Long Live Jimmy Carter
Updated: Apr 28, 2022
Thinking about our planet and humanity, feels like we could've gone on a more correct and abiding path, as a nation, from where we were in the 1970's. Got thinking of the era when The Carters were in the White House, when I was a child. President Carter had solar panels installed on the roof and told us "to put on a sweater" and mind the thermostat; things I remember and reflect on to this day. He was bringing awareness and putting effective things in place.
Jimmy Carter is an icon who is on my radar, especially as we've lost many in recent times, and he is well into his 90's. While researching inspirational quotes to include with my Love and Social Justice Medals Project, I found a quote by him which perfectly sums up the values of love + service. It really rings true as a timeless thing to share:
"What are the things that you can't see that are important? I would say justice, truth, humility, service, compassion, love. You can't see any of those, but they're the guiding lights of a life."
When I was planning a road trip at the end of February 2022, I realized I could be in Atlanta for Presidents' Day weekend and holiday. I've been wanting to see the Carter Museum and to visit Atlanta again. As he was a muse for my project, I thought it would be so great to see about presenting a set of medals to him in person, so I wrote him and Rosalynn a letter. And I got a personal letter back! Given the pandemic protocols, meeting them in person was sadly not possible. With a bit more research and collaboration, I was able to have them hand delivered via a new connection, Abbey, who works at the Carter Center there.
It was an inspired trip to the South with the spirit of connecting on a human level outside politics. In my pandemic emergent interactions there*, I found love and respect for our national treasure, and man of service: Jimmy Carter - long may he live!
* Pop-up show to share the Love + Social Justice Medals display to fundraise for #ACLU (at Waller's outdoor cafe space with my friend Emmy Carter (no relation)), and to encourage folks in community to be an ambassador of love and to represent for all our neighbors.