FEATURE
10James L . Carter , Founder
The Carter Foundation
Things You Don ’ t Know About Me
James Carter , a Meridian native , has served as Executive Director of the Carter Foundation since May 2014 . He also is the founder and owner of Carter World Wide Promotions , a party , and event entertainment company .
Carter pulled from his passion for the community and life experiences and launched The Carter Foundation . The Carter Foundation ’ s direct mission is to inspire the youth and bring unity to the community . Carter ’ s wife , Misty , is the owner of Carter Cuts and Customs , and she serves as Director of the Sisterhood Mentoring Program , an affiliate of The Carter Foundation . Together they have two sons , Jameion and Jamaj Carter .
Carter was an account executive for Mississippi Broadcasters ; he worked diligently in that position for two years . Throughout adulthood , other jobs held included Structural Steel , Avery Dennison , and various job titles with Lala Enterprises . In addition , Carter traveled to schools , churches , community centers , and correctional facilities around portions of Mississippi , Georgia and Tennessee to serve as a mentor and motivational speaker to youth and community members alike .
Carter has served in numerous roles for community organizations , including Vice President of The Mississippi Action For Progress and Vice President of The Wesley House Community . In addition , he has partnerships with Loves Kitchen , Meridian Housing Authority , and Multi-County Community Service Agency . Carter has been presented with numerous accolades , including the Top 20 Under 40 awards as one of Meridian ’ s emerging leaders and “ movers and shakers .” In addition , he was awarded Meridian Public school Parent of the Year , NAACP Entrepreneur Award , and named Outstanding Business and Marketing Management Technology Student at Meridian Community College .
Carter has a deep love for the community of Meridian . He especially enjoys the networking opportunities and hospitality Meridian offers . Lastly , he focuses on the now and investing in the future . He devotes himself to activities that promote good health ; he enjoys exercising and watching horror movies with his family . Here are some facts you might not know about James Carter :
1 . My grandfather was a deacon at church . I used to love to give speeches during church programs . He would always tell me that one day I would speak on big stages .
2 . Im a huge Michael Jackson fan . I had the doll , red leather jacket , and the shiny glove . I literally cried when his hair caught on fire . ( I was like 5 years old )
3 . My father was a big wrestling fan . He introduced it to my brother and I am still a fan of it to this very day . I take my family and friends to live shows .
4 . I love rock and roll and funk music . My favorite groups and artists are Prince , Rick James , Tina Turner , Aero Smith , Bon
Jovi , Queen and The Gap Band . 5 . When I have mental blocks i go to the Bonita Lakes trail and sit by the water to meditate and to regroup . 7 . I go sit with my mom every morning and have coffee and prayer . After that I feel like I can execute any challenges that the day brings . 8 . I initially went to college for psychology and switched it to Business Marketing and Management . 9 . I ’ m into home interior decorations . I go to Hobby Lobby , TJMaxx and Ross weekly . I was probably a home interior decorator in my previous life . 10 . I absolutely hate driving . I experience anxiety when I have to drive anywhere that takes over an hour . M
40 • MERIDIAN HOME & STYLE