With school spirit soaring and tradition at the forefront, the 83rd Magic City Classic celebrations ignited Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center’s East Ballroom with the annual Encompass Health Kick-Off Luncheon, presented by Coca-Cola.

Gathering proud sponsors, alumni, student leaders and community members, the luncheon underscored the unbreakable bond and fierce but friendly rivalry between Alabama State University Hornets and Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU) Bulldogs as they gear up for this iconic football showdown Saturday.

Key sponsors like McDonald’s, Amazon and Alabama Power were honored for their long-standing support. McDonald’s, the event’s title sponsor, celebrated its ninth consecutive year in partnership with the Classic.

Keynote speaker and Alabama Power Vice President Ralph Williams Jr. reflected on his journey at AAMU and praised HBCUs for their sense of unity and resilience.

“An education makes you free, but an HBCU education makes you fearless,” Williams said, emphasizing that Alabama Power recently donated $1.4 million to Alabama HBCUs. He highlighted Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of “brotherhood” in communities, saying, “I think that’s what HBCUs are about, creating brotherhood. We want every community to have all the things, whether it’s technology or economic development projects that bring commerce to campus. We see these things happening around the country, but they should be happening around our college campuses too. I think that we are well on our way to make sure that happens in every way at Alabama A&M and Alabama State. Both institutions have two amazing leaders, but we have some work to do.”

Encompass Health’s National Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leterrica Shelton praised the two universities’ contributions to her company’s success.

“We truly rely on these wonderful institutions who continue to sustain our business as well as our community,” Shelton said. “We always look forward to that partnership, and we’re always very excited to sponsor and celebrate the wonderful occasion.”

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin emphasized the cultural and economic impact of the Classic, which generated $22.7 million for the city this year.

“It’s an honor to be here as always. It’s a moment of Black excellence, it’s a moment of historic history,” Woodfin said. “The truth is, the Classic teaches us . . . I see genuine Black excellence at its best, and I’m proud to celebrate, honor and cherish what historical Black colleges and universities mean to the city.”

Student leaders from both universities echoed the pride and excitement. Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University’s Student Government Association President Mya Gibbs, a senior computer science major, shared that “The Magic City Classic is not just a football game, it is a celebration of our heritage, pride and our endurance.” Reflecting on AAMU’s motto, she added, “We are not just effective on the field; we are a true embodiment of our motto ‘start here, go anywhere’… setting the bar to the highest standard.”

Alabama State University’s SGA President Landon Hale expressed pride in the university’s legacy.

“I am so honored to represent one of the nation’s oldest and best institutions,” he said. Hale then addressed the misunderstandings surrounding his university, stating he had “heard so many allegations and false narratives about my HBCU, that leaves me no other choice but to lay them to rest.”

The event took a turn as Alabama State students staged a mock “Bulldog funeral,” carrying out a simulation casket while Hale concluded his speech.

In an entertaining exchange, university presidents Quinton T. Ross Jr., Ed.D., and Daniel K. Wims Ph.D., playfully challenged each other’s histories and achievements. Ross congratulated AAMU’s recent enrollment growth, jesting, “Had it not been for Alabama State University, there would have not been no school up the hill.” Wims responded with equal flair, “You get up here with your little revisionist history that nobody has ever seen or read . . . you started this, so I’m going to finish it!”

The event’s high energy left attendees beaming with pride. Alabama State Foundation Board member Damein Baity expressed his appreciation.

“This is an awesome event. It’s always great to come back and hear what all the university is doing,” Baity said. “Being around all the alumni, friends and family, it’s always great to witness the rivalry, we love good friendly competition.”

Similarly, Hot 107.7 radio personality Dreka Ray, who emceed the luncheon, shared her enthusiasm.

“Today was amazing! It’s great that students were able to see everyone here and listen to the stories that were shared today,” Ray said. “Students should be involved in everything, because it’s amazing, it was amazing for me and I’m not even a student. To be around everybody sitting with the presidents and laughing and talking, it was very good. I love the animosity that both schools brought, that was the best part about it.”

For David Hammond, planning and evaluation specialist at Alabama State, this was a great learning opportunity for students.

“This is a good professional development opportunity for our students to see etiquette, networking with alumni and people that are allies with the HBCU community. It’s a great opportunity for us to show school spirit, have a little roast session here and there but also, commemorate the great things that happen at Magic City Classic.”

Paul Bryant Ed.D, athletic director at AMMU, shared his love for the event and the rivalry.

“I love this event! Us coming together, showing our Black excellence, it makes everything worthwhile, I appreciate the sponsors for doing it, Bryant said. “I love the rivalry! I’m from the great state of Ohio, and it reminds me of that Ohio versus Michigan rivalry. Not only are the students able to see that this is just not a football game, it’s about us celebrating them, and it’s so important for them to know that.”

Justin Williams, an attendee of the event said, “The event went extremely well, it was really fun to be able to see the camaraderie and the competition between the two institutions. I’m actually here engaging with McDonald’s and some of the other individuals around some of the initiatives that we have in the real estate industry that affect both institutions and our community. The competition videos were the highlight of the event for me. I like how the universities were able to come up with their hype videos. The students from both sides were really energetic and very supportive of their schools.”

For Candice Davis, executive assistant to the chief of staff, the event’s historical highlights hit close to home.

“The event was good! I believe the Hornets won the event here. I enjoyed the speech by Landon Hale and Dr. Ross. They gave a great speech, a lot of history to let Alabama A&M know that we are the legacy,” Davis said. “Being said that I went to both institutions, I’m always torn by the rivalry, but go Hornets at the end of the day. The legacy and the rivalry is so rich and I enjoy it because both institutions are great institutions and they help Black people.”

Davis shared how the luncheon is beneficial for students at both universities.

“The students get to come to a nice luncheon, listen to great speakers, and get their pictures taken,” Davis said. “It’s just a great chance to represent Alabama State University and let everyone know our students are great, our students are bright and our students are beautiful!”