The news brief starts off as a notice that the MEAC, in it’s full “school on a Sunday” glory, has not informed Savannah State of a decision to let them into the conference. The reporter, Noell Barnidge of the Savannah Morning Morning News, then followed up with a slightly-racist-yet-legitimate follow up description.
The historically black conference on Tuesday posted a one-sentence statement on its Web site that read, “The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference wrapped up its two-day Mid-Winter meetings in Virginia Beach, Va., on Dec. 8, 2009.”
But before I could get riled up about all the descriptors Barnidge could’ve used to negatively frame the conference besides “historically black,” I was amused by his reported quote from the MEAC Director of Media Relations, Patricia Porter.
Asked about the statement, Porter said, “Normally, we don’t put out any information regarding what was discussed within the meetings.”
Bad times when your director of media relations doesn’t even bother to spin a ridiculous communications strategy. She didn’t even try to make it sound legitimate; in essence, she told fans and invested parties, “ya’ll are lucky we told you we even had the meetings.”
And I was so hoping for an announcement on the relaunch of Meackie.
*BONUS* I sent an email to Ms. Porter requesting a statement on the rumors about the Heritage Bowl. As she has done in 99 percent of the email requests I’ve sent her, it has gone unanswered. You know, ’cause normally they don’t put out any information about potential bowl game participation until a month before the game.
MSU93 4:57 pm on December 11, 2009 Permalink
You know HBCU is used so loosely today. Most of the population I would go so far as to say think that it means that these institutions are all black. They fail to realize that the most significant word in the phrase is “Historically”. Meaning back in the when most of these institutions were found like Morgan State (1867) , Howard University (1867) and Hampton (1868) blacks couldnt matriculate at the University of Maryland, and the University of Virginia. So its more of Historical value of the instiution and its not representative of the many cultures, religions, and races that today matriculate to them. I have always want to separate HBCU from black college athletics. My point is this, is it really necessary to use the phrase when you are talking about a conference that was found in the 1970’s? But then again when you are trying to make a mockery of black folks its institutions , to make it known that hey this is a colored conference I guess makes sense.
Noell 6:33 pm on December 11, 2009 Permalink
I’d like to introduce myself … I’m Noell Barnidge, the full-time beat reporter who covers Savannah State University for the Savannah Morning News. I’ve been covering SSU since 2004.
I’m also the guy you’re calling a racist.
That descriptor that I used (historically black conference) had no other meaning than to describe a conference of self-described historially black colleges and universities.
Please do not extrapolate something else. It’s not appropriate.
Now: Let’s talk about the news, or lack thereof, from the MEAC. What do you think SSU’s chances are to get in?
Would it be a positive move for the MEAC?
Any idea why the MEAC’s leadership conducts itself under a veil of secrecy? Fans (and media) would like to know what Dennis Thomas’ plan is for the conference.
JC 6:59 pm on December 11, 2009 Permalink
Noell:
Thanks for stopping by. Please note I didn’t call you a racist, but categorized your the lede on the graph as such. “Historically black conference” and the snarky “one-sentence statement” drove home a subtle point in my reading of the story, intentional or not. I don’t know you to be a racist, and having read your work, wouldn’t assume you to be. But tolerant people can mistakenly make racist statements.
Nevertheless, I’ll leave the discussion with an apology on misinterpreting the graph. I’m sorry; especially considering that you take the time to actually cover SSU.
Now, as for SSU’s chances, the average fan would classify them as good. Their locale, prominent alumnus in Shannon Sharpe, improving football team, (formerly) diverse department leadership, and efforts to reel in compliance issues would make them a logical addition.
But, with Thomas and Co, you just never know. We’ve seen too many instances of the conference operating without a clear plan for expansion, marketing and engagement. The one thing that they are good at is avoiding scrutiny from their stakeholders, i.e., the fans. It’s why they’ve never captured as much attention away from the CIAA as they probably could have. I’m sure you know all about the fan and administrative disenchantment with the executive leadership, but it seems the council of presidents is satisfied with their direction.
Thanks for reading, and for your coverage of Savannah athletics. I’ll be emailing you as well.
Noell 8:14 pm on December 11, 2009 Permalink
Hi, JC.
No problem. I appreciate your reply.
Here’s a blog that I just finished writing. I think you’ll enjoy it:
MEAC’s leadership is clueless
http://savannahnow.com/share/blog-post/noell-barnidge/2009-12-11/meacs-leadership-clueless