
Greg Hernandez
Greg Hernandez is a special projects writer for USC News who focuses on diversity. He’s been a staff writer at the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Daily News and The Hollywood Reporter and was also writer-editor at the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
Stories by Greg Hernandez:

USC student curators and designer bring ‘MLK in Los Angeles’ exhibit to life
The exhibit at the USC Fisher Museum of Art spotlights civil rights leader’s words, while historic images, audio and video recordings chronicle his visits to L.A. and USC.

After screening of ‘MLK/FBI,’ filmmaker and audience consider how surveillance of King affected his legacy
“They found stuff they thought would help to destroy his career,” says the film’s director, Sam Pollard, during USC visit. “But it didn’t.”

Trojan trailblazer has blended professional dreams with marriage and parenthood
TITLE IX: Willow Bay was a high-profile TV news anchor before becoming USC Annenberg’s first female dean.

‘MLK/FBI’ screening is centerpiece of USC’s Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations
Other highlights include the Trojan Marching Band and Cardinal Divas participating in the Kingdom Day Parade and an exhibit at the USC Fisher Museum of Art.

Newest Trojans get official welcome as they start their USC journey
With a heavy dose of pomp and circumstance, the spring convocation — held for the first time in the Galen Center — sends the new students on their way.

From Daily Trojan to Spoiler Alert: Trojan’s very personal story hits the big screen
Michael Ausiello wrote a heartbreaking — yet darkly funny — memoir after his husband’s death. It’s now a movie starring Jim Parsons, opening Friday.

Pioneering pharmacy professor learned early to work hard and help others
TITLE IX: For almost five decades at USC, Jean Chen Shih has excelled at research and in teaching. She says the groundbreaking legislation is as important now as it was 50 years ago.

Will Black Panther: Wakanda Forever help make science more diverse?
The blockbuster sequel’s main heroes are young, Black, female scientists. USC experts say that could have a huge impact on Black youngsters who might not otherwise consider a career in science.

Trailblazing pilot and flight instructor M’lis Ward is grateful for women who fought for Title IX
TITLE IX: The former USC basketball player says of the landmark legislation, “It really did make such a huge difference.”

USC Libraries marks 30th anniversary of Filipino American heritage celebrations
Preserving Filipino Los Angeles exhibit will be on display at Doheny Library for the rest of the fall semester.

USC PrideFest celebration stages a sizzling comeback
The first live LGBTQ+ History Month festival since 2019 features drag performers and a safe space for all.

USC Shoah Foundation announces new leadership
Robert J. Williams will lead the institute, which studies and preserves the stories of survivors and witnesses of the Holocaust and other genocides. Joel Citron is named chair of its Board of Councilors.

Family keeps USC tennis legend Rafael Osuna’s story alive
Book on the life and career of “the best tennis player you never knew” is donated to USC Libraries during Latinx Heritage Month.

More than 1,200 attend Noche de Cultura in Founders Park
Latinx Heritage Month closing event included music, food, dancing and healing words.

LGBTQ+ History Month: A time to honor the past and build community in the present
Series of in-person events planned throughout October for USC students, faculty and staff.

USC kicks off Latinx Heritage Month: ‘As individuals we are strong, but as a community, we are powerful’
Unity is celebrated during a virtual kickoff event and live viewing party. Latinx Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

Title IX contributed to gains in entertainment fields, USC School of Cinematic Arts dean says
TITLE IX: Elizabeth M. Daley is grateful for landmark federal law that helped girls and women to pursue their dreams.

USC Latinx Heritage Month to celebrate inclusivity starting Thursday
“This is a great opportunity to come together as family,” says La CASA supervisor Leticia Delgado.

Trojan Title IX trailblazer never hesitates to challenge the status quo
TITLE IX: Dorothy Wright Nelson went from dean of the USC Gould School of Law to judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

USC drama professor leads with diversity in class and on screen
Rodney To discusses the significance of the big screen comedy Easter Sunday, in which he co-stars with a cast of fellow Filipino Americans.

New ‘student commitment’ introduces Trojans to university’s deeply held values
The commitment, presented at Thursday’s convocation ceremony, encourages students to display integrity, accountability, fairness and communication, and to value diversity.

Emotions and pride overflow as new USC students transition from family homes to on-campus life
Meet some of the new Trojans who are making themselves at home at USC this week.

Trojan trailblazer cherishes being 1st woman to receive USC athletic scholarship
TITLE IX: Tennis standout Barbara Hallquist DeGroot quickly made a name for herself, winning back-to-back national collegiate singles titles in the 1970s. She later returned to USC as a volunteer coach.

Unlikely hero in LGBTQ+ history is back in the spotlight
🏳️🌈 PRIDE MONTH: A Trojan’s new documentary tells the story of a USC Dornsife professor who took a public stand against gay conversion therapy.