I also just read NC AG Jeff Jackson’s brief story about Hunt’s influence on him. Thank you for sharing this history. It’s useful for us to remember that many good people carry on the work in ways many don’t know about but are really important. Onward.
A very fitting tribute to a wonderful man who had a great deal of influence on public education in The Old North State. Republicans should have learned the lessons he taught
I remember how, during the Gov Hunt years, NC was touted as "The State of the Arts". It wasn't just education that was part of his agenda, but a broad base of what educating young people could be, giving opportunities to young people with an interest and talent for the performing and graphic arts or letters.
The one image that's always stuck in my mind about Jim Hunt was, back in the 70s when I was a kid, seeing an essay by him in some publication promoting a learning opportunity for young farm people - perhaps it was the 4H. Included in the piece was a snapshot, taken when he was a young man, with a prize cow from his family farm. There was something about how down to earth and proud he looked in that photo that always stuck with me - he came from a background in rural NC that was familiar to me.
I found that photo today, used in a piece on Hunt at the NCSU Libraries website:
Hunt seems to be the last of the generation of NC leaders that represented FDR-Truman style liberalism that would strike a balance between industry and labor or between company and consumer, while finding common ground for the state to play a role in the strengthening the basic infrastructure of education, healthcare, social welfare, and opportunity for everyone.
Since WWII, Sam Ervin and Jesse Helms had more national recognition. But you’re right. No one else fundamentally affected politics and policy more than Gov. Hunt.
He was amazing and influenced so many of us. I met him when i moved to NC in 2003 and I still remember the day he had the Smart Start Partnership EDs to the Governor's Mansion. It's where I learned my passion for early childhood services. May he rest in peace.
Jim Hunt was the best friend of public school teachers in the history of North Carolina.
I also just read NC AG Jeff Jackson’s brief story about Hunt’s influence on him. Thank you for sharing this history. It’s useful for us to remember that many good people carry on the work in ways many don’t know about but are really important. Onward.
Thank you, Thomas. Jim Hunt has been one of my great heroes for most of my life. I so appreciate your tribute to him.
May his memory be a blessing.
Terry Sanford, Jim Hunt 1& 2, Roy Cooper
Three governors during my lifetime that I believe represented North Carolina and its people at our best.
A very fitting tribute to a wonderful man who had a great deal of influence on public education in The Old North State. Republicans should have learned the lessons he taught
I remember how, during the Gov Hunt years, NC was touted as "The State of the Arts". It wasn't just education that was part of his agenda, but a broad base of what educating young people could be, giving opportunities to young people with an interest and talent for the performing and graphic arts or letters.
The one image that's always stuck in my mind about Jim Hunt was, back in the 70s when I was a kid, seeing an essay by him in some publication promoting a learning opportunity for young farm people - perhaps it was the 4H. Included in the piece was a snapshot, taken when he was a young man, with a prize cow from his family farm. There was something about how down to earth and proud he looked in that photo that always stuck with me - he came from a background in rural NC that was familiar to me.
I found that photo today, used in a piece on Hunt at the NCSU Libraries website:
https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/hunt-legacy-of-leadership/
Hunt seems to be the last of the generation of NC leaders that represented FDR-Truman style liberalism that would strike a balance between industry and labor or between company and consumer, while finding common ground for the state to play a role in the strengthening the basic infrastructure of education, healthcare, social welfare, and opportunity for everyone.
Since WWII, Sam Ervin and Jesse Helms had more national recognition. But you’re right. No one else fundamentally affected politics and policy more than Gov. Hunt.
Completely agree
He was amazing and influenced so many of us. I met him when i moved to NC in 2003 and I still remember the day he had the Smart Start Partnership EDs to the Governor's Mansion. It's where I learned my passion for early childhood services. May he rest in peace.