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In November, Dayton hosted a celebration of words, wisdom, and the enduring pursuit of peace at the 2024 Dayton Literary Peace Prize Awards. This annual event, which honors authors and works that use literature to foster peace and understanding, recognized an especially distinguished honoree this year: President Jimmy Carter.

President Carter, a tireless advocate for peace and humanitarian causes, was named the recipient of the Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award. This prestigious honor is reserved for individuals whose lifetime contributions—in literature and beyond—have profoundly promoted the values of peace and diplomacy. Over his remarkable life, President Carter has authored more than 30 books, ranging from memoirs to reflections on faith, politics, and global justice. Each page has carried his deep commitment to building bridges between people.

While President Carter could not attend in person, his grandson, Jason Carter, made the trip to Dayton to accept the award on his behalf. The ceremony held special significance for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton, whose staff were honored to be in attendance and recognized prior to the panel discussions. Habitat has been an integral part of President Carter’s legacy, as he and his wife Rosalynn have been some of the organization’s most dedicated and visible champions for over four decades. Jason Carter shared reflections on his grandfather’s passion for Habitat’s mission, noting that being on Habitat build sites has always been one of President Carter’s greatest joys.

The Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation, inspired by the 1995 Dayton Peace Accords that ended the Bosnian War, celebrates the transformative power of literature to heal, unite, and inspire change. It remains the only international literary peace prize awarded in the United States, drawing acclaimed authors, thought leaders, and peace advocates from around the world.

This year’s awards program featured engaging panel discussions with other celebrated honorees, including Anne Berest, Victor Luckerson, and Tania Branigan, each recognized for their impactful literary works. The conversations explored the stories behind their writing, the inspirations they draw from, and their aspirations for future projects. Attendees were treated to insightful perspectives on how storytelling can illuminate shared humanity and bridge divides.

For Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton’s team, the experience was a meaningful blend of inspiration and celebration. Meeting President Carter’s grandson was a special moment, as it offered a personal connection to a man whose legacy has shaped so many lives. From his work with Habitat to his leadership on the world stage, President Carter’s dedication to building peace—both literal and literary—continues to resonate powerfully.

As the evening closed, it was clear that President Carter’s recognition was more than an award—it was a testament to the power of words and actions to create a more peaceful world.