In the second episode of Plainspoken: Jimmy Carter and the People of Plains, host Andrew Greer explores President Jimmy Carter's upbringing in the segregated 1920s and '30s in Plains, Georgia. Through conversations with childhood friends and family members, the episode sheds light on President Carter's close relationships in the predominantly Black community of Archery, the values of respect and unity instilled by his family, and how those experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to racial justice. The episode offers personal stories that reveal the former president's enduring belief in treating everyone with dignity and his deep impact as a humanitarian and advocate for peace.

In 1928, the Carter family moved to a 350-acre farm near Plains in the tiny community of Archery, Georgia. The young Carter is pictured here atop his Shetland pony named Lady.

In 1928, the Carter family moved to a 350-acre farm near Plains in the tiny community of Archery, Ga. The young Carter is pictured here atop his Shetland pony named Lady.

Credit: Jimmy Carter Library

 

Plainspoken: Jimmy Carter and the People of Plains

Episode Title: Growing Up with Jimmy

In this episode of Plainspoken: Jimmy Carter and the People of Plains, host Andrew Greer explores the early life of President Jimmy Carter in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. Listeners are taken back to a time of segregation in the 1920s and '30s when President Carter grew up on a peanut farm in the small, predominantly Black community of Archery. Through interviews with childhood friends, family members, and community acquaintances, we gain an intimate glimpse into the former president's upbringing, the racial divide of the time, and the values instilled in the Carter family—values of kindness, respect, and unity.

Personal stories reflect the close friendships Jimmy Carter maintained despite the pressures of a segregated society, and how these relationships influenced his lifelong advocacy for racial justice. The episode culminates with reflections on President Carter's impact as a humanitarian and his unyielding belief in treating everyone with dignity and respect. 

Topics Discussed:

Jimmy Carter’s upbringing in a segregated rural community
Carter’s friendships and relationships with his Black neighbors
The Carter family’s values of respect, kindness, and racial unity
Personal stories from friends and family about Carter’s early life
How these early experiences shaped Carter’s advocacy for racial justice

Next Episode:

In the next episode, we’ll explore President Carter’s deep faith and how it shaped his vision for peace and justice throughout his life and career.