Janie Bell | 89

Janie Bell moved with her parents from Texas to San Francisco as a young child, and really identifies with San Francisco “I feel comfortable here. I feel a part of it.” She spent her career as an advocate for children with disabilities. She worked in recreation for the city and developed and led programs for children with disabilities. At this point in her life she hopes for good health and feels, at times, the challenge of advocating for oneself in health care where she feels, as an older person, ignored at times.

Janie has filled her home with art by Native American and African artists. It brings her comfort. She is named after her mother’s grandmother who was born into slavery and her father’s mother who was, too.

Interview date: 4/05/2022

Interviewed by: Anna Chodos

Referred by: Sarah Arnold

Edited by True Medusa Pictures. Music by Soundology.