Oak Park's Aging in Communities Commission will bring author Raymond Jetson to the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association on Friday, Oct. 9, for a free public discussion on ageism and aging in America.

Jetson wrote "Aging While Black: A Radical Reimagining of Aging and Race in America." His keynote address will open the event, which runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at 178 Forest Ave. A panel discussion featuring members of the Aging in Communities Commission will follow.

The event is free.

The commission is billing the evening as its annual observance of Ageism Awareness Day, a national day of advocacy organized by the American Society on Aging. The society, which launched the observance in 2023, defines ageism as stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination directed at people based on age.

Jetson has argued that conversations about aging in America often overlook racial disparities. In a July 2025 appearance on PBS's American Black Journal, he said, "Aging in America is not a race-neutral experience … for African Americans, the American experience has been different in every way."

Copies of Jetson's book will be available for purchase from the Book Loft Oak Park at the event. Refreshments will be provided.

The Village of Oak Park announced the event Sept. 28 through its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office. The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, built in 1928 at 178 Forest Ave., houses what organizers describe as the largest civic meeting space in Oak Park, hosting more than 300 events and 30,000 visitors a year.

Residents with questions can contact the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office at [email protected] or 708-358-5405.