An In Memorium button for former President Jimmy Carter is seen inside the Plains Trading Post, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, in Plains, Ga. Former President Jimmy Carter died Sunday at the age of 100. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Georgia politicians, leaders and activists are voicing their admiration for the life and legacy of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100.
Carter was the oldest living president in American history. Carter served as a Georgia state senator from 1963 to 1967, before serving as Georgia governor from 1971 to 1975, then president.
After serving one term in the White House, Carter embarked on a decades-long career of humanitarian work. In 1982, he went on the establish the Carter Center. The Atlanta-based nonprofit, according to its website, is committed to preventing and resolving conflicts, enhancing freedoms and improving health for U.S. and international citizens.
“With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us,” said President Joe Biden in a statement released Sunday. “He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.”
U.S. Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff echoed Biden’s sentiments on the former president’s impact worldwide and how it has inspired their own political careers.
“President Carter taught us through his example that it’s not the office you hold but the orientation you have that gives you the ability to serve effectively,” said Warnock in a statement. “He believed, as I do, that the true test of your faith is the depth of your commitment to the most marginalized members of the human family.”
“From Plains to across the State of Georgia, the United States, and around the world, millions will forever admire and appreciate all that President Carter did for the United States and for the global community,” added Ossoff.
“The State of Georgia and The United States are better places because of President Jimmy Carter.”
U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams, chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia, called Carter “one of the greatest public servants of our time” and a “North Star” for Georgia Democrats.
“We will strive to carry forward his legacy of service and compassion while we work, as he did, to reshape his beloved home state for the better.”
Georgia House Democratic Caucus Minority Leader Carolyn Hughley expressed admiration for the former president’s leadership style, which she said is defined by “bold, forward-thinking policies” that pushed environmental causes and efficient governance.
“He was an advocate for public education, the de-stigmatization of mental health care and the dismantling of systemic gender and racial inequalities,” said Hughley in a recent press release. “On behalf of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus, we will keep President Jimmy Carter’s legacy alive by striving to fulfill his vision of a more peaceful world where respect for humanity and equal rights for all is lifted in perpetuity.”
‘President Carter has changed the world forever’
In Atlanta, tributes continued to be published by political and business leaders, led by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Gov. Brian Kemp.
“When I learned the Pledge of Allegiance at Miles Elementary School, a photo of President Carter hung on the wall. And for the last four decades, I have watched Jimmy Carter and his beloved Rosalynn be the very definition of servant leaders, representing the best that our state and our nation have to offer,” said Dickens in a statement on Sunday.
“From building affordable homes through Habitat for Humanity to protecting democracy across the globe by ensuring fair and free elections, President Carter has changed the world forever,” he added.
Kemp shined a light on the significance of Carter’s time in office in Georgia, where the former president laid the groundwork for policies residents benefit from today.
“He worked to grow the state’s economic success and position on the national and international stages as a state senator and the 76th governor of Georgia,” Kemp said. “Under his leadership, the European and Japanese state trade offices were launched, as well as the Georgia Film Commission.”
Fellow metro Atlanta-based Republicans, including Georgia Secretary of State Brad Rassfenberger and U.S. Rep. Rich McCormack, expressed their condolences Sunday.
“As a true servant-leader, he devoted his post-presidency to spreading the very best of American ideals across the globe,” said Raffensperger on X. “His commitment to peace, democracy and human rights has left an indelible mark on the world.”
“Jimmy Carter was a man of faith who served his country as a Naval Officer, the Governor of Georgia, and President of the United States,” wrote McCormack. “May he rest in peace with his Lord and Savior.”
The Atlanta City Council issued a public statement praising Carter for creating “incalculable memories for those in Atlanta, the state of Georgia, and across the world.”
“Inevitably, he will be remembered for his ascent from peanut farmer to president, but he also leaves behind a record of true accomplishment in domestic and international affairs,” the statement read.
‘Peace, human rights and unselfish love’
Perhaps the most significant reflections of the former president came from civil rights activist and former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, and son Chip Carter.
“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter in a statement through The Carter Center. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”
James “Chip” Carter kisses his father, former President Jimmy Carter, as Amy Carter watches during a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial Church, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Young, who was appointed by Carter as the 14th United States Ambassador to the United Nations in 1977, noted in an interview with 11Alive Carter’s staunch support for civil and human rights when the idea was considered taboo in the South.
Andrew Young is sworn in as United Nations ambassador by Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall, as President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter looks on at the White House, Jan. 31, 1977 in Washington. (AP Photo, File)
“I think that one of the most important things that happened to me as I was campaigning [for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1972] was that I met Jimmy Carter, and I realized that this movement for human rights and for decency and justice for all was going on at many levels,” said the civil rights legend.
“It wasn’t just Black people. It was people of goodwill of all races, creeds and colors. And Jimmy Carter was certainly a good example of that.”
