USC Charlotta Bass Journalism & Justice Lab

Join us today!! For our ONLY Lunch and Learn of the semester! We are happy to be joined by author Geoff Bennett Co-Anchor and Co-Managing Editor of PBS News 🎤⭐️

The Charlotta Bass Journalism & Justice Lab is officially introducing Monumental, a groundbreaking mobile app designed to bring hidden Black landmarks and community memories to the forefront!

We are beginning this journey in Altadena and Pasadena, one year after the Eaton Fires, tracing a path of resilience and rebirth through the stories of these communities.

This work has been a labor of shared memory, and it wouldn’t be possible without the immense trust of the Altadena and Pasadena communities who granted us the space to honor their legacies.

We are especially grateful to Octavia's Bookshelf for opening their doors and hearts to us, serving as the perfect sanctuary for these stories to be gathered and shared.

This is just the first chapter. While we are gathering for an intimate reveal this April, the map is still growing. Stay tuned for a much larger community celebration coming this Fall.

As the month concludes we wanted to acknowledge the women who paved before us!! Women’s History Month Matters!!❤️💛

Congratulations are in order for the cast and crew of Sinners. After garnering 16 record-breaking nominations at the 98th Academy Awards, the film walked away with four wins — making history in the process.

Michael B. Jordan became the 6th Black man to win Best Actor. Ryan Coogler became the 2nd Black man to win Best Original Screenplay, after Jordan Peele. Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman to win Best Cinematography, and Ludwig Göransson also took home an award for his score.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we celebrate Charlotta Bass. A fearless journalist, politician, civil rights advocate, and the inspiration behind the USC Annenberg Charlotta Bass Journalism and Justice Lab.

We join the nation in mourning the passing of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a tireless advocate for justice, equity, and the unfinished work of democracy.

In April 2022, during a campus visit, Dr. Richardson had the opportunity to share a meaningful conversation with Rev. Jackson. That exchange, grounded in purpose, history, and hope, remains a powerful reminder of what it means to lead with conviction and courage.

Rev. Jackson’s life embodied the spirit of movement-building: speaking truth to power, organizing across communities, and insisting that America live up to its promises. His decades of work — from the civil rights movement to founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition — helped shape generations of leaders and activists.

His legacy resonates deeply with the mission of the Charlotta Bass Lab: to uplift voices, interrogate systems, and advance justice through action.

May we honor his life not only in words, but in the work we continue to do.

Rest in power. ✊🏾

Welcome back, students! 🎉 The Charlotta Bass Journalism & Justice Lab is officially back in action, and we’ve got some exciting things planned for this semester. 👀✨ Stay tuned—this is just the beginning.

✨ Media trailblazer. Creator. Icon. ✨
Issa Rae is coming to USC for the Media Trailblazer Speaker Series. Join us for an inspiring evening of conversation on storytelling, creativity, and building impact in media.

📅 February 5
⏰ Doors open at 6:30 PM
📍 ASC Auditorium G26

RSVP required—scan the QR code. Don’t miss it.

Meet our student team members! We adore their contributions and invaluable impact ✨

Meet our 2025-2026 team! We love having these amazing people as part of something greater. ✨