The 2024 Magic City Classic Pep Rally, sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), was filled with excitement as students, alumni and community members from both institutions, Alabama State University and Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University gathered at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Birmingham on the evening of Oct. 24.

The event is one of the weekend festivities leading up to the annual Magic City Classic football game between the two state-supported institutions of higher learning.

Birmingham native Landon Hale, who serves as the Student Government Association (SGA) president of Alabama State University, shared his personal connection to the event.

“Being from Birmingham and SGA president, the Magic City Classic means a lot to me,” Hale said. “Being able to see the tradition of Magic City Classic on a year-to-year basis is very exciting. It is a special time of the year for me to see both institutions come together for a greater cause, especially for the rivalry on the field, but also to celebrate all the academic achievements and innovations happening at both campuses.”

Students and representatives from both universities expressed their enthusiasm for the event.

Isaiah Brunson, a senior accounting major at Alabama State University and Golden Ambassador, described the pep rally as a highlight of the day.

“We have been going into a lot of professional experiences and rooms, but this is one to top,” Brunson said. “We can actually relax and be together with each other.

Jacoria Tigner, a junior accounting major at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, who serves as Miss Junior for the 2024-25 academic year, shared her thoughts on the significance of the event.

“Magic City Classic, to me, is just a joyous occasion for two of the greatest HBCUs of Alabama, who are rivals, to come together,” Tigner said. “And really, yes, we do have our rivalry but we also show a sense of camaraderie and family and have a great time together.”

She continued.

“I know for me, I feel like the energy is high tonight. It is so lovely to see all the sister queens, to see all of the organizations, just so many. The alumni of both universities, both being here, can collaborate and have a joyous occasion together.”

Trey Johnson, a senior rehabilitation services major and Golden Ambassador at Alabama State University noted the changes in this year’s event compared to previous years.

“With the event being at a new venue, things are a lot different compared to the previous years,” Johnson said. “We did not really have a pep rally last year, so I would say that this is a big step compared to before.”

For Mays Butts, a junior mechanical engineering major at Alabama A&M, the Magic City Classic represents history and legacy.

“It is years of rivalry, but a great time nonetheless, and Black excellence,” Butts said. “The energy is alive, and people are still strolling in, so it is a nice start to the weekend. I am most excited for halftime at the game and seeing the stands packed.”

Madelyn Hughley, a sophomore elementary education major and a Alabama State University cheerleader, echoed the excitement surrounding this year’s event.

“I would say the Magic City Classic to me, it’s unity,” Hughley said. “It’s coming together as two schools that really are rivals. But we really come here and have a really good time. As a cheerleader, I have really enjoyed it. This is only my second year doing it. And it’s very different with this pep rally and everything that we’re doing. I feel like they’ve added a lot of fun events to make it more of a unity thing rather than a rivalry, which I feel is very good.”

Hughley noted that there had not been a pep rally the previous year but emphasized that the energy this year was amazing.

“I feel like we’re all coming together, having a really good time,” she said. “ASU is talking to A&M, and A&M is talking to ASU, and it’s really giving the unity feel.”

Hadassah Meralus, a senior criminal justice major at Alabama State University, emphasized the increased presence of alumni this year.

“The energy at this pep rally is really good,” Meralus said. “I see way more alumni than in previous years, which is great because that means the community is back. People are coming from all over to support both universities. I am excited about the pep rally because it builds momentum into the game and the rest of the Magic City Classic weekend.”