Birmingham Business Alliance’s Magic City HBCU Breakfast

October is Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Month, as recently announced by Governor Kay Ivey. HBCU Month recognizes the invaluable contributions of Alabama's HCBUs as economic engines, producing skilled graduates and driving innovation in STEM. In honor of HBCUs throughout our state, on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at The Harbert Center, we invite you to join us for our annual Magic City HBCU Breakfast, presented by Spire. This year’s event will benefit the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization. This year's event takes a fresh focus and emphasis on the essential collaboration between the business community and HBCUs. We will explore the profound impact of these collaborations on our business community. By engaging with HBCUs, local businesses gain access to a rich pool of diverse talent, empowering them to advance their DEI objectives and create a more inclusive environment. Moreover, these partnerships play a pivotal role in providing exceptional opportunities for HBCU students to excel and contribute to our region's economic growth. Our Keynote Speaker for this year’s event is UNCF Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs Lodriguez Murray. Murray is a seasoned advocate for higher education with a focus on federal policy. He has been instrumental in securing significant funding and legislative support for HBCUs and their students. His advocacy has resulted in millions of dollars in federal aid and critical policy changes. Prior to joining UNCF, Murray held government affairs positions at various organizations. Murray has built an impressive portfolio of accolades that include the original Congressional Black Caucus “40 Under 40” award in healthcare, a special award of recognition from Xavier University’s Health Disparities Conference, and named as one of Washingtonian Magazine’s “Most Influential People” (Education) of 2021. In 2021, Lodriguez received a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, from UNCF-member institution Talladega College. Murray is also a first-generation high school and college graduate, having received UNCF scholarship while attending Morehouse College - a college located in Atlanta, Georgia that is one of the nation’s only historically black private liberal arts college for men. To purchase tickets, visit www.birminghambusinessalliance.com/events#!event/2024/10/24/save-the-date-the-magic-city-hbcu-breakfast. Tickets for BBA investors are $55. General admission tickets are $75.