HBCU Breakfast Links Students to Birmingham Employers
Birmingham Business Alliance's Magic City HBCU Breakfast focused on pairing historically Black college students with employers before graduation.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Internships
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The Birmingham Business Alliance hosted its 2026 Magic City HBCU Breakfast on October 29, 2026, at The Harbert Center in Birmingham. Panelists discussed internships, job shadowing and mentorship as ways to connect students with employers before they graduate.
Why it matters
Panelists emphasized that artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping industries, making early workforce connections more important for graduates in Birmingham and across Alabama. The event also highlighted how employers can strengthen partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities.
Stillman College's 12-week, project-based internship initiative is valued at $3,500 per participant. Alabama has 14 historically Black colleges and universities, though the breakfast did not report how many students across them currently hold internships.
The players
Birmingham Business Alliance
The Birmingham Business Alliance is a regional business organization that hosted the Magic City HBCU Breakfast.
Stillman College
Stillman College is a historically Black college in Alabama that is celebrating its 150th anniversary and runs an internship initiative for students.
Randall L. Woodfin
Randall L. Woodfin is the mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, who spoke at the breakfast.
The details
Dr. Yolanda Page, Jasmine Williams and Gianna Ellison joined a panel moderated by Jermaine "Funnymaine" Johnson, while Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin also spoke. Representatives from Enterprise Mobility and Mercedes-Benz U.S. International asked how businesses could strengthen HBCU partnerships.
Timeline
October 29, 2026: Magic City HBCU Breakfast held at The Harbert Center in Birmingham.
2025: Stillman College introduced its Stillman Connect program, which provides students with iPads and access to artificial intelligence tools and certifications.
Workforce Pipeline
The breakfast fits within the long-running role of historically Black colleges and universities in preparing Black graduates for professional careers. Alabama's 14 HBCUs are now being asked to connect students with employers as automation reshapes industries.
Students interested in paid, project-based internships can look at programs like Stillman College's 12-week initiative valued at $3,500. Early contact with campus career offices and employers may help secure placements before graduation.
The takeaway
Students who want a head start on their careers can seek out internships, job shadowing and mentorship early in their college years. Employers hoping to recruit from HBCUs can engage directly with campus programs and student organizations.
Further reading
Explore more internship opportunities in the Birmingham area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Birmingham Times.
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Would you consider hiring a recent college graduate from an Alabama HBCU?
