President Jimmy Carter: A Champion for Human Rights for all
January 09, 2025
We mourn the loss of President Jimmy Carter, an advocate for peace, justice, and human dignity, who shared a profound connection with the Rothko Chapel. In 1986, President Carter joined Dominique de Menil to establish The Carter-Menil Human Rights Prize, a visionary initiative reflecting their shared commitment to fostering global peace and justice. Between 1986 and 1994, they awarded a $100,000 prize to individuals and organizations who courageously risked their lives to oppose human rights abuses.
Through this work, President Carter amplified the voices of the oppressed and brought critical attention to injustices that might otherwise have been overlooked.
President Carter’s connection to the Rothko Chapel was rooted in shared values of human rights and universal dignity, making it a fitting backdrop for many of his efforts to advance justice and peace.
As we reflect on his extraordinary life, we are reminded of his profound words:
"Human rights is the soul of our foreign policy, because human rights is the very soul of our sense of nationhood."
President Carter's light will continue to guide our mission to foster dialogue, contemplation, and action for justice and peace. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all who were touched by his remarkable life and legacy.
Pictured: Dominique de Menil and Jimmy Carter sharing their vision for justice and peace on stage at the Rothko Chapel.
