Hi, I’m Bernadette, Manager of External Communications at Walt Disney World and a fan of HBCU football. Ever since my college days, I’ve loved watching the bands, spending time with my family and cheering my favorite team.
For the past few months, I’ve been part of the team preparing for the 9th annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney, which gets underway this weekend. Televised on ESPN and tied to the start of college football season, the game will feature a gridiron battle between the Florida A&M Rattlers (MEAC) and Mississippi Valley State Devils (SWAC) at the Citrus Bowl in Downtown Orlando. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:45 a.m.
While the game is certainly at the center of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, it really is more than just a game.
The four-day celebration includes a full weekend of activities, ranging from a Legends Reception that recognizes Historically Black College and University alumni to a Bands Showcase at Epcot. What I love most about the MEAC/SWAC Challenge is how it underscores the importance of diversity and higher education.
Today, Evans High School got the first taste of MEAC/SWAC activities with the ESPN 101 Career Panel. More than 900 students received career advice from prominent sports personalities and executives who had one clear message: “You don’t have to be ‘on’ the field to be successful ‘in’ the field of sports.”
Panelists, including Jay Harris from ESPN and Latonya Johnson from Walt Disney World Resort shared their personal stories and advice on how students who are passionate about sports can pursue a career in sports business, journalism and broadcasting, among others.
Read on for additional posts about the MEAC/SWAC Challenge:
