Raymond A. Jetson

In February 2023, Raymond A. Jetson launched Aging While Black, a movement designed to amplify the value and experiences of Black elders by exploring the intersection of aging and race. The movement advances through community building around three essential pillars: Recalibrating the Village, Embracing Innovation and Rapid Change, and Leaning into Sankofa. These pillars center the wellbeing of Black elders by promoting the overhaul of systems that support Black life, adopting new technologies, and embedding the wisdom of elders into the fabric of culture. To further advance the movement’s mission, Raymond authored Aging While Black: A Radical Reimagining of Aging and Race in America, set for release in summer 2025.

A serial social innovator, he is the catalytic force behind the Baton Rouge–based social enterprise MetroMorphosis, a community-centered change model that seeks to transform inner-city neighborhoods through racial, social, and economic equity.

Raymond has a rich history of public service. He previously served as CEO of the Louisiana Family Recovery Corps, a nonprofit supporting families impacted by disasters. Prior to this, he was Deputy Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH), providing leadership for the state’s largest agency. He also served as State Representative for District 61 in the Louisiana House of Representatives for over 15 years and was the pastor of Star Hill Church for 23 years.

Raymond has continually emerged as a leading voice on community change strategies, social innovation, and authentic community engagement. He has been featured by USA TODAY, The New York Times, NBC Nightly News, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

He is a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and a self-described golf addict.