USC Black Alumni’s 49th Annual Scholarship Benefit Celebrates Excellence, Honoring Dean Jason King, iAsia Brown, and Maliz Mahop
- BFW Staff
- Mar 31
- 4 min read
The University of Southern California (USC), a powerhouse in research, film education, and communications, remains a steadfast champion of Black student excellence. Recently, the university’s Black Alumni Association hosted its 49th Annual Scholarship Benefit at the USC Tower Penthouse in Downtown Los Angeles. The prestigious gathering brought together alumni, faculty, students, and supporters to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Black leaders within the Trojan community.
For nearly five decades, the USC Black Alumni Association (BAA) has played a pivotal role in uplifting Black students through scholarships, mentorship, and leadership initiatives. This year's Scholarship Benefit not only continued that legacy but also recognized three outstanding honorees: Dean Jason King, iAsia Brown, and Maliz Mahop—each a shining example of Black excellence in their respective fields:
Honoring Leaders in Music, Gaming, and Diplomacy:
Dean Jason King – Barbara Solomon Faculty & Staff Honoree Dean of the USC Thornton School of Music, Jason King, was recognized for his outstanding contributions to music, scholarship, and culture. A true multi-hyphenate, King has worked with legendary artists such as Pharrell Williams, Alicia Keys, and Q-Tip, curated groundbreaking music events, and authored influential works—including a biography on Michael Jackson. His dedication to education and innovation has left an indelible mark on the global music industry and the USC community.
iAsia Brown – Outstanding Alumni Honoree A visionary in the gaming and technology industries, iAsia Brown was honored as the 2025 Outstanding Alumni Honoree. Known for her work in gaming, education, and accessibility, Brown is also a philanthropist and angel investor, supporting innovative projects that drive inclusivity and progress. Her impact in the digital space and commitment to expanding opportunities for underrepresented communities exemplify the Trojan legacy of leadership and service.
Maliz Mahop – Outstanding Scholar Honoree Maliz Mahop, a graduate student in USC’s Master of Public Diplomacy program, captivated the audience with her powerful speech. Maliz’s global experience spans media, marketing, policy, and nonprofit leadership, with professional engagements across North America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Her speech reflected her journey of perseverance, faith, and purpose, highlighting the impact of scholarship, mentorship, and the strength of the Trojan family.
“USC has given me opportunities, such as hosting international delegations from Tokyo and Paris to being selected to attend the largest Public Diplomacy Expo in the world this summer in Osaka, Japan!”
- Maliz Mahop, Diplomacy Graduate- at USC Honoree Event
“This award is dedicated to every Black girl who may be the only one in unique spaces. Ensure that your voice is heard, your presence is felt, and your work is impactful and excellent.”
- Maliz Mahop, Diplomacy Graduate- at USC Honoree Event
The Black Film Wire recently caught up with Maliz Mahop following her empowering statement to young Black women as we close out Women’s Month. A fierce advocate for the global creative industries, Maliz is leading the African Creative Economy Delegation, an initiative set to bring Africa’s top creative talent to Los Angeles in May 2025. The delegation, including some of Nollywood’s finest, will participate in industry workshops, cultural exchanges, and exclusive meetings with leading media and entertainment companies, including some of Hollywood’s exclusive institutions in film and television. From May 5 – May 9, 2025, the African Creative Economy Delegation will provide a platform for African creatives to engage with Hollywood’s entertainment ecosystem. Black Film Wire will be a key partner in this initiative, supporting cross-cultural dialogue and international creative partnerships.
Fight On!
As the night concluded with an energetic afterparty, the 49th Annual USC BAA Scholarship Benefit reaffirmed the power of community, resilience, and excellence. With a legacy spanning nearly five decades, the USC Black Alumni Association continues to uplift Black Trojans, ensuring that their impact is felt on campus, in industries, and around the world. Fight On!
About USC Black Alumni
How To Partner with the African Creative Economy Delegation
Maliz is inviting corporate sponsors to host and support the delegation, offering opportunities for organizations to engage directly with Africa’s top creative talent, enhance brand visibility, and drive U.S.-Africa creative industry collaborations. Sponsorship benefits include media recognition, university engagement, and industry networking. Learn more.
As Black Film Wire continues to champion the voices of Black creatives in film and media, this event underscores the importance of community, collaboration, and the ongoing fight for more representation and opportunities within academia and the entertainment industry.
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