If you were anywhere near the East Memphis Marriot on Friday, you probably felt it. The positivity was infectious and the enthusiasm radiated from the ballroom as the Memphis Institute for Leadership Education (MILE) program kicked off its Spirit of Memphis campaign with a good old-fashioned pep rally.

Students in the MILE program are juniors and seniors at the University of Memphis, but it’s the seniors who have spearheaded this effort, under the direction of Leadership Memphis alumnus Austin Baker. The idea, Baker said, is to turn the city’s “bashers” into ambassadors. To remind the citizens of Memphis that we have a rich, abundant and cultural place to call home. To inspire people to fall in love with the Bluff City all over again.

The main event of the campaign happens in April, as more than 90 Memphis-area businesses will be asked to host events citywide in celebration of three themes over the course of a weekend. On Thursday, April 8, the theme is favorite music; on Friday, April 9, it’s favorite food day; and on Saturday, April 10 it’s what you love about Memphis. The idea is to get your co-workers, family members and friends involved in your neighborhood or your office by hosting your own gatherings and events under the themes. Suggestions for ways to celebrate can be found at SpiritofMemphis.org.

Friday’s rally was the kick-off to the campaign, bringing out leaders from across the city to share what they love about living in Memphis. From events like Memphis in May or Live at the Garden to amenities like the zoo or intangibles like the community spirit, our philanthropic heart or our small-town feel, the list of reasons to love living here seemed endless.

Despite a slight change in schedule – the rally had to be postponed due to our blanket of ice and snow last week – the ballroom was full on Friday, of people and spirit for the movement of positivity growing throughout Memphis. One notable face was missing from the crowd, as Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton was unable to make an appearance at the rally. He did, however, send his thoughts in a letter that Austin Baker shared with the attendees. Wharton’s closing comment resonated: Let’s make the pep rally for Memphis a year-round event.

Tags | Mayor A.C. Wharton, Memphis, Memphis Botanic Gardens, Memphis in May, Memphis Zoo, MILE, pep rally, Spirit of Memphis