Atlanta

President Jimmy Carter discusses race relations at summit in Atlanta

ATLANTA — A former president is speaking out about race relations in America and what can be done to try to ease them.

President Jimmy Carter spoke at the New Baptist Covenant Summit at the Hilton Inn in downtown Atlanta Thursday.

The goal of the conference was to help bridge the divide among Americans.

Carter spoke for about 30 minutes, discussing race relations, religion and the 2016 presidential election.

He spoke before a packed room inside the hotel just before 12 p.m.

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He told the audience he felt compelled to address some of the racial tension he said is growing in the nation. At one point, he said we are seeing a resurgence of racism in the country.

He talked about the role of the church and how it could help spark some much needed conversation.

He also spoke about the emotions and circumstances surrounding the election.

"We look on this campaign with degree of embarrassment, because the truth is not always told, and we don't know what to expect when the election is over," Carter said.

He also shared what he thinks can be done to unify people across the nation.