What's Happening?
The HBCU Radio Preservation Project (HBCU RPP) is actively seeking applications for its 2027 HBCU Radio Preservation Project Fellow. This one-year, full-time, grant-funded fellowship, commencing in January 2027, aims to preserve the rich history and cultural
legacy of radio stations at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The selected fellow will work remotely, earning an annual compensation of $50,000 with health benefits, and will gain practical skills in audio and memory preservation. Responsibilities include assessing physical and digital audio collections, inventorying, conducting oral history recordings, and participating in public history programming, such as conferences and the annual HBCU Radio Preservation Symposium. The project emphasizes the critical need to preserve primary audio sources that document the Black experience, many of which are at risk due to deteriorating obsolete formats and inadequate digital preservation.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is crucial for safeguarding a significant part of American cultural heritage. Nearly one-third of the 104 HBCUs operate radio stations, with many having been on air for over 50 years. These stations serve as vital cultural resources, holding primary audio documentation of the Black experience that is currently vulnerable to loss. The fellowship not only preserves these invaluable historical records but also fosters the development of early-career professionals from diverse backgrounds in the fields of audio and memory preservation. By training new experts and implementing preservation strategies, the project ensures that future generations will have access to these unique historical narratives, contributing to a more complete understanding of U.S. history and culture. The replicable model developed by the HBCU RPP also offers a blueprint for other college, tribal, rural, and community radio stations facing similar preservation challenges.
What's Next?
Applications for the 2027 HBCU Radio Preservation Project Fellow position are due by November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PDT, for a January 2027 start date. The selected fellow will embark on a year-long program, gaining hands-on experience in various preservation activities and contributing to public history initiatives. The project will continue its work with at least 30 HBCU radio stations, focusing on collaboration between radio stations and institutional archives. The fellow will also contribute to public writing for the HBCU RPP newsletter, website, and social media platforms, sharing insights from their work. The ongoing efforts of the HBCU RPP will continue to highlight the importance of preserving these unique cultural assets and developing sustainable preservation practices for historical audio content.
Beyond the Headlines
The HBCU Radio Preservation Project addresses a broader issue of historical neglect and underrepresentation in archival efforts. The potential loss of these audio archives represents a significant gap in the documented history of the United States, particularly concerning the Black experience. By actively preserving these materials, the project not only saves historical data but also empowers communities by validating their narratives and contributions. This initiative underscores the ethical imperative to ensure that diverse voices and histories are not lost to time or technological obsolescence. It also highlights the role of educational institutions and grant-funded projects in filling critical gaps in national preservation efforts, fostering a more inclusive and accurate historical record for the nation.
