1776-1976: USC, Los Angeles, and the U.S. Bicentennial
Drawing from the USC Libraries’ Special Collections, USC University Archives, and the ONE Archives, the exhibition will explore how communities in Los Angeles marked the United States Bicentennial in 1976 and participated in democracy.
The exhibition traces student organizing, coalition building, cultural expression, and public-facing celebrations. Documents highlight the painting of a Bicentennial mural on the wall of USC’s El Centro Chicano, the 1976 gay pride parade, the fight for a gay and lesbian library on campus, plans for a “Black Achievement Exhibit” (organized by USC alumna and U.S. Congresswoman, Yvonne Brathwaite Burke), among other commemorations on and near the USC campus.
LA2026 Humanities Discussions at the University of Southern California
Innovators and Movers
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
University of Southern California
Doheny Memorial Library, DML 240
3550 Trousdale Pkwy
Los Angeles, CA 90089
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
A Conversation with Mary Ann Pacheco (Council Member of the City of Whittier and USC Alumna) and César López (Chair and Professor of Chicana and Chicano Studies Department, San Diego Mesa College and USC Alumnus), moderated by Laura Dominguez (NEH Postdoctoral Scholar & Research Associate, EMSI LA2026, and USC Alumna).
Heroes and Founders
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
University of Southern California
Doheny Memorial Library, DML 240
3550 Trousdale Pkwy
Los Angeles, CA 90089
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
A conversation with humanities scholars and civic leaders on the themes in the USC Libraries exhibition. More details are coming soon!
Leaders and Achievement
Fall 2026
Online Event
Register to receive the zoom link.
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
An online discussion with humanities scholars and civic leaders on the themes in the USC Libraries exhibition. More details are coming soon!
Learn more about the items in the exhibition
