An Evening with Brittney Griner

The proudly announces on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the USC Bing Theatre. This highly anticipated event is part of the esteemed Charlotta Bass Media Trailblazer Speaker Series and will spotlight Brittney Griner’s remarkable journey—from Olympic gold medalist and WNBA champion to global advocate for justice and human rights.

Brittney Griner, celebrated for her dominance on the basketball court and her resilience off it, will be honored as the third recipient of the Charlotta Bass Media Trailblazer Award. This award recognizes media figures who, like Bass herself, use their platforms to challenge injustice and uplift marginalized voices.

The evening will feature a compelling conversation between Griner and , associate professor of journalism, award-winning author, and founder of the Charlotta Bass Journalism and Justice Lab. Together, they will delve into Griner’s inspiring activism, her commitment to social justice, and her powerful memoir, Coming Home, which details her harrowing 293-day incarceration in Russia and her triumphant return.

“Brittney Griner’s story is one of unshakable courage and advocacy,” said Dr. Richardson. “Her voice echoes the very spirit of Charlotta Bass—fearless, resilient, and committed to justice.”

Admission is free, and doors will open at 5:30 PM. Attendees are encouraged to to secure seating.

Brittney Griner is a trailblazer in women’s sports and a staunch advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. A three-time Olympic gold medalist, six-time WNBA All-Star, and 2014 WNBA Champion with the Phoenix Mercury, Griner has used her platform to champion equality and speak out against unjust legislation. Her 2022 wrongful detainment in Russia highlighted her resilience and commitment to justice, making her a global symbol of strength and advocacy.

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.

Named after pioneering journalist and civil rights activist Charlotta Bass, the award honors media leaders who break barriers and drive social change. Previous honorees include Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist .

This event is generously supported by the Ford Foundation, Heising-Simons Foundation, and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating courage, justice, and the enduring power of storytelling!

Host or Publisher USC Charlotta Bass Journalism & Justice Lab