Selenis Leyva Instagram – Mr Ron Cephas Jones, the coolest of all cats ! The poet, the actor , the father , a friend . I met Ron when I was 18 years old fresh out of high school. My first job as a teaching artist . He was a head counselor of the program and he was tall, kind, talented, and so incredibly cool! One thing I knew immediately was that he was a father to a little girl that he loved beyond words. His “ brown eyes” , a poem he shared about Jasmine. It was clear she was his heart ! Ron was a poet making his rounds not really working much as an actor in those days but he always smiled and never seemed jaded by the struggle. He encouraged me to dream big . His talks were always as if you were his equal . With a soft yet powerful voice he always made you stop and listen. He didn’t just talk to hear himself , he had wisdom to share . Hearing the news of his passing has left an entire community of people in pain. I will rejoice in knowing that Ron got to show the world all his talent and heart . Years later after our first meeting in nyc and working together for years , both struggling actors , he made it . He received all his flowers . But most importantly, he saw his “ brown eyes” hit it big ! @jazzy_joness you have the coolest angel watching over you now. I will forever remember that smile and the day we ran into each other in some fancy event years later… we both stopped ,he put his hands together , said my name and that’s all that was needed. We both knew in that moment the journey we both had taken , the years of struggle in nyc to that moment . We hugged and then had a real good laugh as if to say “ can you believe this”! Ron, my heart breaks today because I know you had so much more to give . I thank you for sharing your art , your humanity and your heart with us. Much love always , rest in peace my dear friend . 💙🙏🏽 #riproncephasjones