Reflections: Jeremy C. Carter

I went to Memphis today to participate in the homegoing service of one of my mentees, Jeremy Carter. Jeremy was only 37 years old, and his death was a shock to many. But the church today was standing room only, and there was lots of praise and worship (just the way he would have had it).

I was asked to give some reflections. The pastor emphasized “two minutes” (they didn’t tell me), so I condensed my remarks- I probably could have read them all because I think I timed it around 4 minutes. But here is my reflection on the life and witness of Jeremy.

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In sports, when a franchise is in need of a reorganization to position it for success, you will see three things happen: a new general manager, a new head coach, and a franchise pick.

In 2004, the board of trustees at Philander Smith College, the owners, had that opportunity. They brought in a 37-year-old president, the general manager. He saw a need for a renaissance, the development of a strong campus culture, and he selected a chaplain to be that head coach.

And in the fall of 2005, they held their first draft. There were a number of blue-chip draft picks- Tariq, Cherelle Lee, Arthur, Brittany, Racquel, and Debrisha to new a few. But they also had a franchise pick, hailing from Memphis Tennessee.

Jeremy C. Carter.

I watched the service yesterday at Philander Smith and listened to the stories of how this franchise pick helped to create a winning culture at PSC. Through worship, through his work, and his witness, Jeremy’s head coach, Rev. Ronnie Miller Yow accurately described his impact on the franchise.

Just like we’ve seen rookie quarterbacks like Jaden Daniels, Jeremy was able to gain the respect of upperclassmen when he was drafted in 2005. The tribute by Moya Edwards yesterday, who was Miss PSC during his freshman year, proves my point.

I chuckled when the interim president said Jeremy gave him a hard time and told him just about every day, “You may be The president, Walter Kimbrough was my president.”

I was the GM, but in real life Jeremy was one of my non-biological kids and a mentee. I have been reminded countless times this week how much he looked up to me. It is a reminder to all of us that while you never know who is looking at you, you may not know how important you are for people you KNOW are looking at you.

And I admired him greatly. His maturity. His dependability. His commitment. Jeremy rode with Rev Yow 6 hours this summer to attend my daughter’s high school graduation. They both went to dinner with us that night, proof that this wasn’t merely 3 men connected because we were all part of the Philander franchise; it shows that we were truly a family.

Jeremy graduated, went to grad school, even worked for me at Dillard University in New Orleans before returning to Philander. But now he was the wise veteran presence in the locker room. He was there to guide the rookies as they began their college journey. And just like LeBron James, who at almost 40 put up a triple double last night, Jeremy was still directing choirs and ensembles, planning events, and filling whatever role was needed.

Jeremy was a perennial all-star, and he helped transform the franchise. The only way my idea of a renaissance happened was because I had the right coach, and we drafted the right players.

Jeremy however embodied the renaissance. As new draftees arrived, like Carmela, Shiloh, Veneta, Chanel and Chris, they could see what I meant, because they saw Jeremy.

But today we find ourselves in an uncomfortable situation because we are in homecoming season. Across the nation, alumni and friends head back to places where they began growing up. They catch up on life, lie about the things they used to do, and have moments to rekindle connections with friends not seen in years.

This weekend is homecoming at Philander Smith. Jeremy first saw this event 19 years ago and found himself there just about every year. But this year as they gathered, we find ourselves here…

… celebrating his home GOING.

It’s a space for those of us who remain on this earth to remember the good times, tell some lies, and connect with friends and family who share the same grief.

But let me give you some comfort. While on this side we are at a home going service, on the other side Jeremy is at homecoming. He is with the ancestors now. And he is with the Father.

The Negro spiritual says it best:

Soon-a will be done-a with the troubles of the world,
Troubles of the world,
The troubles of the world.
Soon-a will be done-a with the troubles of the world.
Goin’ home to live with God.

The first verses says, “No more weeping and wailing.”

And the final verse proclaims, “I want to meet my Jesus!”

Goin’ home to live with God.

Happy homecoming Jeremy. Happy homecoming.