Raymond Jetson, a church pastor, Harvard fellow, and former state legislator, founded Aging While Black to explore the unique experience of Black Americans, particularly how social, political and economic inequalities have a bearing on aging. As the driving force behind Metromorphosis, a social change nonprofit, he has developed an approach built on engaging and convening community stakeholders, looking for ways to correct systemic issues, and changing the narrative around inner-city communities.
Among the points discussed in this interview:
Why family caregiving is a valuable tradition, but also a burden, for Black families.
The importance of approaching problems through non-adversarial conversations.
The important stories told by closely examining data.
Valuing the wisdom of elders.
A successful example of how organizations can move older leaders over - but not out.
Why his work emphasizes building rather than “fixing” people.
How allies can support the Aging While Black movement.
You can learn more about Raymond Jetson and Aging While Black at its website, Agingwhileblack.co.
Where Aging Intersects with Race