Betty Werlein Carter, a Writer in Her Own Regard

Abstract

During her almost sixty years as a twentieth-century journalist, Betty Werlein Carter received several honors for her role as a civil rights activist and as a civic leader, although few sources have acknowledged her importance as a member of the press. Her career as a writer has been overshadowed by that of her acclaimed husband, Hodding Carter Jr., and her two journalist sons, Hodding, III and Philip. As a communicator, Betty Carter worked as a journalist, public relations practitioner, editor, civil rights advocate, feature and travel writer, hostess to numerous national and international personalities, and newspaper publisher. Yet, she did her most noteworthy work apart from her husband during World War II. This article records several of her journalistic endeavors.