Taking a Stand

USC Law 3L Brian Washington donates his original painting as a tribute to the law school's dedication to diversity and tolerance

Graduating USC Law student and artist Brian Washington presented his original painting, “We Will Never Stand Silent” to the law school this spring.

The framed black-and-white painting depicts civil rights-era protestors engaged in non-violent protest, marching and carrying signs that bear phrases such as, “Equal rights for all.” It will be on display at Campbell Lounge on April 20 and 21 from 12 to 5 p.m. and in the Faculty Lounge on April 20 and 21 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Washington (pictured above with Dean Spitzer), is a self-taught artist who vividly depicts history as a reminder of the courageous individuals of the civil rights era. He said he was moved to create this piece in part by USC Law’s commitment to tolerance.

“As a student at the law school, I have been impressed by the administration’s commitment to diversity and its progressive stance on issues of discrimination. I feel that every member of the school has benefited from this environment,” Washington said. “This piece underscores the fact that discrimination and prejudice have no place in our society, and the fact that we will not stand silent in the face of intolerance and bigotry of any kind.”

Donating the artwork to USC Law seemed a natural choice, Washington said, as the same ideals, morals and values embodied in the painting also are demonstrated in the law school community. Washington says he hopes his painting will inspire future students to continue that tradition.

“With this in mind, I see this donation to the law school as a two-tiered endeavor,” he said. “On one level, it is a tribute to the school’s stance on non-discrimination, and its commitment to diversity. On another level, by displaying the painting for the law school community to see, USC will be reminding its community to keep issues of equality at the forefront, and remain committed to diversity.”

Read more on USC News: One Man’s Art and Academics

To see more images from Washington’s collection, visit http://www.brianwashington.com.