The Power and Presence of Aging While Black at On Aging 2025
Something remarkable happened in Orlando. It wasn’t just the sunshine or the crowded convention halls—it was the unmistakable presence of a movement. Aging While Black showed up and showed out at On Aging 2025, not simply with panels and programs, but with purpose, power, and a profound sense of community.
For four days, we didn’t just participate in a national conference—we shaped it.
We curated nearly 15 hours of transformative content, holding space for some of the most pressing and overlooked issues facing Black elders today. Together, we unpacked the urgent realities and rising possibilities at the intersection of aging and race in America.
From coast to coast, attendees joined us for:
– A deep dive into the GUIDE initiative, exploring how dementia care is evolving across the country—and what it means to ensure culturally responsive, community-rooted solutions for Black families.
– Groundbreaking conversations mobilizing faith communities in caregiving and wellness.
– Intergenerational perspectives on housing, highlighting how systemic barriers—and opportunities—show up across the lifespan.
– A truth-telling session on what it means to be Black, aging, and LGBTQ+, and how layered identities demand layered solutions.
– And so much more—from advanced care planning and economic security to digital equity and the power of storytelling.
But the heartbeat of the week came on Wednesday, with the return of the Black Aging Summit.
Once again, it was standing room only. The room was electric. Hundreds gathered—community leaders, caregivers, policymakers, researchers, artists, and elders—to not just learn, but to connect, dream, and build.
The Summit unfolded in three dynamic experiences:
A fishbowl conversation on the current social and political climate, grounded in listening and reflection, affirming that this moment demands not just critique—but creativity and courage.
A hands-on session with our five Horizontal Workgroups—focused on brain health, caregiving, economic security, wellness & connectedness, and advanced care planning—where participants provided critical feedback on proposed interventions through the lenses of cultural attunement, feasibility, and action.
And finally, a powerful call to action around increasing the participation and benefit of Black elders in research and clinical trials, emphasizing trust, representation, and community-led design.
The energy was high. The insights were sharp. And perhaps most importantly, the connections were real—cross-generational, cross-sector, and deeply grounded in love for Black elders and belief in our collective power.
To capture the moment, we had a graphic recorder visually illustrate the day’s key themes and emotions. The result was a stunning visual representation of our movement—a living map of wisdom, strategy, and spirit.
And on Wednesday evening, we did something brand new: The Family Reunion.
An evening of joy, rest, and reconnection.
We danced to the rhythm of African drums, shuffled cards at spades tables, and lost ourselves in music that spoke to the soul. It wasn’t just a social event—it was a declaration: we are not alone in this work.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to AARP, Gilead Sciences, and the Archstone Foundation for their generous sponsorship and steadfast commitment to advancing equity in aging. Your support made this week possible and helped ensure that the voices, needs, and aspirations of Black elders were not only heard—but honored and uplifted.
Another major milestone: we officially launched the awB Network—a national, cross-sector alliance of people and organizations committed to transforming the experience of Black aging in America. The response was electric. People signed up, leaned in, and offered their wisdom and willingness to help build something enduring.
And perhaps the most meaningful moment of all:
We dedicated the Black Aging Learning Center to Dr. E. Percil Stanford, a giant in the field of aging and a lifelong advocate for justice and equity. Dr. Stanford’s groundbreaking work helped define the conversation around aging and race in America. From founding the first White House Conference on Black Aging to developing culturally relevant models of care, his legacy runs through everything we do. Naming the space in his honor was not just a tribute—it was a commitment to carry the work forward with boldness and brilliance.
We left Orlando energized and encouraged.
We left knowing that Aging While Black is not an initiative—it’s a movement.
A living, breathing coalition of voices, dreams, and unwavering love for our elders.
Whether you were in the room or cheering us on from afar, we invite you to stay connected. Share what you’re building. Lift up the stories that matter. And know that in this movement, you belong.
We brought the village to Orlando. And we’re bringing it home—with more clarity, more conviction, and more community than ever before.
Let’s keep building. Let’s keep rising. Let’s keep Aging While Black.
