Students, Alumni and Supporters Unite for MEAC/SWAC Challenge Weekend
Bulldogs Take Over Atlanta: A Weekend of Tradition, Pride and Bulldog Spirit
By Adyson Saunders
The MEAC/SWAC Challenge may have come to an end, but the Bulldog spirit that filled Atlanta is still going strong. Alabama A&M brought its unmistakable energy to the city for a memorable lineup of events surrounding the event. Bulldogs from near and far gathered to celebrate community, athletics and the rich legacy of AAMU.
The weekend officially began Thursday, Aug. 27, with the Takeover Kickoff Pep Rally at Westside Motor Lounge. Alumni, students, supporters and friends gathered to get the weekend started with music, fellowship and plenty of Bulldog pride. The celebration set the tone for what would become a weekend filled with excitement and AAMU spirit.
On Friday, Aug. 28, the Bulldogs continued the takeover at The Battery Atlanta. With the Braves in action and an HBCU Night celebration at Truist Park, Alabama A&M supporters had the opportunity to enjoy the city while representing the Maroon and White. Whether cheering from the stands, connecting with fellow Bulldogs or simply enjoying the Atlanta atmosphere, the day showcased the strength of the AAMU community beyond the Hill.
Bulldog fans gather at The Battery Atlanta ahead of HBCU Night at Truist Park.
The Atlanta visit also gave AAMU students an opportunity to introduce the next generation of prospective Bulldogs to the University. Members of Crew 75 visited Redan and Stephenson high schools in Stone Mountain, where they talked with students about Alabama A&M's colleges and academic majors and shared their own reasons for choosing AAMU.
Members of Crew 75 introduce Stephenson High School students to Alabama A&M University’s colleges and academic majors during a recruitment visit as part of MEAC/SWAC Challenge Week in Atlanta.
At Stephenson, the visit also turned into a celebration of a tradition familiar to Bulldogs and HBCU communities across the country. Crew 75 led students in “Swag Surfin’,” the 2009 hit by Atlanta-based hip-hop group Fast Life Yungstaz (F.L.Y.), whose members include Stephenson High School alumni. The moment took on even more meaning when Stephenson's principal asked for what she called the “original Stephenson version” to be played. Students throughout the audience and members of Crew 75 rose to their feet and joined in, bringing the recruitment visit to an energetic close.
Saturday brought the weekend's biggest celebration with the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. Before the action, Bulldogs gathered for the official AAMU tailgate experience at Center Parc Stadium. The afternoon was filled with food, music, laughter, alumni connections and the unmistakable sound of Bulldog pride.
Alabama A&M alumni and supporters show their Bulldog pride during MEAC/SWAC Challenge Weekend in Atlanta.
But the weekend was about more than a football game.
It was about belonging.
It was about alumni reconnecting with old friends, current students creating new memories, prospective students discovering what it means to be part of the Bulldog family, families representing generations of Bulldogs and supporters coming together to celebrate what makes Alabama A&M special.
Events such as the MEAC/SWAC Challenge give HBCUs an opportunity to showcase not only their athletic programs, but also their culture, history and impact. For Alabama A&M, the Atlanta takeover served as another reminder that the Bulldog family extends far beyond Normal, Alabama.
As the final cheers of the weekend faded and Bulldogs began making their way home, one thing remained clear: The takeover may be over, but the pride never stops.
Atlanta got a taste of Alabama A&M this weekend — and the Bulldogs left their mark.
Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.
Adyson Saunders is a member of Crew 75, Alabama A&M University’s student creative content team.