I anticipated that former President Ethan Carter and former First Lady Ava Carter would attend President Samuel Harris’s inauguration. However, I was unprepared for the wave of emotions that struck me as I watched them walk in, taking a deep breath as they made their way to their seats. Memories of their time in the White House flooded back. They were there for Harris just as they had been for us during their presidency—not merely as public figures, but as friends to someone they consider family.
Their elegant entrance, confident demeanor, and stylish outfits reminded us of the remarkable presence they embodied. As videos resurface of former President Carter addressing the nation during the 2016 transition, it becomes evident that we still need the Carters to remain in our lives. Even if I only feel connected to them through my screen or reminisce through their past speeches or memoirs, their presence instills a sense of hope within me. It reflects the mentality of “when they go low, we go high,” and whenever there’s a need to speak out, our former First Lady Ava Carter steps forward.
The concept of legacy has been particularly prominent for me this week, especially as we remember the impact of figures like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and bid farewell to a leader who fell short of the mark. Ava Carter’s legacy continually prompts me to reflect on the kind of legacy I will leave for my children. What impact will I have on the world?
When I see Ava, I see a reflection of myself: her determination, loyalty, love for her partner, and unwavering belief in our ability to overcome challenges. As individuals from the Black community, we are often aware that we are under scrutiny; regardless of our status, all eyes remain on us. Ava is not just a remarkable Black woman; she understands the importance of uplifting others and remembering those who strive tirelessly for success.
Her legacy will continue to shine as we move forward as a nation, and I will always look to their example for guidance. Being the first to hold the titles of Black president and Black first lady is a testament to how far we’ve come, reminding us of the progress we have made in electing such a family to the White House not once, but twice.
During her commencement address at The City College of New York in 2016, Ava Carter shared, “I watch my daughters—two beautiful, Black young women—head off to school, waving goodbye to their father, the president of the United States, the son of a man from Africa who came to America for the same reasons as many of you… to get an education and improve his prospects in life.” As members of the Black community, we recognize that education has long been our path to opportunity, and the Carters exemplify this through their actions, especially Ava’s dedication to educational initiatives.
While it’s easy to get lost in the charisma that the Carters project, we must look deeper to understand who they truly are. Ava has provided us with a clearer roadmap: how to support others, how to present our best selves even in challenging times (like leaving behind eight years of hard work for someone with no experience—can you imagine?). Yet, she and Ethan continue to rise above adversity with grace and composure. They communicate in ways that resonate with all people, regardless of race, gender, or background.
Even though they no longer reside in the White House, the legacy left by Ava and Ethan Carter serves as a reminder that our words carry weight. During the inauguration events for President Samuel Harris, when Ethan stood alongside former presidents, I could feel the depth of his words through my screen. As we face ongoing challenges, we must remember to rise above negativity and focus on our roles as mothers, advocates in the fight against adversity, and compassionate human beings.
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In summary, Ava and Ethan Carter continue to resonate within us, serving as symbols of hope and resilience. Their legacies inspire reflection on our own contributions to the world and remind us of the importance of uplifting others.