Black Feminism

Charlotta Bass and the Black Women Journalists Who Shaped the West Coast

Charlotta Bass was more than a pioneering editor and publisher of the California Eagle; she was a trailblazer for Black women in journalism, breaking barriers on the West Coast in a time of profound racial and gender discrimination. Yet, Bass’s story is also one of community, as she was part of a larger network of Black women journalists who pushed for social change, fought for civil rights, and uplifted Black voices through their work. The collaboration and solidarity between these women created a unique and powerful sisterhood in the media world — a relationship that fueled the collective fight for racial justice and equality in the early 20th century.

Charlotta Bass: A Beacon of Resistance

Charlotta Bass became the editor of the California Eagle in 1912, turning it into a powerful voice against racism, segregation, and discrimination. Under her leadership, the Eagle championed causes like housing equality, labor rights, and anti-lynching legislation. What set Bass apart was her ability to use journalism as a tool for both activism and education, consistently shining a light on injustices that mainstream media ignored.

But Bass’s journey was not one she traveled alone. Several other Black women journalists, particularly along the West Coast, were making waves in similar ways — amplifying stories from their communities, pushing back against societal constraints, and creating space for marginalized voices.

“It is a great honor to be chosen as a pioneer. And a great responsibility. But I am strengthened by thousands on thousands of pioneers who stand by my side and look over my shoulder—those who have led the fight for freedom—those who led the fight for women’s rights—those who have been in the front line fighting for peace and justice and equality everywhere.” — Charlotta Bass

Ruth Janetta Temple: Advocate for Health and Equity

Though primarily recognized as the first Black woman to practice medicine in California, Ruth Janetta Temple was also a journalist who leveraged the power of the press to advocate for public health and community wellness. Temple and Bass frequently collaborated on campaigns that highlighted the intersections of health, race, and economic disparity in Black communities, particularly during the height of the Great Depression. Bass often featured Temple’s work in the California Eagle, recognizing the essential role of healthcare in the fight for racial equality. Through this partnership, they elevated public health as a central pillar of civil rights.

Lillian Bertha Jones Horace: The Literary Journalist

Lillian Bertha Jones Horace was a novelist, journalist, and teacher whose writings often centered on the Black experience in America. As one of the few Black women novelists of her time, Horace blended fiction and journalism to tell stories about racial injustice. Her essays and articles were often featured in West Coast publications, including the California Eagle, where she and Bass maintained a steady correspondence about the evolving role of Black women in the media.

Horace’s unique perspective on storytelling allowed her to explore racial issues in nuanced ways. While Bass focused heavily on the news cycle, Horace used narrative journalism to connect individual struggles with broader social injustices. Together, they demonstrated how different approaches to storytelling could both educate and mobilize communities for change.

Geraldine Pindell Trotter: An Unyielding Voice in the Northwest

In Portland, Geraldine Pindell Trotter was making her mark as a journalist and activist. Known for her sharp editorials in The Advocate, a Black newspaper founded by her husband, she helped expose discrimination in the Pacific Northwest. Trotter’s commitment to racial justice aligned closely with Bass’s work. The two women formed a cross-state alliance, often collaborating on articles that condemned the exclusion of Black workers from union jobs and highlighted police brutality.

The connection between Bass and Trotter symbolized a broader network of Black women journalists who transcended regional boundaries. Their work underscored the fact that the fight for racial equality was not isolated to one city or state, but rather a collective movement that required shared effort and advocacy.

The Power of Sisterhood in the Fight for Justice

The relationships between Charlotta Bass and her peers reveal an essential truth: Black women journalists on the West Coast were not just isolated voices — they were part of a larger network of resistance. These women exchanged ideas, supported each other’s work, and amplified one another’s voices in their respective publications. Their stories — whether told through the hard-hitting editorials of Bass, the public health advocacy of Temple, or the narrative flair of Horace — helped create a rich and diverse tapestry of Black media on the West Coast.

They also faced unique challenges, from overt sexism within the news industry to the ever-present threat of violence due to their race. But the sisterhood they created helped to fortify their resolve. By standing together, they were able to push back against these societal constraints, carving out a space where their voices could be heard and their communities uplifted.

About the Author

Allissa Richardson

Founding Director

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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