The world recently mourned the passing of James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th President of the United States, reflecting on his impactful legacy. Among his many contributions, President Carter’s commitment to diversity and inclusion stands out, particularly his groundbreaking appointments of African Americans to prominent roles. Howard University, a historically Black university, remembers President Carter’s dedication to breaking barriers, notably his choice to appoint Andrew Young, a Howard alumnus, to serve as United States Ambassador to the United Nations.
Jimmy Carter, who lived a remarkable life spanning a century (1924-2024), served as a transformative figure in American politics. Before reaching the White House in 1977, he served as Governor of Georgia and a Georgia State Senator. His presidency marked a turning point in representation, evidenced early in his term by the appointment of Patricia Roberts Harris, another distinguished Howard University alumna, to his cabinet. Harris became the first Black woman to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, shattering a significant glass ceiling.
President Carter’s impact extended beyond this historic appointment. As highlighted in an NBC News article, his administration acted as a “springboard for Black women in politics.” Beyond Harris, Carter elevated numerous Black women to influential government positions, including judgeships. He also nominated Alexis M. Herman to direct the Woman’s Bureau in the Labor Department. Herman later made history herself, becoming the first Black woman to serve as Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton, and she directly credited Andrew Young for introducing her to President Carter. Further underscoring his commitment to inclusivity, a Washington Post analysis of data from the Office of U.S. Courts revealed that President Carter appointed more women and people of color to the judiciary than all previous presidents combined, by a significant margin.
President Carter’s appointment of Andrew Young as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations in 1977 was another pivotal moment in American history. This cabinet-level position, a first for an African American, placed Young at the forefront of American diplomacy on the world stage. The U.S. Ambassador to the UN represents America in the world’s foremost international forum, wielding significant influence, including casting the nation’s vote on the UN Security Council, the body responsible for maintaining global peace and security.
In a December 31st interview with Atlanta News First, Andrew Young reflected on his relationship with President Carter, recalling their first meeting in 1970 during their respective campaigns for Congress and Georgia governor. Young described Carter as “probably the wisest and most knowledgeable person I’ve known.” This deep respect and admiration was evident when Young delivered the eulogy at Carter’s state funeral, offering a deeply personal and insightful homily.
Young quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to encapsulate Carter’s character: “greatness is characterized by antitheses strongly marked… You’ve got to have a tough mind and a tender heart.” He elaborated on Carter’s unique ability to reconcile seemingly opposing qualities – a testament to his upbringing in the diverse South and his genuine embrace of different perspectives. Young emphasized Carter’s “sensitivity” and “spirituality” as key components of his greatness, noting his remarkable breadth of experience – from a “good farmer” to a “nuclear physicist” trained by Admiral Rickover. This multifaceted nature, Young suggested, allowed Carter to pursue both nuclear advancement and global peace simultaneously, demonstrating his profound commitment to humanity. Through appointments like Andrew Young’s ambassadorship, President Carter not only reshaped American politics but also projected a vision of inclusive leadership onto the global stage.
