We save, study and share
Black media
that changed the world.
The Charlotta Bass Journalism and Justice Lab is the West Coast’s first AI-powered Black media archive and experimental storytelling space.
Our Mission
The Charlotta Bass Lab explores how African Americans on the West Coast have used media to bear witness to social justice issues — yesterday and today. Many Black activism archives tend to focus on the East Coast icons of the Harlem Renaissance; the Midwest leaders of the Great Migration; or the Southern icons of the Civil Rights Movement. Yet, Black media makers from Washington, Oregon and California have crafted impactful messages too, which often set the agenda for the rest of the nation. From the Gold Rush to the Black Power Movement — and through today’s Movement for Black Lives — we center the West Coast storytellers whose testimonies changed the world.
Our Projects
Our three pillars are to save, study and share powerful Black media from the West Coast. Read on for more information about the projects that power this mission. Our Black oral history archive, Black landmarks mobile app, Charlotta Bass fellowships, and dazzling public events all work together to amplify the very best in Black storytelling.
Save
We use artificial intelligence and extended reality technologies to document West Coast Black history.
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Did you know that many of America’s civil rights movements began on the West Coast? We curate oral histories from those who were on the frontlines.
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Journalism loves to say that it is the first draft of history. But what if that draft was biased or skewed? The Second Draft Project corrects the record, by allowing those who were maligned by the press to offer fresh narratives. Through AI-powered video chats, the public can “interview” these news figures — to go beyond the headlines. Our inaugural Second Draft subject is Lora King, daughter of Rodney King.
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When we offer those who captured notorious news headlines a Second Draft, we conduct rigorous research into what news media missed the first time. This podcast extends the interactive interview experience to an accompanying, student-produced podcast. We offer interviews with news subjects, visit new sites of interest and even talk to the loved ones who were affected most by the media frenzies.
Study
We teach USC Annenberg students and affiliated scholars how to produce Black stories in exciting new dimensions.
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We offer paid fellowships for current USC Annenberg students. Our Bass Fellows visit media companies, write think pieces, take part in hands-on trainings — and so much more. Meet our 2024 cohort!
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We offer senior research fellowships for current USC Annenberg students, and external affiliated scholars, who study the impacts of Black media. We sponsor field reporting, assist with archival research and provide conference travel support.
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The future of journalism innovation occurs at the crossroads of artificial intelligence, extended reality and machine learning. We partner with GRX Immersive Labs — an LA-based, Black-owned company in this space — to offer hands-on Black news archivism workshops for USC Annenberg students.
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Every year, during Black History Month, we honor Black storytellers whose work is changing the world. Our inaugural honorees were Nikole Hannah-Jones, creator of the 1619 Project, and Darnella Frazier, the brave, teen smartphone witness for Mr. George Floyd.
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Did you know that Charlotta Bass has her own citywide holiday? Our Lab asked LA City Council to create it — and they did! So, every February 14, we honor our namesake’s birthday with a Black storytelling celebration. Last year, we visited City Hall to receive the formal proclamation of Bass Day. We even met the city’s first Black woman mayor, Karen Bass!
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The West Coast is teeming with Black news landmarks — but many of them are hidden in places you might least expect. Our forthcoming mobile application, called Monumental, helps you find Black historic sites in Washington, Oregon and California, using augmented reality and geolocation.
Share
We amplify impactful Black media through public programs and immersive experiences.
Latest News
Bearing Witness
Dive into Bearing Witness — our Bass Fellows’ e-zine for Black media and culture.
Events
February 13
Charlotta Bass Day feat. Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz
ANN 106 + Alumni Plaza (USC)
February 20
An Evening with Common
Bovard Auditorium (USC)
March 26
Lunch and Learn feat. The Shade Room
ANN 106 (USC)
April 2
Lunch and Learn feat. Tracey Lincoln
Media Center (USC)
April 2
An Evening with Stacey Abrams x Dule Hill
Writer’s Guild (Beverly Hills)
Bass Fellows Site Visit
April 9
An Afternoon at HOORAE Media
HOORAE HQ (Inglewood)
Bass Fellows Site Visit
April 16
Lunch and Learn feat. Heather Lowery
Media Center (USC)
May 8
USC Black Graduation Celebration
Allyson Felix Field (USC)
May 21
Black Twitter: A People’s History
feat. EP Prentice Penny
Live Webinar & Discussion
May 10
USC Annenberg Commencement Celebration
Alumni Memorial Park (USC)
Our Partners
