AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – Former President Jimmy Carter had an impact on the African American community during his time in office.
He helped push the federal government to provide more equal opportunities for African Americans like job training and enforcing anti-discrimination laws.
We spoke with the president of Aiken’s NAACP on how they remember Carter’s role in office.
The Aiken Branch President of the NAACP Westley Guyton says Carter’s stance on civil rights symbolizes the NAACP’s mission.
NAACP’S MISSION STATEMENT:
- Efforts to eliminate racial discrimination and ensure equality for all people in areas of education, politics, social and economics.
It’s part of the legacy Carter left behind while he was president and thereafter.
Local leaders say Cater helped pave the way for a more inclusive country.
“Although it’s still in the 70s, there still was some segregation. So, during this period of time, I would say when he got elected, things began to really change,” said Guyton.
Guyton says Carter’s efforts towards equal rights were more than black and white.
“I would say because I find that in his policy, he was concerned about everybody, not just because of your particular color, but he was concerned about human being, an American,” said Guyton.
Carter gave opportunities to African Americans by appointing and expanding their roles.
He appointed people like Andrew Young as U.N. Ambassador and Patricia Roberts-Harris as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Health Education and Welfare.
Guyton says it’s those actions that speak louder than signing bills.
“That’s what I really admired about him, that it was human rights not just civil rights,” said Guyton.
Guyton says the NAACP will always remember his efforts toward helping the country come together.
“I believe that he made a great impact during that era, and it’s still the legacy is still just passing right on down even today, that legacy is still there,” he said.
Guyton says although there’s still work to be done for racial and social equality, it’s important to look back at how far we’ve come and the example President Carter left.
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