Meridian High School recent graduate Taleah Anderson lauded the efforts of The Carter Foundation Friday, saying the nonprofit and its founders have helped her gain confidence and develop leadership skills.

“It has benefited me by making me more confident in myself and helping me to come out of my shell,” Anderson said of the foundation, which she became involved in three years ago.

She also has liked being able to be a mentor to younger students through the foundation’s work.

“I like to help out children, so just being able to be a positive impact on the kids and the community has been great,” said Anderson, who plans to attend Mississippi College in the fall, where she will be a member of the women’s basketball team.

The Carter Foundation was founded in 2014 by James Carter, a Meridian native, and his wife, Misty Carter.

The foundation, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this weekend, aims to educate, motivate and elevate children in the community in hopes of inspiring them to reach their full potential. It has provided academic tutoring, mentorships, character building opportunities, career readiness, entrepreneur workshops, sports and recreation, physical fitness and teamwork activities to hundreds of students throughout east Mississippi and west Alabama.

“We are celebrating 10 years,” James Carter announced during a news conference held Friday at city hall.

He said it is rewarding to see all of the hard work put in by The Carter Foundation staff over the past 10 years come to fruition, especially with the seniors graduating and the growing number of younger children who want to be involved.

Meridian Mayor Jimmie Smith was on hand to present Carter with a proclamation from the city, recognizing the foundation’s 10th anniversary. City council members Dwayne Davis and Romande Walker also were present and gave brief remarks recognizing Carter for the work he is doing with area youth.

“I thank God for men and women that are like the Carters, that reach out to push others and help our children and young people and get them off the streets,” Walker said. “When you see the evidence of what (the foundation’s) doing, that speaks volumes.”

Joining Anderson in being recognized at the news conference as this year’s scholarship recipients from The Carter Foundation were Shacobe Rush, a 2024 Meridian High graduate, and Jermyia Jackson, a graduate of Northeast Lauderdale High School.

Rush credited Carter and the foundation’s activities with helping him to become less shy and more outgoing and willing to stand up in front of others and speak.

“It opened me up to be comfortable and get in front of people and talk,” said Rush, who plans to attend East Mississippi Community College to become a funeral services director.

Activities planned for The Carter Foundation’s 10th anniversary include a celebration from 2-5 p.m. Saturday at the foundation office, located at 2415 Eighth Street in downtown Meridian. There will be music, water slides, games, barbecue plates and more, as well as the official presentation of the scholarships to the three recipients, Carter said.

He said he planned the foundation’s anniversary celebration to coincide with this weekend’s Juneteenth Heritage Festival so the two events could piggyback off each other. He said the inflatables and games from Saturday afternoon’s anniversary celebration will remain up that night during the Juneteenth festival concert to give younger attendees a place to play.

On Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at Velma Young Park on 24th Street, the foundation will hold its annual “Stop the Violence” 3v3 youth basketball tournament for ages 9-11, 12-14, 15-17 and 18 and up. Bounce houses, concessions, games and entertainment will also be available.

Carter encouraged Meridian residents to come out for the anniversary celebration and see what The Carter Foundation is all about. Events for both days are open to the public and free for anyone to attend or participate.