Catalyst, Innovator, and Elder Raymond Jetson explores the intersection of aging and race, in his very informative talk and real life experience of aging while Black. With a rich history of public service as a former state representative, Pastor, and deputy secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Jetson elaborates on the importance of the resurgence of elders in African American life. Raymond A. Jetson is a leading voice on community change strategies, social innovation and the resurgence of elders in African American life. He was a winner of the 2022 AARP Purpose Prize, a national award for innovators over the age of 50. Raymond has a rich history of public service including 15 years as a State Representative, 23 years as pastor of Star Hill Church, and as the deputy secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH). Among his many “irons in the fire” he has recently launched Aging While Black, a discourse exploring the intersection of aging and race. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx