The MEAC is a collegiate athletic conference of thirteen Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the Southeastern United States. Established in 1970, MEAC is headquartered in Norfolk, VA. The MEAC is one of two Division I NCAA HBCU leagues and participates in eight men's and eight women's sports. The United States Marine Corps recognizes that the recruitment of qualified and skilled leaders from diverse backgrounds is essential to its future and is committed to continuing the legacy that these Marines have set forth. The institutions participating in the MEAC Tournament exhibit the excellence in leadership that embodies the Marine Corps' core values of honor, courage, and commitment.