It’s difficult to travel far in Alabama without seeing Birmingham-based lawyer and billboard king Alexander Shunnarah. This week, on his home turf in Birmingham, a less-visible entity in the region replaced one of his iconic billboard placements on the city’s skyline.
Alabama A&M University, the largest HBCU (Historically Black College and University) in the state, with over 6,000 students, planted their flag in its place.
The school announced Wednesday the billboard known as the “Birmingham SkySign” is officially showcasing A&M’s brand to approximately 370,000 passersby each month.
“This placement is one-of-many activations we’re using to continue to grow brand recognition and affinity here in Alabama and beyond,” said Asst. Vice President Aaron Thompson. “The SkySign represents a huge opportunity to plant our brand flag in a city that is incredibly important to Alabama A&M. Out-of-home advertising opportunities also represent a point of pride for students, alumni and friends of AAMU.”
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Vice President for Marketing, Communications, and Advancement Jamal Ali believes that A&M is on a “historic growth trajectory.”
“Record enrollment, booming alumni engagement, and a growing campus are all signs of the bold new future coming into focus on The Hill,” said Ali. “As we approach the celebration of 150 years, our work is all about building an AAMU we can all be proud of for years to come.”
“As the billboard says: ‘Start here, go anywhere’.”
The large-scale advertisement is located above the Two North 20th Building in Birmingham’s Downtown. Alabama A&M was recognized earlier this year for advertising and marketing success, as the University has launched a 360 national campaign to increase visibility, engagement, and choice for the state’s largest HBCU (Historically Black College or University).
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
