Issa Rae receives the Charlotta Bass Journalism & Justice Lab’s 2026 Media Trailblazer Award
Excitement rang through the Annenberg School of Communications & Journalism’s packed auditorium as students gathered for the gifting of the Charlotta Bass Journalism and Justice Lab Media Trailblazer Award on Feb. 9.
Bass Lab founder Dr. Allissa Richardson moderated a conversation with Issa Rae about her childhood upbringing, transition to Stanford where she created the “Dorm Diaries,” and her business ventures including her three-year deal with Paramount.
Issa Rae described growing up with Nigerian parents who were a doctor and an attorney. Issa Rae humorously described having a computer placed in her room which allowed her to explore storytelling and building an online community at age 12.
“I felt like I was ahead of a lot of my other peers, so when YouTube came around, I was already well versed in trying to build an audience and community,” she said. “I felt like I had built real friends who were rooting for me. I had an automatic audience to showcase my work to when I created my web series.”
Issa Rae described attending Stanford University and her parents pushing her to pursue law school. She chose journalism as a major because it was another creative avenue for storytelling; however, she still felt this was not the path for her. This birthed the YouTube sensations “Dorm Diaries” and “Misadventures of an Awkward Black Girl.”
“‘Dorm Diaries’ was the first thing where I had observations from being Black at Stanford. People at other schools were like ‘this is my college experience as well’ and that was really validating,” Issa Rae said. “By the time ‘Awkward Black Girl’ came around, I was confident in my type of humor. I wasn’t comfortable being on screen because I hadn’t put my own self and mannerisms out there.”
In a moderated Q&A session, laughter, joy, and sentimental moments filled the room as students asked Issa Rae about her creative process and owning successful business ventures such as production company HOORAE Media, Hilltop Coffee, LOST DTLA, and haircare line Sienna Naturals.
“The core of me will always just be writing, producing and creating because that is what drives me. I’m not an expert in my businesses, but I’m working with so many capable people to build,” Issa Rae said. “I’m working with patient individuals who are willing to – in some cases – hold my hands in the process and are open with their knowledge so that I can be better.”
With the rise of artificial intelligence in Hollywood, Isse Rae notes how it cannot replicate the power of human creativity. While artificial intelligence is helpful, she emphasized a need for both general and environmental regulation: it cannot replace human collaboration.
Rae discussed valuable lessons she learned in her early career such as trusting her gut instincts and remembering that companies are investing in her work and vision. “You’re the only one who sees through your eyes and thinks the way you think. Being able to make that your superpower is essential.”
The evening concluded with Dr. Richardson presenting Issa Rae the 2026 Media Trailblazer Award to rapturous applause.