Celebrate HBCUs at this Magic City Breakfast, Oct. 24

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October is Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) Month, and the Birmingham Business Alliance is celebrating with its annual Magic City HBCU Breakfast on Thursday, October 24.

Read on to learn why this event is important to our local and state HBCUs and meet this year’s keynote speaker.

The 2024 HBCU Breakfast in Birmingham

HBCU Month is all about recognizing the invaluable contributions of historically black colleges and universities. 

There are many in Alabama with two being in Birmingham—Lawson State Community College and Miles College. 

The 2024 Birmingham Business Alliance Magic City HBCU Breakfast will focus on the essential collaboration between the business community and HBCUs. 

“By engaging with HBCUs, local businesses gain access to a rich pool of diverse talent, empowering them to advance their DEI objectives and create a more inclusive environment.

These partnerships also play a pivotal role in providing exceptional opportunities for HBCU students to accept and contribute to our region’s economic growth.”

Birmingham Business Alliance

About HBCUs

What are HBCUs and what is their role in Birmingham and the state of Alabama?

HBCUs were founded to provide higher educational opportunities to African Americans that were otherwise not available to them due to segregation. In the 21st Century, HBCUs continue to provide all students with an opportunity to thrive by promoting intellectual achievements, cultural affirmation and economic growth. 

HBCUs are critical to the economy of Alabama, and their graduates are the future of our workforce. By celebrating and creating awareness of the importance of funding HBCUs, the BBA hopes to strengthen the talent pipeline in Birmingham for decades to come.”

Steve Ammons, CEO + President, Birmingham Business Alliance

According to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), HBCUs create significant economic contributions and play a vital role as economic drivers in Birmingham, Alabama and the country. 

“Alabama is home to the most HBCUs of any state in the country, and it is fitting that we acknowledge the contributions of those institutions during the largest HBCU Classic, the Magic City Classic.

UNCF is proud to partner with the Birmingham Business Alliance to help students get to and through school and we are particularly thrilled to celebrate Birmingham’s most festive week by providing more opportunities for scholars.”

Casi Ferguson, Director, UNCF Alabama

The most recent findings show they create:

• $1.4B in total economic impact
• 13,434 in jobs (total employment impact)
• $15.7B in total lifetime earnings for graduates

There are currently 14 HBCUs in Alabama—the most in any state. They include:

• Alabama A&M University
• Alabama State University
• Bishop State Community College
• Gadsden State Community College
• Lawson State Community College
• Miles College
• J.F. Drake State Community College
• Oakwood University
• Selma University
• Shelton State Community College
• Stillman College
• Talladega College
• Trenholm State Community College
• Tuskegee University

Know before you go

• What: The 2024 Birmingham Business Alliance Magic City HBCU Breakfast
• When: Thursday, October 24 | 7:30-9AM
• Where: The Harbert Center, 2019 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Cost: Birmingham Business Alliance Investors $55 | General Admission $75
• Tickets

Meet Keynote Speaker Lodriguez Murray

This year’s event will feature Keynote Speaker Lodriguez Murray—United Negro College Fund’s Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs. 

Murray is a first-generation high school and college graduate. He received a UNCF Scholarship while attending Morehouse College, an HBCU in Atlanta, Georgia and one of the nation’s only historically black private liberal arts colleges for men. 

During his career, he’s built an impressive portfolio of accolades, including:

• Receiving the Congressional Black Caucus “40 Under 40” award in healthcare
• Being named one of Washingtonian Magazine’s “Most Influential People” (education) in 2021
• Receiving a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, from UNCF-member institution Talladega College

Murray’s also been an advocate for higher education with a focus on federal policy. His support has been instrumental in securing significant funding and legislative support for HBCU’s and their students. 

Are you ready to honor our local and state HBCUs? Get your tickets now to the 2024 Birmingham Business Alliance Magic City HBCU Breakfast on October 24.

The BBA thanks this event’s gracious sponsors, including Spire, Renasant Bank, Motion Industries, ProAssurance, RxBenefits, Synovus, Evonik, Coca-Cola United Bottling Company, AmFirst, Alabama Power, Enterprise Mobility, Junior League of Birmingham, and WVTM NBC 13.

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