Students and community members packed the Dunn-Oliver Acadome Concourse for Alabama State University’s annual Magic City Classic (MCC) blood drive on Monday, Oct. 21. The event, held from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., was more than just a health initiative, it was a collaborative effort with Cricket Wireless, Coca-Cola ambassadors, the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) and others to make an impact. In addition to giving blood, attendees could register to vote, marking the last day to do so in Alabama.
Participants who donated blood received a ticket to the highly anticipated Magic City Classic game and a t-shirt, with the added excitement of prize drawings. Students were encouraged to make appointments or participate as walk-ins, contributing to the day’s goal of increasing the blood supply, particularly for patients with sickle cell disease.
The significance of the blood drive was underscored by the staggering need in the community. More than 100,000 individuals in the U.S. suffer from sickle cell disease, a condition that disproportionately affects African Americans. Routine blood transfusions are essential in preventing life-threatening complications, and one in three African American blood donors is a match for someone with the disease.
India Heath, a sophomore majoring in business marketing, shared her commitment to the cause.
“Even with me having anemia, I’m really hoping I’ll be able to donate and save some lives today,” Heath said. “I always like to help the community whenever I can. It’s great to be here, and plus, we get MCC tickets and Chick-Fil-A! There really is an increase in the need for blood. A lot of people will benefit from this event today, and it may seem like a small gesture, but we’re literally saving lives.”
Sophomore Jesiah Crawford, a communications major, echoed this sentiment.
“It felt right in my spirit for me to come out and donate. You just never know who may need blood or who you can help out. If I’m more than capable of being able to help somebody, then I’m going to do that. I might need the same favor one day.”
Shatina Nwosu, diversity emerging markets account manager for the American Red Cross, highlighted the drive’s competitive aspect.
“It’s a blood drive battle for Magic City Classic, Alabama State versus Alabama A&M,” Nwosu said. “We’re making sure we have enough blood for those in need, such as those that suffer from sickle cell disease.” Nwosu also stressed the importance of diversity in donations. “For diversity, we don’t have a lot of donors who are diverse and donate blood. A lot of times, those donations are specific because sickle cell patients need genetic matches. It’s essential for our community to increase the donor base for diversity.”
By noon, the event had already seen high engagement.
“Every single chair in here is filled, and it’s only noon! I can only imagine how many more people will come between now and four o’clock,” Evita Debrow said, a senior majoring in pre-health biology, who was volunteering at the event.
Leah Richardson, the university’s HBCU (historically Black colleges and universities) American Red Cross Ambassador, emphasized the drive’s success, noting that many participants were walk-ins.
“The only issue we’ve been having is too many donors and not enough beds, so I’d say that’s not a bad problem to have,” Richardson remarked.
In addition to the blood donations, volunteers like Diana Jefferson, a senior majoring in biology pre-health, assisted the NAACP with voter registration efforts.
“We actually collabed with my sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho, to spread awareness, get others to donate and register to vote. This event is actually super convenient for students. They’re able to donate, get food, register and have a chance to win some prizes all on campus,” she explained.
Aaron McNeil Jr., a junior majoring in psychology, praised the community impact.
“There’s always a blood shortage so the fact that I can do something to help both the Black community and the Montgomery community feels awesome.”
