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‘We consider him a kindred spirit:’ Georgia NAACP talks about Jimmy Carter’s contributions

ATLANTA — Former President Jimmy Carter served in the Navy, ran a peanut farm, served as Georgia’s Governor, then was elected as President.

As he remains in hospice care, many people are thanking Carter for his many contributions, especially here in Georgia.

“We just want to give our thoughts and prayers to him and his family at this time,” said Attorney Gerald Griggs with the Georgia NAACP.

Griggs said Carter is a dear friend of the organization.

“He was always in the conversation about moving rights forward. Of course, the humanitarian efforts that he has done around the world, especially in communities of color and countries of color are profound,” said Griggs.

Griggs said the NAACP and the Carter Center would often join forces.

“We consider him a kindred spirit when it comes to the effort of the Carter Center. We partnered with the Carter Center on many, many issues,” said Griggs.

One of those issues was fighting for equal voting rights, especially for minorities.

Bernice King, the daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., said Carter is a friend of their family and they value his work. She wrote on Twitter:

“With Former President Carter’s love and compassion for all people set him apart as a leader, servant and simply a great man, striving to achieve a beloved community. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also commented about President Carter and Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, “They mean so much to Georgia, to Atlanta and America. Us having the Carter Center here. It’s always going to be in our heart.”

Dr. Bernice A. King and The King Center released a statement:

“The King Center continues to keep former President Jimmy Carter and his family in our thoughts and prayers. He has been intentional in using his position of power to ensure this country was one where all were treated equally. During his service as Georgia senator, he worked diligently to overturn restrictive laws that made it difficult for African-Americans to vote. During his tenure as governor, he spoke out against segregation and appointed Black people to various public official positions. As President of the United States, he created the Black College initiative allowing HBCUs to receive more financial support from the federal government and he was critical in launching initiatives to help boost Black-owned companies and organizations. He is credited for appointing 38 Black federal judges during his presidency. His contributions played a major part in bringing equity to those who were underserved. He will forever be known as the “People’s President” who didn’t mind rolling up his sleeve and doing the work, creating a legacy of service for all to follow.”

After leaving office, Carter established the Carter Center in 1982.

He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, for his work with the Center. He was one of four presidents to get this award and one of only two Georgia natives to received this award.

The other one was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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