Birmingham Celebrates HBCUs at Annual Magic City Breakfast
Birmingham, AL—The magic of the Magic City will be on full display this October 24 as the 2024 Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) Magic City HBCU Breakfast takes place, celebrating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as a vital part of the community and the state. This year’s event promises to highlight the essential collaboration between local businesses and HBCUs, positioning both groups as critical players in Birmingham’s economic future.
Understanding HBCUs
Historically Black Colleges and Universities were established to provide higher education to African Americans, who faced discrimination and limited opportunities due to segregation. Today, they serve a diverse student body, promoting intellectual achievement, cultural affirmation, and economic growth in the region.
Alabama stands out as a significant player in this space, boasting the highest number of HBCUs in the nation. With a total of 14 HBCUs located throughout the state, including two right here in Birmingham—Lawson State Community College and Miles College—these institutions are critical contributors to the local and state economy. HBCUs not only provide education but also fill the workforce pipeline that supports various industry sectors in the area.
The Economic Impact of HBCUs
According to reports from the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), HBCUs are significant economic drivers in Birmingham and beyond. They empower graduates by equipping them with the skills necessary to succeed in the modern economy. Furthermore, they contribute to the mission of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within local businesses.
The BBA emphasizes that engaging with HBCUs allows local businesses to access a rich talent pool, enhancing their own capacity for growth and innovation. Not only do these partnerships help companies meet their DEI goals, but they also provide invaluable opportunities for HBCU students, fostering a more inclusive economic landscape.
Keynote Speaker Lodriguez Murray
This year’s event will feature Keynote Speaker Lodriguez Murray, the Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs for UNCF. Murray is a first-generation high school and college graduate, having attended the prestigious Morehouse College, an HBCU in Atlanta, GA. His professional journey has included a robust portfolio of accomplishments and a firm commitment to advocating for higher education.
Murray has played a key role in securing significant funding and legislative support for HBCUs and their students, making him a highly relevant speaker for this occasion. His experiences serve as an inspiring testament to the future prospects available to HBCU graduates.
Your Invitation to Celebrate
The Birmingham Business Alliance invites the community to come together and recognize the importance of HBCUs at this year’s breakfast. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with fellow supporters of these valuable institutions, as well as network with local business leaders committed to economic growth and diversity.
Tickets are available now for the 2024 Magic City HBCU Breakfast, and participants will not want to miss this chance to honor HBCUs’ contributions to the Birmingham community.
Grateful Sponsors
The BBA extends its gratitude to the several sponsors that make this event possible, 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.
With HBCU Month underway, this breakfast will be a joyful celebration of the past, present, and future of these important institutions in Birmingham and across Alabama. Join us in honoring the incredible work they do.
