Alabama Power presents Power to the Magic City Classic – a series of community engagement events featuring awareness, education and empowerment initiatives leading up to the 73rd annual Magic City Classic. The football matchup between Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University happens Saturday, Oct. 25, at Legion Field beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Leading up to the game, Alabama Power has partnered with community and corporate leaders in sponsoring events ranging from a recycling drive, a panel discussion on sustainability, to a major announcement from the National Urban League Young Professionals.

"The Magic City Classic week marks a tremendous opportunity to harness the energy, enthusiasm and collaborative strength from those coming to support their respective schools, in order to spotlight some of the progressive initiatives in which this community is engaged," said Alabama Power Foundation President John Hudson. "We are honored to partner in bringing these events to the Magic City and excited about what these efforts will produce."

Power to the Magic City Classic events and sponsors include:

City of Birmingham Electronics Recycling Day at Linn Park (in front of City Hall)

Sponsored by Alabama Power and Toyota

Thursday, Oct. 23, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.

This annual event serves as a community kickoff and day of service for Alabama Power and the Toyota Green Initiative for the Magic City Classic. University, community members and alumni are encouraged to participate in the recycling competition to help their favorite team claim bragging rights as the "green team" of the Magic City Classic.

Power to the Magic City Classic press conference

Sponsored by Alabama Power

Alabama Power Auditorium, 600 18th Street North, Birmingham, 35203

Friday, Oct. 24, 9:30 a.m.

*Media interviews will be available before the press conference at 9:15 a.m.

Officials from the National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP) will be joined by leaders from the City of Birmingham and the Alabama Power Foundation to announce plans to bring the NULYP "LEAD" conference to the Magic City in 2015.

"We are committed to empowering communities through the service of our volunteer auxiliaries including the National Urban League Young Professionals," said National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial.

"The LEAD conference will move leaders from talking and tweeting about the problems of the day, to creating tangible solutions by providing personal development and community strategy sessions," said NULYP President Brandi Richard.

Representatives from Toyota will also be on hand to discuss the Toyota Green Initiative and will announce a special donation to both schools.

The press conference will also feature remarks from Birmingham Mayor William Bell. "Alabama Power's initiative to improve neighborhood life and enhance environmental resources in conjunction with the historic Magic City Classic shows that this event is more than just a game," Bell said. "It's about coming together as a community and making a difference. We support this great series of events and the positive impact it will have on the City of Birmingham."

Panel Discussion on Sustainability

Moderated by MTV Host/Journalist Sway Calloway

Alabama Power Auditorium, 600 18th Street North, Birmingham, 35203

Friday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Immediately following the press conference, Alabama Power and Toyota Green Initiative will host a panel discussion with thought leaders and influencers discussing the rise of sustainability initiatives at historically black colleges and universities and their impact on the African-American community. MTV reporter and journalist Sway Calloway will serve as the panel moderator.

For more information on Power to the Magic City Classic, contact Keisa Sharpe at 205-257-4155.

For more information on the Toyota’s Green Initiative, go to www.toyotagreen.com.

For more information on the National Urban League Young Professionals, go to www.nulyp.net.

For more information about the city of Birmingham, go to www.birminghamal.gov.