Martin Luther King Jr. at a podium flanked by other rally attendees at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. — Martin Luther King Jr. speaks during a religious rally at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 1964. (Photo/Bob Miller, Valley Times Collection/Los Angeles Public Library)

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Moments and Mission in Los Angeles

The civil rights leader visited USC and its surrounding neighborhoods throughout the late ’50s and ’60s in his quest to improve the lives of Black Americans.

University

Voting at USC — A deputy election registrar registers voters in front of USC’s Student Union in 1960. (Photo/Courtesy of USC University Archives)

“I Voted”: Professors and Alums Share Memories of Their First Election Day

Trojans remember casting their first ballot — and the hope and civic pride that still inspires them, even decades later.

University

Tom Sayles, Leslie McMorrow, Alyssa Young, Kim Thomas-Barrios, and Bill McMorrow at the NAI gala — Tom Sayles, Leslie McMorrow, Neighborhood Academic Initiative scholar Alyssa Young, Kim Thomas-Barrios and William McMorrow, from left, at the 2018 NAI gala (USC Photo/Rich Schmitt)

USC’s life-changing college prep program for local youth receives transformative gift

William and Leslie McMorrow’s donation endows the Neighborhood Academic Initiative, ensuring ongoing support for future generations of promising students in South and East Los Angeles.

University

Rosalinda Larios portrait — Rosalinda Larios worked at her own dentist's office and took classes on Saturdays to better prepare for her start at USC. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Los Angeles teen dreams of dentistry and USC

Former TRiO student Rosalinda Larios faces intense competition, but she’s determined to beat the odds.

renters' rights housing clinic — Nakea Brown previously lived at the Rolland Curtis Gardens apartment complex, which is being redeveloped. She found affordable housing elsewhere with help from the USC Housing Law Clinic. (USC Photo/Ron Mackovich)

USC Housing Law Clinic Protects L.A. Renters’ Rights

Renters living near the university’s campuses have a lifeline when they need help.

University

USC’s neighbors get a helping hand with school supplies

Families living near the Health Sciences Campus stock up for the school year, thanks to USC Civic Engagement and the university’s Good Neighbors Campaign.

University

Jaime Carias with students — Jaime Carias speaks to high school students at USC Annenberg. (USC Photo/Brett van Ort)

Alum encourages local teenagers to think big

USC civic engagement coordinator raised in South Los Angeles reaches out to nearby high schools.

University

Earl Paysinger brings neighborhood knowledge to USC Civic Engagement post

After a 40-year career with the LAPD — much of it on the streets of South L.A. — he takes on USC’s extensive efforts that connect it with the neighborhoods around the university’s campuses.

Policy/Law