Mayor Reed calls HBCU weekend a success for vendors and visitors; Commerce and crowds drew praise

Mayor Steven L. Reed said the recent HBCU weekend in Montgomery drew large crowds, provided economic opportunities for downtown vendors and showcased community culture, though he acknowledged a small number of disruptive incidents.

Reed said vendors told him Montgomery was “the only city” where they enjoyed being a vendor downtown, and he praised city staff for supporting the events. He called the weekend “great” and the event “fantastic” overall, while also noting his sympathy for people hurt by isolated incidents that occurred during the festivities.

Reed highlighted the athletic contest between HBCU teams, noting a Morehouse comeback and urging further support for events that attract visitors. He said the festival atmosphere included vendors, a Ferris wheel and arts events, and that the city plans seasonal programming including a trunk-or-treat at Patterson Field and the Turkey Day Parade in November; Reed also mentioned smaller running events and other community activities that local organizers had scheduled.

Reed described vendors’ feedback as a concrete sign of economic benefit: after speaking with several vendors he said they told him the Montgomery downtown events were profitable and well organized. He repeated that no new city funding or formal policy tied to the weekend was announced on the podcast.

Reed said there were both negative and supportive public reactions: he recounted hearing criticism and “blame” directed at visible public figures after an incident, but also said he encountered residents who thanked him and encouraged him to “keep your head up.” He did not provide an official incident report or municipal response timeline during the conversation.

Details such as exact attendance figures, vendor revenue totals and whether the city will expand funding for future events were not specified in the recording.