Gilbert Barnes Carter III
Founder at The First Year Foundation Incorporated
About
Gilbert Barnes Carter III is a Memphis-based author, community organizer, emerging farmer, gardener, and social justice advocate. His began his justice advocacy and organizing by serving on the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Board (FIMR) in 2005. He founded The First Year Foundation Incorporated (First Year) in 2011. He spearheaded efforts to dramatically reduce fetal and infant mortality rates in Memphis and Shelby County. He has completed business administration coursework at Lane College and The LeMoyne-Owen College.
His commitment is evident in his involvement during significant direct actions and social justice campaigns such as - but not limited to - assisting the residents of the Greenlaw community in preventing the Memphis Police Department from occupying the Greenlaw Community Center and standing for and with Teamsters Local 667 sanitation workers during their strike against Republic Services to receive earned employee safety bonuses and improved working conditions at the South Shelby landfill in 2023.
He is a leader who centers his work in historical context by reflecting on the sacrifices of his ancestors, stating, "I am EVERY bit of MY ANCESTORS." His writing on JustMy Memphis is an embodiment of that spirit, as he weaves together personal reflections with resident-driven initiatives.
