Meet Charlotta Bass
Our namesake is Charlotta Spears Bass, the pioneering Black woman activist and editor-publisher of the California Eagle newspaper.


A Legacy of Fearless Journalism
Our Journalism & Justice Lab honors Charlotta Spears Bass, the pioneering Black woman activist and editor-publisher of the California Eagle newspaper. The Eagle was one of the first and longest-running Black publications in the region. Bass was also the first Black woman to be nominated for vice president of the United States. We follow her fearless lead — to create fresh news stories that Bass would have championed and to curate historic Black media like hers. Watch the video to learn more about Ms. Bass’ remarkable life.

Launching the Lab
Watch us cut the ribbon on the Charlotta Bass Lab on her birthday, Feb. 14, 2023. Bass’s relatives — who ranged in age from two years old to 100 years young — attended the historic celebration. The next day, at City Hall, the Bass family and the Lab’s fellows attended the formal proclamation of Charlotta Bass Day. Our esteemed family advisory board includes Shireen Dodson, Donna Fayerweather, Morgan Fykes, Skylar Pendergrass, Donna Jean Wosencroft, Mikki Wosencroft, and Muriel Tinsley.