
WHEREAS, Kojo also considered his family among his proudest achievements - preceded in death by wife Dr. Mary-Ann Williams, Kojo is survived by his loving sons, Kenya (Joyce) Jones and Kayin (Shinnell) Jones; brothers, Joe Perkins, Charles Jones, and Marvin (Genevieve) Perkins; grandchildren, Joshua Jones, Jaya Jones, Neveah Russell, Robert Jones, Moniqua Russell, and Ta-Saun Leo Reynolds; former wife and mother of his children, Mary Skinner-Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby honor, recognize, and celebrate the life of Mr. Kojo Kamau, and extends our sincerest condolences to his family and friends on the occasion of his passing, Monday, December 12, 2016.