By: Sherifat A. Mohammed 

‍

On December 29, 2024, Former President Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100. He lived a life worthy of any feature film, yet he was very modest and humble. Despite being a peanut farmer, he was able to secure the presidency of the United States serving from 1977-1981. January 9th was declared as a day of mourning for Former President Carter which is an executive order by President Joe Biden. The day of mourning for Former President Carter coincides with the official state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral. Be on the lookout for what will be closed on January 9th. 

‍

What will be closed on January 9th 2025: 

‍

Nsaqad:

Nasdaq will close and options markets will also be closed. Additionally, the bond market will close at 2 pm EST with The New York Stock Exchange not trading on Thursday. 

‍

U.S. Postal Service: 

The mail will be suspended with limited delivery for certain packages. 

‍

Supreme Court: 

For the day of mourning, Chief Justice John Roberts declared that the Supreme Court building be closed and they won’t be in session. 

‍

Federal Offices: 

All Federal departments and agencies will be closed with the exception of vital employees for the national defense and security who may still be working on that day. 

‍

President Jimmy Carter was born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, James Earl Carter Jr. grew up in a small, rural community that shaped his humble and compassionate worldview. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946, Carter served in the Navy, where he gained valuable leadership experience. Also, in 1946 Carter married Rosalynn Carter (1927-2023). She played a vital role in his life and his presidency. Eleanor Rosalynn Carter, the former First Lady of the United States, has left an enduring legacy as a trailblazer in advocating for mental health, caregiving, and social justice. Married to Jimmy Carter for over 75 years, Rosalynn has been a steadfast partner in his journey while forging her own path as a global advocate and leader. Her work transcends her role as First Lady, making her one of the most influential women in modern American history.

‍

As First Lady from 1977 to 1981, Rosalynn redefined the role with her hands-on approach to public policy. Her primary focus was mental health, an issue often stigmatized and overlooked at the time. She chaired the President’s Commission on Mental Health, which led to the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980—a landmark piece of legislation aimed at improving mental health care in the United States.

Rosalynn also championed women’s rights, child welfare, and humanitarian causes. Her ability to blend compassion with strategic advocacy made her a powerful force in shaping public discourse on critical issues.

She was also an advocate for mental health. Rosalynn’s commitment to mental health advocacy didn’t end with her time in the White House. Through the Carter Center, she continued to push for reforms and better access to mental health care. Her work emphasized the importance of treating mental health with the same urgency and resources as physical health.

In her book, Within Our Reach: Ending the Mental Health Crisis, Rosalynn outlined practical steps to address systemic challenges, further cementing her role as a thought leader in this field. She was dedicated to improving lives, breaking stigmas, and championing social justice causes which ensured that her influence will be felt for decades to come.

‍

Following the death of his father, Carter returned to Plains, GA to manage the family peanut farm, a role that deepened his understanding of the struggles faced by ordinary Americans. During Carter’s 1976 presidential campaign, Carter’s peanut farm played a pivotal role in shaping his public image. His family even distributed peanut-themed merchandise, including pins shaped like peanuts, which became iconic symbols of his grassroots appeal. The image of the "peanut farmer from Georgia" symbolized humility, hard work, and an outsider’s perspective on Washington politics.

Carter often spoke about how farming taught him critical lessons in patience, problem-solving, and perseverance. Farming required a deep understanding of the land and its cycles, lessons that Carter applied to his political philosophy and leadership style.

As President, Carter’s rural roots influenced his policies. He prioritized support for farmers, energy conservation, and environmental stewardship. His experiences also underscored his belief in the dignity of labor and the importance of addressing economic disparities.

Even after leaving the White House, Carter’s identity as a peanut farmer remained central to his life and legacy. Plains continues to be his home, where he and Rosalynn Carter live simply, embodying the values they have championed for decades.

The Carters have also used their platform to support agricultural development and sustainable farming worldwide through the Carter Center, their global nonprofit organization.

‍

Carter's political career began with a seat in the Georgia State Senate in 1963, followed by his tenure as the Governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. As governor, Carter advocated for civil rights, education reform, and environmental conservation, earning him national attention and setting the stage for his presidential campaign.

Elected as the 39th President in 1976, Carter's administration prioritized human rights as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. His efforts led to the historic Camp David Accords in 1978, a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel that remains one of his most significant achievements. Carter also worked to normalize relations with China and pushed for the Panama Canal Treaty, ensuring its eventual transfer to Panamanian control.

Domestically, Carter faced challenges such as inflation, the energy crisis, and the Iranian hostage situation. Though these issues overshadowed his presidency, his forward-thinking policies on renewable energy and environmental protection proved prescient in addressing 

After leaving office in 1981, Carter embarked on a second career that many consider his most impactful. Through the Carter Center, established in 1982, he championed global health initiatives, election monitoring, and conflict resolution. His work in eradicating diseases like Guinea worm and improving access to healthcare in underserved regions has saved countless lives.

Carter's unwavering dedication to peace earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, recognizing his decades-long commitment to resolving international conflicts and promoting democracy.

Carter's deeply rooted Christian faith has been a guiding force throughout his life. As a Sunday school teacher in Plains for decades, he exemplified humility and compassion. His marriage to Rosalynn Carter, spanning over 75 years, is a testament to their shared dedication to family and service.

As one of the longest-living former presidents in U.S. history, Jimmy Carter's life serves as a reminder that leadership extends beyond political office. His relentless pursuit of justice, equity, and humanity has inspired generations to believe in the power of service and the possibility of change.

 Jimmy Carter’s journey from peanut farmer to President is more than a biography; it’s a testament to the strength of character that comes from humble beginnings. His connection to the land and his community in Plains has been a cornerstone of his identity, reminding Americans that great leaders often rise from modest origins.

In every peanut he planted and every harvest he reaped, Carter cultivated not just crops but the values of perseverance, humility, and service—values that have guided him throughout his extraordinary life.

In a world often divided by conflict and inequality, Carter's legacy reminds us that true greatness lies in selflessness and the ability to make the world a better place for all.                        

‍

Here at ATL Plus Magazine, our thoughts and prayers are with the Cater family. May his legacy continue to shine across the world.

‍