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.
