Forbes Article Sparks Memphis Campaign

Memphis, Tn - If we've learned anything since Forbes ranked Memphis third in "America's Most Miserable Cities," it's that the Bluff City doesn't take being pushed around without a fight. Monday, Mayor AC Wharton showed us the letter he sent to Forbes, denouncing the ranking. And today, another public display of protest.

The U of M students from the "Spirit of Memphis" are fighting the third "most miserable ranking" with a very blunt billboard. It says, "we don't read Forbes."

"We thought, kind of tongue and cheek, our best response would be that we don't read Forbes," Austin Baker said.

Baker and his group took on the role of "cheerleader" for the Bluff City. The students are planning a city-wide pep rally in April.

"This is their positive change for the city. They want people to feel better about the city of Memphis," Baker said.

Tuesday night, they explained to city leaders how to host their own rallies. And the Forbes article is actually giving them more spirit.

"We hope that people will not only get a chuckle out of it, but we hope it'll incite people into action," Baker said.

Gwyn Fisher of MPACT Memphis says people are already in action. Just by the looks of the positive feedback on facebook.

MPACT is collecting letters bragging on the Bluff City--which it will mail to the magazine.

"The letters are all just full of the many reasons we love Memphis," Fisher said.

No one is denying the violent crime rate and political corruption here. But Forbes can't deny that we sure do have spirit and a sense of humor.

The billboard runs until the first week of May.