MERIDIAN, MISS. (Queen City Newsfeed) – Meridian, Mississippi, is recognized as one of the Top 20 Most UPlifting Cities in the United States, according to a press release from UP Entertainment on October 16. The list highlights cities that embody generosity, optimism, friendliness, volunteerism, and spirituality.
UP Entertainment, a leader in uplifting entertainment across various platforms, collaborated with MRI-Simmons to compile this inaugural list, utilizing the 2023 Fall Local Flex MRI Simmons data. The study focused on small to medium-sized cities across the country with residents who demonstrate a high degree of uplifting qualities.
The selected cities are categorized by region:
- South: Greenwood, Mississippi; Monroe, Louisiana; Meridian, Mississippi; Macon, Georgia; and Albany, Georgia.
- Midwest: Joplin, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Topeka, Kansas; and Flint, Michigan.
- Northeast: Buffalo, New York; Erie, Pennsylvania; Presque Isle, Maine; Providence, Rhode Island; and Hartford, Connecticut.
- West: Albuquerque, New Mexico; Eureka, California; Great Falls, Montana; Yuma, Arizona; and Chico, California.
The evaluation was based on the percentage of residents who identify as optimistic, spiritual, willing to volunteer, and generally friendly and generous.
Highlights of UPlifting Cities
Meridian, known for its vibrant community spirit, hosts several annual events, including the Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival—the longest-running music festival in the U.S.—the State Games of Mississippi, and the Soule’ Steam Festival, which celebrates American workers’ contributions during the Industrial Revolution.
Macon, Georgia, features the Otis Redding Foundation and Center for the Arts, which empowers youth through music and arts programs, alongside a tree planting initiative to revitalize the Martin Luther King corridor.
In Flint, Michigan, the community unites for 810 Day on August 10, celebrating local culture with events such as fashion shows and concerts. The Flint SPARKS program encourages volunteerism among residents of all ages, supporting various community events.
Erie, Pennsylvania, hosts the Keystone Nonprofit Conference, which offers networking and learning opportunities for nonprofit professionals, reflecting the sector’s significant impact on the local workforce. The city also launched Erie’s Black Wall Street initiative to promote Black excellence and community connection.
To mark its 20th anniversary on October 30, UP Entertainment has declared this date as National UPlift Someone Day, reinforcing its commitment to uplifting communities. More information is available at www.UPliftSomeone.com.
