About the Bass Lab
The Charlotta Bass Journalism & Justice Lab at USC is a groundbreaking research and teaching initiative focused on promoting social justice through equitable media practices.
We bridge journalism history, education, and innovation.
The Charlotta Bass Journalism & Justice Lab at USC Annenberg is a pioneering research and teaching initiative that is dedicated to preserving the rich legacy of Black media makers, while empowering the next generation of imaginative storytellers. Founded in 2022 by Dr. Allissa V. Richardson, the Lab fills a critical gap by spotlighting the transformative contributions of Black witnesses on the West Coast—an often-overlooked region in mainstream archives.
The Lab draws inspiration from Charlotta Bass, a trailblazing journalist and activist whose work paved the way for equitable media practices. For nearly 175 years, Black activists in California, Oregon, and Washington have launched human rights campaigns that shaped national and global movements, from the Gold Rush to Black Lives Matter. The Bass Lab serves as a central hub where students, educators, and the public can explore and honor these contributions.
Our mission is threefold:
- Preserve History. Build comprehensive archives of West Coast Black media makers who used journalism as a tool for justice.
- Train Journalists. Equip students with the skills to produce equitable, impactful journalism that challenges systemic inequalities.
- Inspire Innovation. Experiment with emerging technologies to capture and share Black testimonies and stories of today.
Dive in to learn more about Charlotta Bass, our founder and our team!
At the Charlotta Bass Lab, we bridge the past and future of journalism, ensuring the legacies of marginalized voices endure while reporting on current fights for justice. Explore our archives, join our projects, and partner with us to amplify stories that must be told.
