The USC Charlotta Bass Journalism and Justice Lab will honor Emmy-nominated producer, actress, and visionary entrepreneur Issa Rae as the latest awardee in the Charlotta Bass Media Trailblazer Speaker Series.

Rae has fundamentally redefined the media landscape — transforming a viral web series into a powerful movement that champions authentic Black storytelling and economic empowerment. From the groundbreaking success of Insecure to her mission-driven ventures like HOORAE and Raedio, she has built a legacy of “opening doors while walking through them,” ensuring that underrepresented voices aren’t just heard, but are leading the industry.

This evening will feature an illuminating conversation with USC Annenberg associate professor, Bass Lab founder, and award-winning author Dr. Allissa V. Richardson, offering a deep dive into Rae’s journey from digital pioneer to media mogul and her unwavering commitment to equity in the arts.

Admission is free. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Rae is an Emmy-nominated writer, producer, and actress widely recognized for her pioneering contributions to digital and television storytelling. She first gained national acclaim for her award-winning web series, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, which paved the way for her groundbreaking HBO comedy series, Insecure. As the first Black woman to create and star in a premium cable series, Rae shattered industry glass ceilings and garnered multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

Beyond her work on screen, she is a prolific entrepreneur and the founder of HOORAE, a multi-faceted media company that champions underrepresented voices in film, TV, and music. A dedicated advocate for Black-owned businesses and community reinvestment, she uses her platform to foster economic equity and creative independence. Through her diverse ventures and artistic vision, Rae continues to redefine the boundaries of modern media while mentoring the next generation of creative leaders.

Richardson is an associate professor of journalism at USC Annenberg, specializing in how African Americans use mobile and social media to create innovative journalism, particularly in times of crisis. She is the author of ‘Bearing Witness While Black: African Americans, Smartphones, and the New Protest #Journalism’, an award-winning book that examines 15 mobile journalist-activists who documented the Black Lives Matter movement using only their smartphones and Twitter from 2014 to 2018. In 2022, Richardson founded the USC Charlotta Bass Journalism & Justice Lab to highlight and archive the social justice contributions of Black media makers throughout history.

The Charlotta Bass Media Trailblazer Award honors groundbreaking media figures who embody the fearless spirit of Charlotta Bass, a pioneering journalist and civil rights activist. This award recognizes individuals who use their platforms to challenge injustice, amplify marginalized voices, and push the boundaries of storytelling for social change. Past recipients include Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, whose work reshapes the national discourse on race and history, and Grammy- and Academy Award-winning artist Common, whose activism and artistry inspire movements for justice. Through this award, the USC Charlotta Bass Journalism & Justice Lab celebrates those who continue Bass’s legacy of truth-telling and advocacy. Our proud sponsors include the Ford Foundation, Heising-Simons Foundation and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

This program is open to all eligible individuals. USC Annenberg operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.

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