Hundreds of Alabama State University students rolled up their sleeves on the concourse of the Dunn-Oliver Acadome, as they lay in American Red Cross blood donation cots to turn a spirited rivalry into an act of compassion for people who have sickle cell anemia on Monday, Oct. 20.

The Magic City Classic Blood Drive, an annual friendly competition between the university and Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, is designed to see which university can collect the most blood before their long-standing football matchup in Birmingham on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Held each fall at Legion Field, the Magic City Classic, stands as the largest historically Black college and university (HBCU) rivalry in the nation. It is a celebration of pride, culture, and unity, drawing tens of thousands of fans from across Alabama and beyond.

Office of Student Life Coordinator Kamela Kennedy, who assisted in organizing the event along with Operations Coordinator Patima Moss, and personnel from the American Red Cross.  The effort was led by Joyce Loyd Davis, DND, senior director of the University Health Center.

“As we always say, we are history makers,” she said.  “So part of being a history maker is being a leader and part of being a leader is your civic duty.  So part of that is giving today your blood, as they (Red Cross) told me it saves at least six lives. We will continue to be history makers from here on that we do save lives, not just academically, but physically in giving blood.”

On a personal note, Kennedy added her feelings.

“I’m excited about today because I never had the opportunity to donate blood so to know that I am saving at least six lives it gives me that push to continue to focus on doing this annually,” she said.

Students from every classification took part, many being returning donors.

“I want to save some lives today,” said Antonio Cameron, a junior majoring in business. “I have been donating since I was a freshman. This is not new to me, it is true to me.”

Jasmine Cherry, a freshman biology major with a minor in pre-health, said the event aligned with her career goals.

“I want to work in health care, so I know how important blood donations are,” she said. “There is a shortage everywhere, and this is a good way to give back to the community. Plus, it is fun to show up for the rivalry too.”

Freshman Shania Davis, who studies biomedical engineering, said her motivation came from wanting to help others.

“It is a great opportunity to give back and show school spirit at the same time,” Davis said. “Those who missed it really missed out.”

Even those new to the process said the experience was worth it.

Freshman Alysa Turner, who studies early childhood education, smiled as she waited her turn.

“It is my first time giving blood, and I did not know it would take this long,” she said. “But I am glad I came. I will definitely do it again next year.”

For others, the rivalry and incentives added to the excitement. Theodore Holloway, a freshman majoring in business management, admitted with a grin, “I am here for the Amazon gift card. But still, it is for a good cause, and that matters too.”

The Red Cross team said the turnout exceeded expectations and represented one of the largest responses in the drive’s history.

“This is one of the biggest blood drives we have ever had at Alabama State,” said Shatina Nwosu, sickle cell emerging markets manager for the American Red Cross. “We had 258 appointments scheduled and more than 200 students already donating by midday.”

Nwosu said the rivalry between Alabama State University and Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University has fueled community engagement.

“A&M came early talking about when they could get on the books to schedule their Magic City Classic Blood Drive,” she said. “It is very competitive, but we love it because that competition saves lives.”

She said both schools are supported by HBCU ambassadors who serve as student leaders promoting Red Cross efforts across campus.

“We have ambassadors at both schools who have been working hard on blood drives,” Nwosu said. “They help recruit, educate and motivate their peers. Today, their efforts helped us reach the most appointments we have ever had.”

Nwosu explained that sickle cell disease and sickle cell traits are two different conditions, but are both common among African Americans.

“Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that affects nearly 90 percent of our African American families,” she said. “That is why genetic matches from historically Black colleges and universities are so important. Even those with the trait should know their status. It helps when planning families and understanding risks, because if both parents carry the trait, their children have a higher chance of inheriting the disease.”

She added that the drive also included sickle cell trait screenings to help students better understand their health.

“Even for those who do not have symptoms, it is still important to know,” Nwosu said. “We want students to leave here not only with the satisfaction of donating, but also with knowledge.”

“Today, we are giving out T-shirts and tickets to the game,” Nwosu said. “My main point today was also to emphasize the why; why are you donating, and who are you helping. We need our blood for our patients because the genetic matches for sickle cell disease come from our community. When students understand that, they give because they want to be selfless and help someone else in need.”

Nwosu said she works closely with several campus partners to make the event successful each year.

“I work with amazing people,” she said. “I work with Hines in Student Housing, Ms. K in Student Life, and our University Health Services. It is a collaborative effort, and our Red Cross Club volunteers are here today as well.”

She added that the university’s relationship with the American Red Cross is a long-standing one.

“We have been doing blood drives here for Magic City Classic for more than five years,” Nwosu said. “This is the second consecutive year that both schools have had equal staff, equal needs and equal goals. That is what makes it truly a blood drive battle.”

Freshman DaQuan Garrett, a special education major, said he overcame his fear of needles to donate. “It was scary at first,” Garrett said. “But this is for a good cause. Even if you come for the rivalry, you end up helping people who really need it.”

By midafternoon, the concourse was lined with filled donation bags and smiling students wearing Red Cross T-shirts and holding tickets to Saturday’s Magic City Classic football game.