*The passing of former President James Earl Carter, best known to the world as Jimmy Carter, at the age of 100 earlier today, marks the end of an extraordinary life dedicated to public service and integrity.
Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., highlighted the nuances of Carter’s legacy in a recent discussion, asserting that he demonstrated “not just how to win, but how to lose.” This reflection underscores the importance of humility and purpose that characterized Carter’s time both in office and beyond, Journal-isms, reported on Sunday (12-29-24).
Clyburn’s remarks came during a February 2023 conversation at the Journal-isms Roundtable, where he shed light on the often-overlooked aspect of Carter’s presidency: his groundbreaking appointments of federal judges of color.
“Until [President] Biden, Jimmy Carter had the record on putting people of color on the judiciary,” Clyburn noted. He elaborated on Carter’s transformational impact, stating, “Most people don’t know that record, but that record is clear that he put more people of color into the federal courts, into the courts of appeal. Everything except the United States Supreme Court.”
Carter’s record is indeed notable. According to the Encyclopedia of African American Society, during his presidency, he appointed 38 African Americans to federal judgeships, representing approximately 15 percent of his total appointments. This legacy of inclusivity and diversity set a high-water mark in the federal judiciary and showed Carter’s commitment to reflecting America’s demographics in its judicial system.
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Clyburn shared a formative experience from his own career, reflecting on the challenges within Southern politics, paralleling his growth with that of Carter:
“I didn’t think that being a Southerner gives you rights to be racist, because I, too, am a Southerner, and because of my experiences I have a set of actions, just like Jimmy Carter.”
Clyburn’s personal testimony enriches our understanding of Carter’s character formation, influenced profoundly by his upbringing in the racially charged landscape of Georgia.
Carter’s post-presidency was perhaps as influential as his time in office. After losing the presidency, he dedicated himself to humanitarian efforts, effectively becoming “a much better public servant than he was before,” as Clyburn stated.
Carter’s work with Habitat for Humanity and observing elections globally showcased his commitment to service, a commitment that earned him the Nobel Peace Prize and solidified his reputation as one of America’s most respected former leaders.
Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama remembered Carter’s profound decency in their tribute, emphasizing that his legacy extends beyond his political achievements.
“President Carter believed, as deeply as he believed anything, that we are all created in God’s image,” Michelle Obama remarked.
She added: “This faith underpinned Carter’s work across various humanitarian causes, from combating global disease to addressing housing inequities.
“Maranatha Baptist Church will be a little quieter on Sundays, but President Carter will never be far away – buried alongside Rosalynn next to a willow tree down the road, his memory calling all of us to heed our better angels.
“Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man,” noted America’s 45th president.
Even political rivals recognized Carter’s impact. In an unusual moment of respect, Donald Trump commended Carter.
“The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Trump’s Truth Social acknowledgment is notable, revealing how Carter’s influence transcends partisan divides.
Carter’s legacy continues to resonate, particularly at his beloved Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, where he often shared his teachings with locals and visitors alike. The church will likely remain a place of remembrance for those seeking inspiration from his life.
As we reflect on Jimmy Carter’s life, we are reminded not only of his accomplishments in office but also of his character, which emphasized integrity, resilience, and compassion. His journey serves as a model of how to embrace both victory and defeat with dignity. “God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace,” Carter once said, and he lived by that principle relentlessly. His dedication calls upon all of us to strive for a world defined by kindness and justice.
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