Black History Month: Clemy Jones

Legacy in Motion: Clemesteen "Clemy" Jones

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present and inspire the future.

Aligned with the 2025 national Black History Month theme, "African Americans and Labor," our "Legacy in Motion" campaign explores the profound ways that work – in all its forms – intersects with the collective experiences of the Black community. From skilled and unskilled labor to vocational and voluntary work, Black contributions have shaped organizations, communities, and history.

As part of this campaign, we're honoring the journeys of long-term Black Legacy employees who share stories of perseverance, growth, and impact. Through their journeys, we celebrate Black history in action, recognizing that their work is not just a job but a lasting contribution to our organization.

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In 1979, Clemy Jones found herself in a new city, attending a new school and working a new job at what was then Good Samaritan Hospital. Forty-six years later, Clemy is still in Portland and working at Legacy, but so much has understandably changed.

She’s moved up the ranks through various jobs to her current position as a patient access representative, bought a home with Legacy’s assistance and become a member of our Black Employee Resource Group. She recently took time to reflect on her career, the contributions of the Black community in health care and at Legacy, and what Black History Month means to her.
 

Can you share your journey at Legacy Health and how your role has evolved over the years?

I started working at Legacy when I was 16. Our family had recently moved from Louisiana, and I got a job working the assembly line in the diet office at Good Samaritan. I moved into the outpatient clinic for several years until a friend suggested I apply for a job in the administration department for one of the hospital floors.

I stayed there until the 2000s when I got recruited to come to Emanuel. I didn’t know if I’d like it, but it worked out better for me since Legacy had started a housing program that helped me buy my first home. It was the best thing to ever happen to me.
 

How did you get involved with BERG and what do you get from the group?

A good friend of mine, Simone Carter, encouraged me to join. I’ve known her for years and we work together in organizing the Good in the Hood celebration.

I’ve found the BERG to be a great community and resource. It makes it easier for members to navigate issues they might encounter and provides a place for the community to gather and talk.
 

What does Black History Month mean to you?

It means I get to enjoy and see all my history as a “People” that came before me and see the future of me, as I travel this journey to the end of my destination. And to be glorified in it. To be able to see and appreciate all the many amazing things we Black people have contributed to this world. This is 356 days a year, not just one month. I live Black history every day of my life. 
  

How do you think the contributions of Black labor, historically and currently, have shaped industries like health care?

A lot of people that started off in positions like I started off do a lot of footwork. The Black community has put a lot of time and effort into companies and that’s not always recognized. I feel like I’m a very dependable person. I do my job. There have been many years where I’ve had perfect attendance. People I associate with, don’t have that issue. I come to work regardless of the conditions.
 

How has your identity as a Black professional shaped your experiences in the workplace?

With my longevity, I’ve seen people I’ve known for years. A photographer, Tony, is still here at Legacy. It gives me familiarity and makes you feel comfortable. They know you as being part of Legacy. We talked not too long ago. When someone sees you and remembers you, that’s a good thing. Legacy must be doing something right if so many of us have been here for all these years.
 

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in health care or considering joining Legacy?

You must prove yourself to people. Be patient and have perseverance. I came from a totally different background and came to a bigger city. It does pay off. I like working for Legacy. Some hills you have to climb. It’s a good place to be and a good job to have. I’m happy with where I am and what I’m doing.