The Carter Town Hall began in 1982 when former U.S. President Jimmy Carter became an Emory University Distinguished Professor. For 38 consecutive years, Carter was the sole keynote speaker, offering his wit and wisdom in response to student questions. Now, the time-honored tradition gives students an opportunity to engage in interactive dialogue with international thought leaders.
“The partnership that has grown between The Carter Center and Emory University, and myself and Emory University, has been one of the highlights of my life.”
President Jimmy Carter, 2015 Carter Town Hall
Carter Town Hall Speakers
2023: Yara Shahidi
Yara Shahidi, breakout star of ABC’s “black-ish” and executive producer and lead of “grown-ish,” was the featured speaker for Emory’s 42nd Carter Town Hall.
2022: Megan Rapinoe
Two-time World Cup soccer champion, Olympic gold medalist and Presidential Medal of Freedom winner Megan Rapinoe delivered the keynote address at the 41st Carter Town Hall.
2021: Ambassador Andrew Young
Andrew Young — civil rights leader, Presidential Medal of Freedom winner, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and Atlanta's second Black mayor — addressed students for the 40th Carter Town Hall.
2020: Jason Carter with a message from President Carter
With health and safety in mind, the 39th annual Carter Town Hall was a virtual event. It featured a recorded conversation between President Carter and his grandson Jason Carter, followed by questions with Jason Carter, who is an attorney, former state senator, and chair of The Carter Center's board of directors.
