GrandStories: Profiles in Aging

In Part Two of this special episode of Grand Stories: Profiles in Aging, Dr. Sandra Edmonds Crewe continues her conversation with our very own host, Dr. Robert Cosby. In this part of their conversation, Dr. Cosby reflects on common misconceptions about aging, the importance of understanding older adults’ lived experiences, and the opportunities and challenges that technology and artificial intelligence present for older populations. Dr. Cosby and Dr. Crewe consider the themes of community, advocacy, resilience, and shared experience that have emerged throughout the history of Grand Stories episodes. He reflects on the common threads that connect his interviewees' journeys and the enduring importance of their contributions to social justice.

In an exclusive segment, Dr. Cosby shares his poem, Lattice Works of Iron, and reflects on the inspiration behind it. We hope you enjoy this opportunity to hear more from our host, Dr. Robert Cosby, as he reflects on his career, his creative work, and the stories that have shaped him.

In Part One of this special episode of Grand Stories: Profiles in Aging, Dr. Sandra Edmonds Crewe interviews our very own podcast host, Dr. Robert Cosby. In their conversation, Dr. Cosby reflects on his early years, the experiences that led him to become a social worker and gerontologist, and the people and moments that have shaped his career. He shares stories from his work with older adults and people with disabilities, his journey as an educator, and the defining experiences that deepened his commitment to improving quality of life for older adults and advancing social justice.

Dr. Cosby has invited us into conversations with myriad social work and social justice leaders over the past several years. Today, we invite you to take this opportunity to learn more about his journey and profound impact on the lives of those he has served and on the field of social work.

In part two of this interview, Dr. Robert Cosby continues his conversation with Lastenia Brathwaite-Pretlow, social worker and longtime District of Columbia child welfare professional. Pretlow reflects on the people and experiences that shaped her, her commitment to civil and human rights, and the social justice issues that concern her today, including education, truancy, healthcare, voting, and more. She also shares wisdom about aging, finding purpose, staying connected, and making time to appreciate life and nature.

In part one of a two-part interview, Dr. Robert Cosby interviews Lastenia Brathwaite-Pretlow, social worker and longtime District of Columbia child welfare professional. Pretlow shares stories from her decades-long career, reflecting on the complexities of working with and caring for children and families. She reflects on lessons learned regarding the way issues like substance use, mental health challenges, and family separation can affect the families in our care. She also discusses her role in advocating for changes to DC’s child welfare and foster care system, and the importance of family-centered practice, prevention, and social workers as agents of systemic change.

Dr. Robert Cosby interviews Dr. Linda Whitby, physician, president of the Oasis Foundation, and advocate for equitable healthcare. Dr. Whitby shares insights from her decades-long career in medicine, discussing health disparities, maternal health, preventive care, addiction, and the importance of empowering patients through education. She also reflects on challenges involving trust in the healthcare and insurance systems and how communication in healthcare can improve outcomes for individuals and communities.

"Decision-making needs to be closest to the people."

Dr. Robert Cosby continues his conversation with Rev. Raymond Jetson, founder of Aging While Black, in Part 2 of this two-part interview. Jetson reflects on lessons from leading Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts, the importance of community-centered decision-making, and the values that have shaped his leadership. He also shares wisdom for those working to address systemic inequities, strengthen intergenerational communities, and create meaningful change in their lives by leaning into their personal strengths and power.

He asks us to consider: " Who can I open a door for? Whose voice that's been silenced can I amplify? What are the seeds that I can plant that will bear fruit even when I am not here?"

Dr. Robert Cosby interviews Rev. Raymond Jetson, whose career has spanned ministry, public service, state government, and national advocacy as founder of the national movement Aging While Black, in Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Jetson reflects on growing up in segregated Baton Rouge, the lasting impact of Jim Crow, and the community that shaped his values. He also discusses the experiences that guided his lifelong commitment to leadership, expanding community-based services for people with developmental disabilities, and advancing equity and choice in aging for Black older adults.

Please stay tuned for PART 2, coming next week!

Dr. Robert Cosby interviews Dr. Leland K. Hall for his second appearance on Grand Stories: Profiles in Aging, exploring Hall’s remarkable career in social work and mental health. Hall reflects on his educational journey, early work in psychiatric hospitals, graduate training at Howard University, and decades of leadership advancing community mental health services, community organizing, and advocacy for families and children. In all he does, Dr. Hall emphasizes the importance of caring for people and letting that care drive your work.

In her interview with Dr. Robert Cosby, Dr. Amy Billingsley opens up about her colorful family history, the difficulties of losing loved ones at such a young age, her gift of "knitting people together," her involvement with HistoryMakers, and Black Women's Agenda and her powerful impact in her campaigns and working with William Clinton, Alexis Herman, Barbara Skinner-Williams, and Dorothy Height.

Dr. Andrew Billingsley, Sociologist, Author, College Provost, Vice Chancellor, President and Professor shares with Dr. Robert Cosby his rich history. Starting with his childhood in Marion, Alabama and his recognition of what he needed to expand his intellect. He shared that thirst for knowledge and explained how "his intellect began" when transitioning to Birmingham, Alabama due to his father's injury. Dr. Andrew Billingsley touches on some of his greatest contributions including his writing "Black Families in White America." He discusses his promotion of peace and anti-poverty, and his love for former slave and U.S. Congress Representative Robert Smalls.

Dr. Billingsley, recognized as a giant and scholar in the field of Sociology and Social Work, is the author of over ten books, four co-authored books, numerous edited books and journal articles. Dr. Billingsley received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in political science in 1951 from Grinnell University.  In 1956, he graduated with his MS degree from Boston University and his PhD from Brandeis University in 1964. He is a former Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of California at Berkeley, Provost at Howard University, President of Morgan State University, and senior scholar and leader at other universities including University of Maryland and the University of South Carolina. He is recognized for his leadership and authorship. To learn more about Dr. Andrew Billingsley, please select here.