Raymond A. Jetson

Catalyst

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 is being advanced 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 the systems that support Black life, adapting new technologies and their potential, and embedding the wisdom of the elders into the fabric of the culture.

A serial social innovator, he is the catalytic force that has powered the evolution of 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.

He has a rich history of public service and impacting people. Previously he served as CEO for the Louisiana Family Recovery Corps, a nonprofit focused on supporting the recovery of families impacted by disasters. Prior to this, Jetson was the deputy secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH). In this capacity, he provided leadership for the state’s largest agency. Raymond served as the state Representative for District 61 in the Louisiana House of Representatives for more than 15 years. And for 23 years he served as the pastor of the Star Hill Church.

Raymond has continually emerged as a leading voice on community change strategies, social innovation, and authentic community engagement. He has served as a source for 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-identified golf addict.