By Briana Wilson
Celebrations for the 84th Amazon Magic City Classic, presented by Coca-Cola, began on Thursday, October 23, at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex with the Encompass Health Kickoff Luncheon.
The event, which united students, student leaders, alumni, sponsors, and community members, buzzed with energy as attendees—many proudly donning the black and gold of Alabama State University or the maroon and white of Alabama A&M—filled the ballroom. Spirited banter and rival chants erupted throughout the luncheon, with each side seizing every opportunity to cheer for their schools and playfully tease the other ahead of Saturday’s football showdown.
With Hot 107.7’s Dreka Ray as the emcee, the luncheon set the tone for a weekend rooted in tradition, unity, and the enduring power of HBCU excellence.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin welcomed attendees by reflecting on the impact of his own HBCU experience.
“My HBCU experience shaped my life and leadership,” he said. “What we do for our students is extremely important.”
With its ever-growing list of sponsors, such as Huntsville Utilities, Alabama Power, Chick-fil-A Birmingham, Mielle Organics and several more, the luncheon highlighted how the Magic City Classic has become more than a football game—it is an economic and cultural engine for the state of Alabama.
Amazon Director of Operations Fred McPherson spoke to the shared purpose of Amazon and the Magic City Classic.
“The Magic City Classic embodies what Amazon believes in—the power of community, education and supporting growth and success,” McPherson said. “We value being a partner in your success. We stand ready to help build on this history of excellence.”
Student leaders from both universities beamed with pride as they shared details about what sets their respective universities apart.
Alabama State University SGA President DeJuan Trotman touted the Hornets’ accomplishments, from new campus facilities to a $17.5 million fundraising milestone.
“At ASU, we’re building for the future one student at a time,” he said. “We don’t just enroll students—we build leaders.”
Alabama A&M’s SGA President Onyebuchi Jessica Egwu proudly declared the Bulldogs’ enrollment status as one of its greatest accomplishments.
The spirited back-and-forth set the stage for the keynote address by Dr. DeMark Liggins, National President and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and an Alabama State alumnus. Liggins said beyond his involvement in campus clubs and organizations, and the titles he earned, it was the spirit of ASU that shaped him.
“That spirit fuels my work today,” he said, adding that it is same spirit that sets all HBCUs apart from other institutions. “HBCUs carry pain, perplexity, and pride. We carry an unbreakable belief in ourselves and in each other. HBCUs were not born out of complaints—they were born out of the vision that we had for ourselves. Now, this is our moment to lead and give back. Remember, our legacy is what we’re living right now. Carry the spirit and culture of the HBCU with you wherever you go.”
The presidents of both institutions—Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr. of Alabama State University and Dr. Daniel K. Wims of Alabama A&M—perfectly captured the Classic’s dual spirit of rivalry and respect.
While trading friendly jabs, both leaders expressed deep admiration for one another and for the mission of HBCUs nationwide. Dr. Ross surprised the audience by announcing a $10,000 contribution from ASU toward Alabama A&M’s $150 million fundraising campaign.
“It may be small in number, but every penny counts,” Ross said, drawing applause from both sides of the room.
Ross also noted that ASU is moving in the right direction with growing enrollment, retention and graduation rates. Wims, in turn, emphasized the Magic City Classic’s broader impact.
“This is our brand for the nation to see,” Wims said. “It’s a reflection of our excellence and collaboration.”
Ross ended his remarks with a powerful reminder of shared purpose.
“We banter and jab, but in all seriousness, we have to stand together in the climate that we're in,” he said. “We were founded to give opportunity at a time when none were given. We have a purpose, and we're doing what matters. We talk a little trash for a little bit, but for the other 364 days, all of us are family, and we have to work together because when one HBCU rises, we all rise.”
The event wasn’t just a kickoff for Saturday’s gridiron showdown—it was a celebration of heritage, community, and the powerful legacy of HBCUs that continues to inspire generations.