What types of actions did Jimmy Carter take regarding black issues? What was the overall effect of his presidency upon African Americans?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Ideal Answer: The ideal answer should:
1. Explain that Carter appointed African Americans to highly visible posts. He named Patricia Harris secretary of housing and urban development, making her the first black woman to serve in the cabinet. Carter appointed Andrew Young, former congressman from Georgia and a longtime political ally, ambassador to the United Nations. Clifford Alexander Jr. became the secretary of the army. Eleanor Holmes Norton became the first woman to chair the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Ernest Green, who had been one of the nine students to desegregate Little Rock's Central High School, was appointed assistant secretary of labor.
2. Note that Carter's black appointments were practically and symbolically important. Never had so many black people occupied positions that had direct and immediate impact on the operations of the federal government.
3. Point out that Carter also helped cement gains for civil rights. When Congress passed legislation to stop busing as a way to integrate the schools, he vetoed it.
4. Explain that he tried to improve fair employment practices by strengthening the powers of the EEOC. His Justice Department chose cases to prosecute under the Fair Housing Act that involved widespread discrimination.
5. Note that most African Americans found Carter's overall record unsatisfactory. He failed to help Democrats in Congress pass either full-employment or universal health care bills. Under his watch congress cut social welfare programs to balance the budget, and the cuts included school lunch programs and student financial aid.
6. Conclude that for many black people, Carter had become a disappointment, who had done little to bring about greater social justice and economic advancement.