There are rock stars… and then there are rock stars. President Jimmy Carter was the real rock star in the room on April 29, 2016. He was 91 when he said “YES” to We Are Family Foundation’s invitation to honor him with the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Peacemaker Award.
He asked, “How much time do I have for my remarks?” We said 5 minutes and asked if he wanted a countdown clock visible on the stage. He said no.
He spoke for exactly 5 minutes. He was funny, deprecating and in awe of the 13-year-old young man the award was named after, and the work of We Are Family Foundation.
“I’ve known many famous people, kings and queens, great scientists and presidents, prime ministers. I’ve known Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela. But I can tell you without equivocation that the most remarkable human being I have ever known was Mattie Stepanek.” – President Jimmy Carter
Mattie was an inspiration for the work We Are Family Foundation does every day – acknowledging and supporting young leaders who change the world. Thank you, President Carter, for seeing and uplifting young, powerful voices.
We lost a rock star today. Our Family will be forever grateful for President Carter’s friendship, kindness and immeasurable positive impact on the world. We are family.
– Nile Rodgers, Nancy Hunt and the We Are Family Foundation (via Facebook)
