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Lexi Saelua
Miller
AP Language and Composition
23 August 2014
Carters Influences and Outcomes
Jimmy Carter, former President of the United States, was known as a man of honesty and
equality. During his inaugural address to the people of his nation, he acknowledges that citizens
need to be equal among each other. In his speech, he shows that he aspires to establish racial
equality through politics, religion, and everyday living; Carters experience before presidency
inspired him to do so and take action during his presidency.
Around the 1920s, Carters mother, Miz Lillian, influenced his views on racial equality
by helping poor African-American women in Georgia with healthcare (Life Before the
Presidency). At that point in time, segregation was controversial and people did not want to
help a person of color. Because his mother showed him that all races should be treated the same,
he began to fight for the equality of the black community. For instance, during the time Carter
served in the Navy, he was invited to a white members only party (Navy Career and Marriage).
Feeling a rush of dismay, he convinced those who were invited not to attend. Due to witnessing
a lot of discrimination against the colored in his past, he emphasizes on [tearing] down the
barriers that separated those of different race with a respect of diversity (Jimmy Carter:
Inaugural Address). Carter wanted his opinion on racial issues to become vociferous by using
politics as his weapon.
In 1962, Carter became governor of Georgia. He then implemented his past experiences
from his childhood into government. Jimmy Carter did this by fighting for the rights of colored

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people through repealing laws made to discourage African-Americans from voting.
Furthermore, Carter wanted to break down the walls between the white and black people by
[increasing] the number of African-American staff members in Georgias government by
twenty-five percent (Delivering Change to Georgia). Even in church Carter tried to help the
African-American community. His congregation was debating on whether to allow integration
in the church. Carter, along with his wife, voted yes; however, the majority of the church, except
one other individual, voted against it. Despite such local setbacks, Carter was determined to take
his successes as governor further.
Carter became the thirty-ninth president of the United States on November 2, 1976. As
he presented his inaugural address, he ensured to include racial equality. He included this
because he supported the movement to stop segregation and start integration. Carter was aware
of Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parkss actions of boycotts against bus systems and
segregated public places. He fully supported them and wanted to join and help their movement.
However, people pressured Carter to join the White Citizens Council, an organization whose
main purpose was to stifle the cries of the colored; because of his moral values and his
aspirations for the United States, he refused. This type of behavior gave him the push he needed
to become the voice of equality and to stand by what he mentions in his inaugural address.
Moreover, President Carter signed on the following laws: Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 and
Full Employment, which states that all industries are required to inform workers of their rights,
and Balanced Growth Act of 1978, which states that all people are capable of working at a job
that is suited for them. These acts were not only about racial equality but equality in general.
Instead of helping just one specific issue, Carter makes it a priority to focus on all issues
concerning equality and demonstrating that he is true to others (Jimmy Carter: Inaugural

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Address). To this day, Carter is still making a difference. He has written books, like Call to
Action, about the rights of equality. Also, he has started organizations like the Carter Center to
help people with their struggles, especially women and minorities.
President Jimmy Carter has left his mark in this nation. His influences in his life caused
him to work for what he is passionate about -- [building] unity with a respect for diversity
between those of different race (Inaugural Address) . He went from strikes against white
members only events to promising America improvements to passing laws on equality. He has
done it all and is still doing more for the people of the United States.

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Works Cited
"Jimmy Carter: Inaugural Address. U.S. Inaugural Addresses. 1989." Jimmy Carter:
Inaugural Address. U.S. Inaugural Addresses. 1989. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Oct. 2014.
"Key Legislation During the Carter Administration." Key Legislation During the Carter
Administration. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2014.
"Miller Center." American President: Jimmy Carter: Campaigns and Elections. N.p., n.d.
Web. 23 Sept. 2014.
"Miller Center." American President: Jimmy Carter: Life Before the Presidency. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 23 Sept. 2014.
" Office of Labor Management Standards." Office of Labor-Management Standards
(OLMS). N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2014.
"President Carter Issues "A Call to Action"" President Carter Issues "A Call to Action"
N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Sept. 2014.
"President Jimmy Carter Challenges Brenau Women to Continue the Struggle for Gender
Equality Throughout the World." Brenau University RSS2. N.p., n.d. Web. 23
Sept. 2014
"Jimmy Carter on Civil Rights: Still Work to Do." TheHill. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2014.

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