President Jimmy Carter’s impact on the world stems beyond his role in the nation’s highest office.
Former President of the United States Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, leaves behind a profound legacy of humanitarian work that has significantly impacted communities worldwide, including those served by African Community Housing and Development (ACHD).
“We have seen visionary standards adopted by the global community that espouse peace and human rights,” once said by Former President Carter, who served as the 39th U.S. president from 1977 to 1981. “The globalization of information ensures that the violation of these principles of nonviolence by a powerful and admired democracy tends to resonate throughout the world community.”
President Carter’s unique, kind and humble personality was one that made him bond with the marginalized people around the US and the rest of the world. With an emphasis on ensuring that individuals around the world can secure their natural-born rights and autonomy, President Carter in 1982 created The Carter Center, an organization dedicated to the progression of global human rights and the cessation of suffering. An international watchdog of democracy, The Carter Center focused on facilitating democratic elections, promoting social justice and civil rights, and eliminating diseases such as Guinea worm disease. The Carter Center, along with the WHO and UNICEF, is credited for the near eradication of this parasite that impacted countries in Africa and Asia.
As an organization that prioritizes providing affordable, quality housing to the African Diaspora, immigrants, and refugees in the Greater Seattle Area, ACHD is deeply inspired by President Carter’s devotion and will keep him in memory during our future endeavors. Habitat for Humanity has also been integral to ACHD’s housing projects, which will break ground in 2025 and 2026.
President Carter, an author of 32 best-selling books, demonstrated a clear passion for humanitarianism. In 1984, three years post his presidency, Carter and his wife Rosalynn became key partners in funding, involving themselves in hands-on work, and advocating for affordable housing through the charity Habitat for Humanity. Through their work and the efforts of other volunteers, Habitat for Humanity was able to repair, build, and reconstruct thousands of homes across the world, providing necessary assistance to numerous families.
Carter's dedication to peace and human rights earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, recognizing his incredible commitment to peace in regard to international issues. A stalwart advocate for democracy, human rights, and advancement of socio-economic development, Carter influence on the world will continue to impact organizations like ACHD, that strives for positive change in the communities we serve.
As we reflect on President Carter's remarkable life and contributions, ACHD honors his legacy by continuing to work towards building culturally rooted health and housing stability, economic development, legal support, resource navigation, holistic education, and access to cultural arts and traditions for the African Diaspora community in the Greater Seattle Area. His life's work serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for all who are committed to creating a better world.
In community,
President & CEO
African Community Housing & Development
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