by Writing by Design Media, Inc. Staff
On May 19, The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) - Region 12, is hosting a Memphis Mingle at Belltower Coffee House located at 525 S. Highland near the University of Memphis campus from 5PM - 8PM.
Jennifer Ellis, Region 12 coordinator for Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana provides leadership for working journalism professionals and student journalists who want to build on their journalism knowledge, connections and community involvement.
"Nobody understands the work of a journalist better than other journalists. One of the best things about the Society of Professional Journalists is the opportunities it provides to connect with fellow journalists. We're excited to get Memphis-area journalists together for this introductory mingle and look forward to establishing a local chapter that can help bring additional opportunities to journalists in the 901," said Ellis.
"SPJ was founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry through the daily work of its roughly 6,000 members; works to inspire and educate current and future journalists through professional development; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press through its advocacy efforts," to according to the website.
The venue is Belltower Coffee House which is located on the Highland Strip near the University of Memphis campus. The co-owners are Christopher Galbreath and Micah Dempsey. They graduated from the University of Memphis.
Galbreath and Dempsey started the business while attending college. It was a coffee house and pottery studio, now it has evolved into a coffee house, studio and restaurant.
“Here at Belltower we want to provide a warm and welcoming space for our community. Our goal is to do anything we can to make each group that passes through here feel special. Our time at and proximity to the University of Memphis has given us a chance to focus especially on our student population. For all guests, students or otherwise, we want to provide a friendly, welcoming and productive space to work from,” said Galbreath.
To learn more about SPJ, send email to memphisSPJ901@gmail.com.
