Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29 at the age of 100, spent his life intertwined with America’s and the world’s enduring legacy of slavery.

With Jimmy Carter’s recent passing, many are looking to learn more about his life; however, he was much more than just a former United States president. So, who was Jimmy Carter? Jimmy Carter, formerly known as James Earl Carter Jr.

Dr. Lori Amber Roessner is a professor in the University of Tennessee’s School of Journalism & Electronic Media. She authored the 2020 book “Jimmy Carter and the Birth of the Marathon Media Campaign,” which analyzed how his 1976 presidential campaign impacted political messaging strategies and how the media covers campaigns.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were married for 77 years and left behind a family known for contributions to public service, activism, and business. Their four children pursued diverse careers, including law,