Brittney Griner to be honored as the 2025 Charlotta Bass Media Trailblazer
Griner’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and transformation—qualities that embody the spirit of Charlotta Bass herself.
The Charlotta Bass Media Trailblazer Award has always been about honoring individuals who challenge injustice, amplify marginalized voices, and push the boundaries of storytelling for social change. This year, we are proud to name Brittney Griner as our 2025 recipient.
Brittney Griner has been a force on and off the basketball court. A three-time Olympic gold medalist, a WNBA champion, and a six-time All-Star, her athletic achievements alone make her an inspiration. But beyond her dominance in sports, she has become a powerful voice for justice, using her platform to advocate for equality, LGBTQIA+ rights, and the protection of marginalized communities. Her commitment to these causes is unwavering, even in the face of personal hardship.
Griner’s advocacy reached new heights following her 2022 imprisonment in Russia, a harrowing experience that tested her strength and resolve. Spending 293 days in a Russian penal colony, she endured unimaginable hardship but emerged with a deeper purpose—to use her voice for those who have been silenced. In her memoir, Coming Home, she recounts the painful journey of her captivity and the extraordinary fight to bring her back to freedom. The book not only serves as a personal testimony but also highlights the global implications of political imprisonment and systemic injustice.
The Charlotta Bass Journalism and Justice Lab recognizes Griner’s unwavering courage in the face of adversity. She has turned her trauma into a platform for advocacy, speaking out on issues ranging from mass incarceration to LGBTQIA+ rights. At a time when marginalized voices are under attack, her presence as a fearless advocate reminds us of the power of storytelling and activism.
Griner’s recognition as our 2025 Charlotta Bass Media Trailblazer also comes on the heels of her historic performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Not only did she secure another gold medal for Team USA, but she also stood as a symbol of perseverance and pride. Her embrace of teammate Chelsea Gray after the final game was more than a celebration of victory—it was a testament to resilience, solidarity, and the strength of the human spirit.
Past recipients of our Trailblazer Award include Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and Grammy-winning artist Common—both of whom have used their platforms to redefine narratives and inspire change. Brittney Griner carries that fight forward, using her voice, her story, and her unwavering spirit to pave the way for a more just world. For that, we honor her as the 2025 Charlotta Bass Media Trailblazer.
As we gather at USC’s Bing Theatre for An Evening with Brittney Griner, we celebrate not just an athlete, but a warrior for justice. And as I engage in conversation with her, I’ll encourage her to reflect on her journey, the importance of speaking out, and the role of media in shaping social justice movements that endure.
About the Author
Allissa Richardson
Dr. Allissa V. Richardson, founding director of the USC Charlotta Bass Journalism & Justice Lab, researches how African Americans use emerging technologies to build independent news networks. Through the Bass Lab, she has established a central hub for advancing scholarly inquiry into media innovation and justice-driven journalism.
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