The Carters and the Kings formed an alliance for race relations though Jimmy and Martin never met

Coretta Scott King, widow of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., speaks at an unveiling of a portrait of King by artist George Mandus, Feb. 18, 1974, and dedicated by Gov. Jimmy Carter. It is the first portrait of an African American to be represented in the state's official portrait gallery. (AP Photo/File)

The voice of Martin Luther King Sr., a melodic tenor like his slain son, carried across Madison Square Garden, calming the raucous Democrats who had nominated his friend and fellow Georgian for the presidency.

“Surely, the Lord sent Jimmy Carter to come on out and bring America back where she belongs,” the venerated Black pastor said as the nominee smiled behind him. “I’m with him. You are, too. Let me tell you, we must close ranks now.”

Carter then shared a moment with Coretta Scott King, clasping hands and locking eyes with the widowed first lady of the Civil Rights Movement, their children looking on.