Preserving the Legacy of HBCU Radio Stations

The HBCU Radio Preservation Project

In the 1960s and 1970s, Black students demanded a voice on radio, leading to the launch of radio stations at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the US. These stations played a crucial role in informing listeners about campus happenings, playing music, and offering cultural programming. However, with the changing media landscape, many of these stations have ceased operations or shifted to new formats, putting their archival material at risk of being lost.

Preserving the Archives

The HBCU Radio Preservation Project was founded to address this issue. The project surveys radio stations, creates profiles, and provides training on audio-visual preservation. It also hosts an archival fellowship program, which offers early-career training and experience in preserving radio archives. The project has digitized over 1,125 hours of archival audio and conducted over 90 oral histories.

The Impact of the Project

The project's efforts have ensured that the archives of several HBCU radio stations, including WSHA at Shaw University, are preserved and accessible through the American Archive of Public Broadcasting. The project also returns the digitized materials to the institutions, along with a plaque acknowledging their investment in preserving their legacy.

The Future of HBCU Radio

The HBCU Radio Preservation Project is crucial in preserving the history and cultural significance of HBCU radio stations. By protecting these archives, the project ensures that the stories and experiences of Black students and communities are not lost, providing a valuable resource for future generations.