Sara Lou Harris Carter

Sara Lou Harris Carter (July 4, 1923 – December 16, 2016) was a pioneering African-American model who also became known as an entertainer, educator and humanitarian.

She married lawyer and politician John Carter of Guyana and was known as Lady Sara Lou Carter after he was knighted in 1966.

Carter traveled extensively with her husband, living in capitals such as Washington, DC; London, and Beijing, while also serving at related cities in Europe and the Far East, while he served as ambassador and high commissioner for Guyana in a variety of postings. They retired to Washington, DC in 1983.

Early life and education She was born Sara Lou Harris in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, on July 4, 1923. Her father James was a house painter and her mother Esther worked in a cotton mill.

She continued graduate studies, earning a master's degree at Columbia University in New York. While at Columbia, she supported herself by working as a model, actress, and dancer. This included work for radio and television. She was one of the first twelve models of the Branford Agency, the first to feature African-American models. She also performed as a singer and dancer with major orchestras of the time, and in films.

Carter continued to be influential in supporting education and also became a philanthropist.

Sara Lou Carter traveled with her husband when he was appointed high commissioner to the United Kingdom in 1970, as well as being accredited to France, West Germany, the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia. When Guyana joined the non-aligned nations, Sir John Carter was posted to China, and accredited also to Japan and North Korea. She was survived by three children: Robin (Carter) Marston, John Carter, Jr. and Brian Carter; and several grandchildren, cousins and close friends.

Legacy In 2019 Carter was inducted into the Wilkes County Hall of Fame in North Carolina, recognized for her international career and philanthropy.