Preserving the Pulse: KTSU Hosts Virtual HBCU Radio Preservation Teach-In

By: Ariel Pirela

On Wednesday, November 12, KTSU 90.9FM served as the virtual host for the “Rising Waters, Rescissions, and Risks: HBCU Radio Preservation Teach-In.” In partnership with the HBCU Radio Preservation Project and initiative lead Will Tchakirides, Ph.D., the event gathered approximately 60 archivists, historians, station leaders, and students to discuss the sacred legacy of Black radio.

The symposium tackled critical challenges facing HBCU stations today, from the loss of physical archives to the urgent need for financial infrastructure. However, the conversation centered on resilience. Keynote speaker Dr. Kaye Wise Whitehead emphasized the historical weight of the medium, noting that “HBCU radio is leading the resistance movement,” as every major resistance movement in history has flowed through these airwaves.

The event also highlighted stations as “living learning laboratories.” Student panelist Breighlynn Polk captured the spirit of the day, stating, “The heartbeat lives on; it is our duty to ensure the rhythm continues to be heard.” This sentiment echoed the broader discussion on radio serving as a catalog of culture and a vital space for community expression.

Following the session, KTSU General Manager Ernest Walker reflected on the station’s role as a regional hub. “It’s an honor to host the symposium and invite other HBCU stations into this conversation,” Walker said. “There’s a message of hope during these challenging times.”

Dr. Tchakirides shared similar sentiments regarding the success of the virtual gathering. “I am prideful of the team, of Houston, of KTSU,” he said. “Even though we were virtual… the groundedness was there.”

For more information on the project and to witness KTSU’s contributions, visit: https://www.wyso.org/hbcuradioproject