Charlotta Bass Day

Charlotta Bass believed deeply in the democratic process. That is why she was such an active participant in local, and even national, government. Our founding director, Dr. Allissa Richardson, took a cue from Mrs. Bass in late 2022, when she realized that the Bass name was not well-known in Los Angeles. Dr. Richardson decided to contact the Los Angeles City Council, to lobby for a citywide holiday for Mrs. Bass. The Lab reached out to the University of Southern California’s district representative, Councilman Curren Price, to ask if he would author a proclamation in Bass’s name. After many months of letter writing, Price’s office agreed to declare Bass’s birthday — February 14 — a holiday in the city of Los Angeles! Charlotta Bass’s family flew in from all corners of the country to participate in a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and barbecue on the USC Annenberg Alumni Plaza patio. The next day, the family and the Bass Lab team traveled to Los Angeles City Hall for the official proclamation of the holiday. We got to address the City Council, and even meet Mayor Karen Bass — the first Black woman mayor of Los Angeles! It was truly memorable. Going forward, every year, we will host a similar celebration for our namesake!