'Aging While Black' amplifies experiences of elderly Black Americans

Portrait of Raymond Jetson and Kali Graves at the Baton Rouge IBM lobby.(Tim Mueller Photography / TM) Raymond Jetson is an advocate whose work centers on equity, dignity and community-driven change. In February 2023, he helped launch Aging While Black (https://agingwhileblack.co/the-awb-team/) , a national movement designed to amplify the voices and experiences of Black elders and to rethink aging in America at the intersection of race. Jetson discusses the movement’s three guiding pillars: recalibrating the village, embracing innovation and rapid change, and leaning into Sankofa — the idea of looking to the past to help shape the future. Jetson brings decades of experience to this work, including service as a Louisiana state representative, deputy secretary of health and pastor of Star Hill Church in Baton Rouge. He is an AARP Purpose Prize winner and a Next Avenue Influencer in Aging. As the primary caregiver for his 91-year-old mother, Jetson says his perspective on aging is shaped by both public service and personal experience. The conversation also explores Jetson’s new book, "Aging While Black: A Radical Reimagining of Aging and Race in America (https://agingwhileblack.co/awb-the-book/) ," which expands on the movement’s vision and calls for a more inclusive, community-centered approach to aging. Guest • Raymond Jetson (https://agingwhileblack.co/the-awb-team/) , author and co-founder of Aging While Black