YOU WERE “MINT” TO BE HERE: A Reflection on the Three Presidential Appointments of the Honorable Shallie M. Bey on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter at 100 Years Old

YOU WERE “MINT” TO BE HERE: A Reflection on the Three Presidential Appointments of the Honorable Shallie M. Bey on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter at 100 Years Old.




The news of former President Jimmy Carter’s passing at the age of 100 has led to global reflections on his unparalleled legacy of compassion, service, and justice. One person profoundly touched by Carter’s leadership is Shallie M. Bey, a retired Fort Worth businessman and coach, who shared how three Presidential appointments, two under Carter and one under President Gerald Ford, shaped his career and defined his place in American history.


A Legacy Begins: Gerald Ford’s Bicentennial Appointment


In 1976, at the age of 26, Shallie M. Bey received his first Presidential appointment from President Gerald Ford. Ford selected Bey to serve as Chairman of the Bicentennial Black Heritage Focus in Philadelphia, a role created as part of the federal government’s effort to officially recognize Black History Month during the nation’s Bicentennial celebrations.


At the time, Bey worked for Sun Oil Company in a venture capital subsidiary that was a federally licensed Minority Enterprise Small Business Investment Company (MESBIC). A group of Black Republican leaders in Philadelphia suggested Bey’s name, impressed by his professional credentials and potential. Ford agreed, entrusting Bey with the monumental task of leading Philadelphia’s Bicentennial event, the focal point of the national celebrations.


Reflecting on the experience, Bey remarked, “It was an incredible honor to help bring attention to the rich contributions of Black Americans during such a historic moment. President Ford’s decision to recognize Black History Month on such a national stage was a critical step forward.”


Breaking Barriers at the Mint


Three years later, in 1979, President Jimmy Carter appointed Shallie M. Bey as the first Black and youngest Superintendent of the United States Mint. At just 29 years old, Bey took on this groundbreaking role, making history once again.


The opportunity came about in an unexpected way. Carter’s administration had sent a recruiter to Philadelphia to identify candidates to lead the Mint. Initially, Bey’s name wasn’t considered. However, when the recruiter asked, “Do you know of a minority candidate we should also consider?” nearly every prominent White business leader in Philadelphia mentioned Bey.


These endorsements stemmed from Bey’s stellar leadership during the Ford-appointed Bicentennial event. The recruiter was intrigued, and after meeting Bey, quickly pushed his name to the top of the list. Carter’s decision to appoint Bey to such a pivotal role reflected his commitment to diversity, progress, and breaking down racial barriers.


“It was an opportunity that changed my


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

NOT GUILTY IN TARRANT COUNTY! Joseph Delancy Stands Victorious with His Grandmother by His Side. Pastor Kyev Tatum, Sr.

Image
NOT GUILTY IN TARRANT COUNTY! Joseph Delancy Stands Victorious with His Grandmother by His Side. Pastor Kyev Tatum, Sr.  https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/crime/article301585229.html FORT WORTH, TEXAS - When the words “Not Guilty” rang through the courtroom, Shonette “Mama Shon” Hill felt the weight of the world lift from her shoulders. Her grandson, Joseph Delancy, had endured an unimaginable trial—accused of a crime he did not commit, fighting against a system determined to make him a scapegoat. But through it all, Mama Shon stood firm, unwavering in her belief in Joseph’s innocence. With the love only a grandmother can give, she had been his rock, his shield, his fiercest defender. When others turned away, she remained. When doubt crept in, she stood taller. And when the verdict came, she held Joseph close—her faith and love carrying him through the storm. This was not just a victory for Joseph. It was a testament to a grandmother’s unbreakable love. A FIGHT FOR JUSTICE, ...
Read more

Aunt Liz the Angel: A Champion for the Six Triple Eight. By Pastor Kyev Tatum, Texas 6888th Project.

Image
Aunt Liz the Angel: A Champion for the Six Triple Eight. By Pastor Kyev Tatum, Founding Director, Texas 6888th Project. WASHINGTON, D.C. – On April 29, 2025, inside Emancipation Hall beneath the sacred shadow of the Capitol dome, the soul of America was stirred as our nation finally paused to say “thank you” to the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. That day, wrapped in dignity and destiny, the Congressional Gold Medal was placed upon their legacy. And standing at the center of this divine moment, like a hidden angel sent for such a time as this, was none other than Retired Master Sergeant Elizabeth Anne Helm-Frazier—known across our community, and to the cast of the Tyler Perry film, simply and lovingly as Aunt Liz. Let me say it plain: Aunt Liz is God’s gift to the memory of the Six Triple Eight. When the final living members of the battalion took her in, they said something Master Sgt. never forget: “Liz can’t do no wrong in our book.” And I declare today—neithe...
Read more

JUST A LITTLE RESPECT WHEN WE GET HOME: President and Mrs. George W. Bush Celebrate the Heroic Legacy of the 6888th.

Image
JUST A LITTLE RESPECT WHEN WE GET HOME: President and Mrs. George W. Bush Celebrate the Heroic Legacy of the 6888th:  https://www.youtube.com/live/ggYiNQ4b45g?si=avtQ8wO8Q2HCpIyb #RealRespect DALLAS, TEXAS - On February 12, 2025, the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, hosted an extraordinary event honoring the trailblazing women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, affectionately known as the “Six Triple Eight.” This all-Black, all-female unit of the Women’s Army Corps made history during World War II by clearing a staggering 17 million-piece mail backlog in Europe, ensuring that American service members received their much-needed letters from home. Their dedication and efficiency not only boosted troop morale but also shattered racial and gender barriers of their time. In recognition of their extraordinary service, the battalion was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022, the highest civilian ho...
Read more