President Jimmy Carter’s Symbolic Impact on Civil Rights

A segregated society. That was the reality of Jimmy Carter’s boyhood. {snip}

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Despite that segregated society, African Americans played a large part in his childhood and who he would grow up to be.

“Jimmy Carter had grown up with African American playmates. His mother was a nurse who delivered African American babies,” said Barbara Perry, Director of Presidential Studies at UVA’s Miller Center.

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According to the University of Virginia’s Miller Center, when it comes to civil rights, Carter’s legacy is layered. He is not known for passing groundbreaking legislation, but rather the more symbolic way he pushed civil rights forward. Historians say that legacy began with his inaugural speech as governor of Georgia, calling for an end to segregation.

“He really carries that through and makes good on that promise as governor of Georgia, bringing Blacks, particularly, into high positions of government,” said Perry.

As president, Carter took similar actions.

“He developed this affirmative action program to get more minorities, people of color and women on the federal judiciary, and he was successful at that,” said Perry.

He also exposed the world to a more diverse United States, appointing African Americans to prominent positions in his administration. Andrew Young as U.N. Ambassador, Patricia Roberts-Harris as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare.

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“Not all was a bed of roses when it came to Jimmy Carter and Civil Rights. For example, coming up to his run for presidency, Jimmy Carter actually opposed busing for school integration purposes. {snip}” said Perry.

Those who studied his life, say Carter often times by his actions, more than his words, can be put into the category of a civil rights champion.

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