The Charles F. Kettering Foundation is proud to share the fifth in a series of videos featuring Kettering senior fellow Johnnetta B. Cole. Kettering president and CEO Sharon L. Davies sat down with Cole to document and celebrate her extensive and multifaceted journey over more than eight decades. Cole is a noted anthropologist, educator, author, speaker, and consultant on diversity, equity, accessibilities, and inclusion in workplaces. She is also the former president of both Spelman College and Bennett College and the former director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art.

Cole reflects on the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, emphasizing its profound impact on her life and the country. During that time, she helped establish one of the first Black Studies programs—at Washington State University—and witnessed legal victories that dismantled segregation in schools and public spaces. For Cole, the act was more than just codified rules; it was transformative for human lives. Looking ahead to 60th the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 next year, Cole stresses the vital importance of voting: “I am convinced that in this democracy of mine, every marginalized community and every righteous individual not living in a marginalized community will understand if there is one, sacred right they have in this democracy, it is to vote.”