UnidosUS Mourns Passing of Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Janet Murguía, President and CEO of UnidosUS (formerly known as National Council of La Raza or NCLR), the nation’s largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization, released the following statement on the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter:

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, a leader whose unwavering dedication to justice, human dignity and compassion left an indelible mark on our nation. President Carter lived by his principles, embodying integrity, decency and humility in his celebrated, decades-long career in public service, first as a political leader and then as an iconic humanitarian and philanthropist in his post-White House years.

“He was also the first president to appoint a significant number of Latinos to key roles in his administration, including Graciela Olivarez, who served as Director of the Community Services Administration and became the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in his administration. Olivarez, a longtime then-NCLR Board member, was one of several NCLR Board of Directors and staff members who served in the Carter administration, such as Arabella Martinez at the Office of Human Development Services within the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; Alex Mercure at the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and Esteban Torres, who served as the U.S. Representative to UNESCO before becoming the head of the first-ever White House Office of Hispanic Affairs.

“Beyond his presidency, his humanitarian efforts consistently reflected his lifelong belief in the dignity and worth of every individual. His advocacy for affordable housing with Habitat for Humanity through the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, as well as the election integrity work done by The Carter Center across the world, show the commitment he had towards protecting and promoting human rights.

“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the countless individuals inspired by his leadership and humanity. Que en paz descanse.”

Posted by Latino Lubbock Magazine Digital Media