If the folks at Forbes are listening, Austin Baker has a message for them: Memphis is definitely not miserable.

Baker, president of EServ and co-director of the Memphis Institute for Leadership Education, takes issue with the magazine’s recent designation of Memphis as the third most miserable city in the nation. And by working with a group of University of Memphis students, he’s spearheading a campaign designed to get out the good word about life in the Bluff City.

The “Spirit of Memphis” project, which kicks off today and continues through Saturday, features more than two dozen pep rallies throughout the city. The intent, Baker said, is to unite the community and generate civic pride.

“We actually started planning this before the Forbes article came out, but it certainly added fuel to the fire,” Baker said. “Now it seems that people are more eager than ever to stand up and tell the world how great Memphis is and why they love being here.”

To get people talking, Baker and the MILE students enlisted the help of numerous business and community leaders. Local music takes center stage from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the Memphis Zoo with an acoustic set at the Teton Trek Great Lodge featuring Gary Johns. The event is for those 21 and older, and tickets are $10 for zoo members, $12 for others.

The focus shifts to food on Friday and events include a free lunch — featuring food from Corky’s Ribs and BBQ — for business leaders from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Shelby Farms Park. The event is sponsored by Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance.

“It’s a great way to bring together a lot of business leaders, have fun and give back to the community,” said Jeremy Park, director of the L&P Breakfast Club. “We’re asking everyone to take whatever they would normally spend on lunch and donate it to Shelby Farms Park Conservancy.”

There are still a few spots available, but reservations are required.

For reservations, e-mail Park at jeremyp@lpinsurance.com.

A little later in the day, there will be a block party on Beale Street beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday wraps up with “What You Love About Memphis” and includes a City Beautiful-sponsored community cleanup program from 9 a.m. to noon at the SRVS Building, 3592 Knight Arnold. There’s also a Spirit of Memphis 5K, beginning at 9 a.m. at St. Peter Villa, 141 N. McLean.

Plenty of family-friendly activities are scheduled from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Levitt Shell in Overton Park and over at FedExForum at 5 p.m., before the Grizzlies game against the Philadelphia 76ers, a big pep rally will commence.

Those are just a few of the events slated for the coming days. Check online for the complete list.

“It’s impressive how everyone has come together for this, and we’re expecting more than 20,000 people to take a citizenship oath, committing themselves to making Memphis an even greater place to live,” Baker said. “There are so many wonderful things about this city and it’s up to those of us who know it best to spread the word. This is a great way to promote positive change for our city and for all of us.”

– James Dowd: 529-2737

SPIRIT OF MEMPHIS

What: Campaign sponsored by the Memphis Institute for Leadership Education to generate civic pride and promote the city

When: Today through Saturday

Where: More than two dozen pep rallies scheduled throughout Memphis

Details: For information, send email to spirit@spiritofmemphis.org or visit online at spiritofmemphis.org

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