The back story of NCAT leaving the MEAC

North Carolina A&T Chancellor, Dr. Harold L. Martin Sr., explains the process that the Aggies went through in leaving the MEAC and how long the idea had been on the table.

[macanthony]

Folks that are disagreeing with this, are not looking at the bigger picture... this move will perhaps bring in more revenue for the school in turn bring in those same recruits that would other wise go elswhere.. we want inclusion, then include yourself... you can still have hbcu pride without having to be in an all hbcu league... why isolate yourself?? Force your way onto the "table" and get your share of the revenue and recruits in turn making you better to compete with other schools...

[germiledavis]

If the ultimate goal is an FBS move to join Costal Carolina and App St, then this is the move to make. If it's not then why leave the MEAC?

[kaitross]

I literally want to cry, this was one of my main reasons to be NCA&T ‘24 🤦🏽‍♀️

[Dudechill]

I definitely understand money wise because this is the only reason f they admit it or not. A&T whole roots are HBCU. This a slap in the face to the culture

[pathwaycorporation]

Heart Wrenching day in Aggie Land, this move is a slap in the face to everything we (A&T) stand for!!

[Whome]

As a future student of North Carolina a&t I am now reconsidering this is the biggest mistake that A&T could ever make I tell everybody this all the time integration was the worst thing that ever happened to our hbcus and we need to learn how to work together and stop thinking about yourself Hampton and A&T you should not be looking to do what's in the best interest for just you but what's in the best interest of your brothers and North Carolina Central Morgan State Norfolk State South Carolina state and the rest of the meac as a whole this is not a good move we need to learn how to keep our money in the black community I hope you reconsider

[kevinlilly]

AS AN S.C. STATE FAN I HATE THAT THIS IS HAPPENING. OF THE TWO PROGRAMS THAT I HAVE ALWAYS LOOKED FOWARD TO GOING UP AGAINST FAMU AND N.C. A&T WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF EVERY SEASON. NOW THAT ONE OF THE MEAC CHARTER MEMBERS IS LEAVING I DON'T KNOW WHERE WE AS A CONFERENCE GO FROM HERE. IT'S SAD TO SEE THEM GO, BUT I WISH THEM ALL THE BEST. GOD SPEED A&T AND SHOW 'EM WHAT HBCU FOOTBALL IS ALL ABOUT. NOW MAYBE MY BULLDOGS MIGHT ACTUALLY HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN THE MEAC! LOL!

[swacfan]

Hey good luck to them, maybe they'll draw even better talent. I can't hate that on them.

[robertmosley]

As a HBCU football fan, NC A&T should have followed FAMU and Bethune Cookman to the SWAC, not the Big Why would A&T even want to go to a PWI conference??? 😡😡😡😡😡😡😠😔😔😔😔😞😡

[kevsnoop]

I wonder how this will affect game attendance at home and away. I mean will folks really come out to see them play Campbell, Gardner Webb, Presbyterian for Christ sake🤣?! Big South has a smaller footprint so travel cost will go down. I guess time will tell.

[jermainegrice]

Always felt like this North Carolina A&T!

[ufundi]

As an A&T alum, I sure hope that in this sports program move to a predominantly-Caucasian athletic conference (Big South) the Blue & Gold Marching Machine (BGMM) does not change nor compromise its Black music heritage format. However, I do hope that the BGMM can add some contemporary Jazz Funk music to its public profile (e.g. Incognito ("Step Aside')) along with maintaining the playing of old school R&B tunes. I want A&T to use this opportunity to showcase the musical high culture of African people to a diverse audience. Also, drop the Rap and any non-tasteful dance moves from show components ... low-quality stuff. In essence, in terms of musical score, just play an integration of old school R&B (e.g. Shalamar; Earth, Wind & Fire), contemporary Jazz, and occasional movie theme music (e.g. Skyfall) ... these musical styles and interpretations bring out the musical royalty and genius of Black people in the marching band arena. Perhaps, BGMM could even experiment with incorporating some marching xylophones and steel drums into the instrumentation structure. BGMM does a fantastic job on sound quality and arrangements, particularly on R&B ballad renditions, e.g. 'Spend the Night' (Isley Brothers feat. Ron Isley & Angela Winbush).

[fredricklee]

There comes a point where you need to set up your game is you want to be a better player. While it is sad to see tradition change, but you have to evolve if you want top talent and growth. As the world is becoming more diverse, global, and challenging, you either adapt or die. I see this move as strategic towards being taken more seriously in the sports world.

[lawrenceq]

My school competed in the Big South. I'm not sure I'd say they are better than the MEAC athletically, but they probably are financially better. But, that doesn't make it a good fit. The environment is what make HBCUs special, and I'm wondering how the fans will feel attending away games at North Alabama, Monmouth and Kennesaw State.

[ashleyniah]

Welp famu here I big disappointment if A&T still gonna play teams in MEAC???

[TheTonic]

Big South will get a dose of AGGIE PRIDE

[macanthony]

Wish they disband meac and swac... and hav those teams go to other conferences and chance at better revenue.. instead of having to play 25 road games in bball jus to make some money, and go 0-25 after... smh

[kamala]

Drs. Harvey and Martin are two of my role models. Great and visionary leaders.

[martysun]

So in 2020, it is not the issue of the Best Black Talent choosing PWI's over HBCU's you have whole athletic programs selling out to white GTFOH! You should be in the habit of building your own MEAC ... for your own. (SMH)

[JamesSmith-knvs]

SWAC members, please don't abandon ship like this.