“Jimmy Carter was a friend of mine, even though we never met”

As President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc, Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter, I offer our heartfelt condolences to the family of former President Jimmy Carter. As we mourn the passing of President Carter, I find myself reflecting on his legacy, particularly his unwavering support for the Black community and his tireless humanitarian work post-presidency. President Carter displayed leadership in both his words and deeds, and his advocacy benefited numerous communities. While I never had the privilege of meeting President Carter, I know that he was a true friend to my community through his actions and the principles he championed. He was, indeed, a friend of mine.

President Carter’s legacy for the Black community and his many contributions include:

• Judicial Appointments: President Carter appointed a significant number of African Americans to federal judgeships, a crucial step in improving racial representation within the judicial system.
• Board of Regents: He appointed African Americans to the boards of regents of state universities, opening doors to greater access to higher education opportunities for Black students.
• Civil Rights Advocacy: President Carter was vocal and steadfast in his commitment to civil rights. He worked to combat racial discrimination through policy, signing laws designed to improve access to housing, education, and equality for Black Americans.
• Support for Black Leaders: President Carter collaborated closely with prominent Black leaders, particularly in metro Atlanta, ensuring they had a voice in his administration and in shaping policies that affected their communities.
• Post-Presidency Humanitarian Work: After leaving office, President Carter continued to serve humanity, dedicating himself to causes like combating Guinea worm disease and advocating for human rights across the globe.
• Commitment to Equality: President Carter’s forward-thinking approach, including the appointment of many Black women to his administration, encapsulated his dedication to justice and equality for all of humanity. His leadership in this area has left an indelible mark on history, and his legacy continues to yield lasting positive impacts on society.

President Carter’s advocacy for our Black community was never symbolic—it was grounded in real, tangible efforts that continue to benefit our society today. Yes, he was indeed a friend of mine.

I found myself reflecting on how President Carter’s actions during his lifetime mirror those of our organization. His dedication to marginalized communities made him a true ally and a friend, someone whose work has positively impacted lives, even though we never met.

President Carter and his late wife, Rosalynn, were true testaments and models for all of us, showing us the way forward as we strive to make our world a better place for all. As we mourn President Carter’s passing, I challenge everyone to find ways to emulate his work in our community.

About The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc., Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter:

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc, Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter is dedicated to advocating for Black women and girls through initiatives that promote awareness in the areas of education, health, public policy, and economic empowerment. The organization is committed to addressing the unique challenges facing Black communities and working towards positive social change.