News & Ideas - Youth and Democracy: A Conversation with Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole
The Charles F. Kettering Foundation is proud to share the third in a series of videos featuring Kettering senior fellow Johnnetta Betsch 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.
In this dialogue between Davies and Cole, the discussion centers on the vital role of young people in preserving and advancing democracy. Cole highlights historical instances where youth have been at the forefront of social change, from civil rights sit-ins to peaceful protests, emphasizing that democracy relies on their continued involvement. She also underscores the value of mentorship and self-care. Cole remembers the impact of her first-grade teacher, Miss Bonnie Vance, who taught her the importance of self-confidence and leadership, and quotes Audre Lorde’s belief that self-care is a form of self-preservation. Davies reflects on the transformative power of a single generation, noting the profound societal changes achieved during the civil rights movement and its impact on future generations.