In the corridors of academia, a quiet struggle rages on, echoing the disparities of generations past. Tennessee State University (TSU), a bastion of Black excellence, finds itself entangled in a battle for equity, as the specter of underfunding looms large over its hallowed halls.
“The governor removed the regents and appointed new regents, and his answer was that the new regents that were being appointed were all Tennessee State University alum, so that should be okay,” explains Al McFarlane, delving into the heart of the matter. Yet, beneath the veneer of representation lies a deeper truth—a truth obscured by decades of neglect and systemic injustice.
McFarlane’s words resonate with a profound sense of history and urgency, as he unveils the root cause of TSU’s plight. “And what’s behind the incident was a federal report which analyzed how much land grant universities should have been paid by state governments, primarily in the Confederate states,” he explains, shedding light on the legacy of institutionalised discrimination that continues to plague institutions of higher learning.
Yusef Mgeni echoes McFarlane’s sentiments, underscoring the pervasive nature of underfunding in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). “Historically, Black colleges and universities have been underfunded since their very creation,” Mgeni asserts, drawing attention to the stark realities faced by these institutions in their quest for equitable treatment.
As the conversation unfolds, the magnitude of the issue becomes increasingly apparent. “$2.1 billion is the amount by which Tennessee State University has been underfunded,” McFarlane reveals, painting a grim picture of the financial hurdles faced by the institution. Yet, TSU is but one piece of a larger puzzle—a puzzle rife with inequity and neglect.
The collective underfunding of HBCUs across 15 states amounts to a staggering $12.6 billion over the past 30 years—a figure that speaks volumes about the systemic barriers erected in the path of Black education. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, and Secretary of Agriculture, Thomas Vilsack, lend their voices to the chorus of advocates seeking redress for decades of injustice.
“The power here ultimately is the power to… challenge them and try to put new people in office that hear our point of view,” McFarlane declares, invoking the spirit of activism that has fueled generations of change-makers.
Afrodescendientes Editor Yoji Senna echoes McFarlane’s call to action, lamenting the insidious nature of efforts to undermine progress and equality. “Everything that signifies some kind of improvement, empowerment, equality, bothers certain people to a very deep level,” Senna observes.
In the end, the story of Tennessee State University is not just a tale of underfunding—it is a testament to the resilience of a community that refuses to be silenced, a community that dares to dream of a future where equity reigns supreme. And though the road ahead may be long and fraught with obstacles, the warriors of TSU march forward, guided by the unwavering belief that education is the key to liberation.
