For decades, government funding was withheld from historically Black public colleges and universities, such as Tennessee State University. 

States across the South have grappled with the question: What could be possible if those debts were repaid?

In Episode 13, we’ll hear from our colleagues at the Tennessee Lookout and WPLN News. 

Together, they produced The Debt, a reported project and podcast that traces Tennessee State University’s decades-long fight for fair funding. 

You’ll hear from journalists Emily Siner and Camellia Burris, whose reporting examined an overlooked Civil Rights lawsuit, a historic merger with a predominantly white university, a dramatic student hunger strike, and a lawmaker who discovered his father’s old research on underfunding. 

Episode produced and edited by Mallory Cheng. Music for Stories From The States composed by David Singer. A special thank you to Tennessee Lookout and WPLN News.

Relevant reading from States Newsroom outlets and partners: 

Got questions? An episode idea? Email us at [email protected]

Photo: Almost since its founding after Reconstruction, Tennessee State University has fought for funding. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)