Former President Jimmy Carter’s relationship with Black America hasn’t been perfect, but in light of his Dec. 29 passing at age 100, it’s time we go back in history and remember his impact on the Black community.
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The former Georgia governor maintained close relationships with many notable Black figures including Coretta Scott King, Hank Aaron, and even the Obama family over the years. He’ll forever be remembered as the one-term president who, even after his term, went on to advocate for people around the world.
Carter was even honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work. So as the nation grieves the death of our oldest president, follow The Root along to revisit the genuine relationship between President James Earl Carter Jr. and Black America.
Carter and Hank Aaron Share a Laugh
The only U.S. president from Georgia obviously was the biggest Georgia Peach of ‘em all! Carter was a known fan of all things Georgia sports. In 1973, Carter joined former Delaware Gov. Sherman Tribbitt and stopped by the Atlanta Braves’ clubhouse to kick it with team legend Hank Aaron.
Carter and MLK Sr.
In 1976, as governor of Georgia, Carter shared a beautiful moment with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s father, Martin Luther King Sr. “Surely, the Lord sent Jimmy Carter to come on out and bring America back where she belongs,” MLK Sr. said to his church audience during Carter’s first presidential campaign. “I’m with him. You are, too. Let me tell you, we must close ranks now.”
The 1976 Campaign
Reeling from the killings of several Civil Rights activists and Black Panther leaders like Fred Hampton, Black Americans paid extra close attention to the 1976 presidential election. Here, then-presidential candidate Jimmy Carter was seen speaking with Black Americans.
Carter and the Civil Rights Movement
During his 1976 campaign, Carter made it his priority to speak on civil rights concerns and have Black leaders present. During a speech at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, civil rights leaders can be seen watching along as Carter spoke.
Celebrating the DNC Nomination
The Democrats were more than excited to announce Jimmy Carter as the Democratic presidential nominee in 1976. Here, Carter is pictured next to former Texas Rep. Barbara Jordan, both of them waving to a cheering crowd.
Carter Awards MLK the Medal of Freedom
Carter became a longtime friend of the King family after MLK was assassinated in 1968. In 1977, during the first year of his presidency, Carter awarded King’s wife, Coretta Scott King, and his father, MLK Sr., the Presidential Medal of Freedom in King’s honor.
Vernon Jordan and Jimmy Carter
In 1977, President Carter attended the National Urban League (NUL) Conference. The president of the NUL — the New York-based civil rights organization that advocates for the economic and social justice for Black Americans and against racial discrimination — at the time was Vernon Jordan, who died in 2021.
Carter Greets Muhammad Ali
During the White House dinner celebrating the signing of the Panama Canal Treaty in 1977, Carter greeted boxing legend Muhammad Ali. President Carter later received the first ever Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for Lifetime Achievement, according to Facebook.
Carter Has Lunch With Jackson State University Students
In 1980, President Carter announced his executive order to strengthen Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). According to the order, Carter’s efforts were designed to “increase the ability of historically Black colleges and universities to participate in Federally sponsored programs,” “eliminate barriers which may have unfairly resulted in reduced participation” from HBCus in federally sponsored programs, and more.
Cowboy Carter!
Did you know that President Carter was a huge country music fan? Well, back in 1979, Carter hosted the biggest names in country at the White House for a special celebration. Here, he’s pictured with country music legends Charley Pride and Willie Nelson. The country stars even presented an award especially for Carter for his support of the genre, according to the Guardian. Pride died in 2020 from COVID-19 complications.
A Visit to Ebenezer Baptist Church
President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, made frequent visits to MLK’s church home of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. In this photo from January 1979, Carter and Rosalynn are pictured singing hand and hand with Coretta, MLK Sr., Andrew Young, and other civil rights leaders.
The Carter Center in Liberia
Carter, known for his humanitarian efforts, founded the Carter Center with aims “to improve lives by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy and preventing diseases,” according to its website. In 1997, Carter and his foundation visited Liberia during a crucial election season. Carter, then 78 years old, helped monitor the nation’s general election polls.
Carter and Benin’s Former President Nicephore Soglo
In 2005, Carter united with Benin’s Nicephore Soglo for a press conference in Monrovia. There, they acted as observers of the Carter Center in Liberia’s presidential and legislative elections.
Rev. Al Sharpton and Jimmy Carter
During the memorial service for the late Coretta Scott King, Carter was pictured shaking hands with Rev. Al Sharpton. On Carter’s 99th birthday, Sharpton took to X to wish the former president a happy birthday. He wrote “Every time I’ve been around you, I leave with knowing I’d been in the presence of a sincere, God fearing man.”
Carter With Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson
During former President Barack Obama’s first presidential campaign, President Carter always showed up and out in support of the then-U.S. senator. Here, Carter is pictured greeting then-Sen. Joe Biden, Michelle Obama, and her brother Craig Robinson during day two of the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
The 50th Anniversary of ‘I Have A Dream’
On the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have A Dream” speech, Carter joined the Obamas and former President Bill Clinton on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to commemorate the occasion.
Bernice King on Jimmy Carter’s Legacy
“He was one of the few presidents who really was an advocate for the Black community out of a pureness of heart,” said the Rev. Bernice King, who leads the King Center that her mother founded. King told AP News that Carter was a “courageous” and “principled” figure who built on her father’s work. She also praised the 100-year-old man for having “genuine” relationships with her mother and grandfather.
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