Charles 'The Spider' Jones
Spider is a highly popular motivational speaker who is much admired for his diligent work among the youth. His inspirational life story "Out of the Darkness" reveals his amazing rise from the impoverished, gang infested, inner-city projects of Detroit and Windsor and how, as a grade five dropout, he eventually returned to school at the age of thirty to become an honour student. Spider's favourite thing is talking to his Nighthawks, whether it be about sports, entertainment, or hot issues.
An award winning journalist in both the music and boxing fields, Jones is a three time former Golden Glove Champion and was inducted into the Canadian Boxing Hall of fame in 1996. Spider was recently voted "Boxing Commentator and M.C. of the Year" by the Board of Governors for the World Boxing Federation
Over the past 20 years, Spider has interviewed such notables as Muhammad Ali, Mark Wahlberg, Jesse Jackson, LL Cool J, Ron Howard, Scott Grimes, Doug Gilmour, Cito Gaston, Oscar De La Hoya, Roy Jones, Kris Kristofferson, James Brown, Guy Lafleur, Carlos Delgado, Jim Brown and countless others. Among his other claims to fame was to act as a sparring partner for such boxing legends as George Chuvalo and former World Heavyweight Champion Jimmy Ellis. Spider was also a member of Muhammad Ali's training camp back in the days when 'The Greatest' fought Chuvalo.
Spider is a highly popular motivational speaker who is much admired for his diligent work among the youth. His inspirational life story "Out of the Darkness" reveals his amazing rise from the impoverished, gang infested, inner-city projects of Detroit and Windsor and how, as a grade five dropout, he eventually returned to school at the age of thirty to become an honour student.
To Book Spider for Motivational Speaking:
RAVE REVIEWS! - Testimonials
"Greetings Spider!
I hope this email finds you well. On behalf of the John Polyani Collegiate Institute, we would like to extend our sincere thank you for participating as a guest speaker at the Boys' Conference
Your presentation was extremely informative and powerful. Not only, did you share your knowledge with our boys, but you have also provided them with practical strategies of how to overcome some of barriers that they may encounter in their daily realities. In addition, sharing your personal narrative demonstrated to the boys that they too can be successful. Many of the boys have provided us with positive feedback of how impressive and motivated your conversations were.
Once again, thank you for sharing your expertise in your field of work and for supporting our young men. We know that our conference would not have been as successful without your contribution and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the following years. We wish you continued success in your personal and professional endeavors."
Ronell Matthews
John Polanyi Collegiate Institute
Teacher and Guidance Counselor
"On behalf of the entire school I would like to extend our gratitude and recognition of the important work that you do to support youth across the GTA. To use a popular phrase of the legendary Muhammad Ali " everybody's talking about Spider Jones ", after his visit .
Your message of hope, perseverance and the human will to overcome adversity in spite of daunting obstacles resonated with your audience. Your unique skills to engage a packed auditorium of students ( for two consecutive assemblies ) is a testimony to your lifelong commitment and dedication to supporting and mentoring impressionable young men and women, while challenging them to redouble their efforts to stay true to their goals and dreams for success in life.
Thank- you again for your support of our students !
Michael Herman, OTC
Success Teacher, Central Peel Secondary School
"Thank you for coming out to the S.A.L.C, which is 1 of the 9 sites with Alternative Attendance Program serving at risk youth. We were so lucky to have you come out to SALC and 2 of other sites came too. We are very pleased with our Humber College Child and Youth Worker, Kristi, for connecting with you." < click here to read full letter >
Dawn Wildman, CYC
Alternative Programs - West Region
"I thought about the presentation from Spider all evening-I was so moved by his dedication and passion for young people " < click here to read full letter >
Donna Dolson, Contact Alternative School
“Spider Jones is a true symbol of hope and inspiration to our youth. Here is an individual who has overcome a life of insurmountable odds. His stay in school message is powerful and moving and has a tremendous impact on kids”
Cito Gaston, Former Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays
“Spider has one of the most extraordinary and touching stories I’ve ever heard. It is amazing to see the impact he has on students. His lessons on dealing with peer pressure, racial harmony, bullying and low self-esteem are incredibly insightful. He makes you believe nothing is impossible. The students were so receptive they actually mobbed him afterwards with tons of questions and requests for autographs”
Cathy Heany, Teacher, RA Sennet Public School
“Spider’s presentation held us spellbound. He is by far the most inspiring speaker I’ve ever witnessed”
John Sheremeta, Ontario Kinsman Clubs
“Spider delivers a tremendous message of hope and inspiration. I highly recommend him. It’s a message every student should hear”
Andrew Clarke, former Vice President, Metropolitan Toronto Police Association
“Spider Jones is one of the most dynamic speakers of our time. His message is filled with inspiration and hope. He has an overwhelming presence and his life story is an inspiration for all ages”
William Hunter, Chair and Faculty of Technology, Seneca College
“The reaction of the audience was astounding. Eight hundred students were totally in awe for the entre 40 minutes he spoke. His presentation is a powerful inspiration”
Peggy O’Donoghue, Teacher, Mayfield Secondary School
“It is utterly amazing to see how quickly he is able to capture the attention of a young audience. His presentation moves kids like nothing I’ve ever seen”.
George Chuvalo, Former heavyweight champion of Canada
“Spider’s speech truly invigorated our students. He was the topic of conversation for weeks. He’s a tremendous motivator and a great role model”
Paul Forbes, Athletic Director, St. Michael’s College
“Spider was excellent..I just wish we had more faculty and students present. He was very inspirational”
Confederation College
“Spider was absolutely incredible. With his determination in making his dreams come true, it is truly
inspirational to all. His life struggles and heartaches is more then one person can handle. All students that attended his presentation were absolutely moved and inspired. If this gentleman can go through all that his has been through and still be alive to share his story with others, then believing in a dream can truly be what motivates you each and everyday”.
Parkland Career and Job Fair