P. Frank Williams to Receive 2024 School of Journalism and Media Studies Alumni Impact Award

P. Frank Williams, an accomplished Emmy and NAACP Image award-winning producer and director, has been chosen as the recipient of the 2024 School of Journalism and Media Studies Alumni Impact Award at San Diego State University. Williams, known for his groundbreaking work in showcasing Black culture and music, will be honored at the school’s annual graduation celebration, JMS Next, on May 10, 2024.

With a career spanning three decades, Williams has made significant contributions to the field of media and storytelling. His acclaimed projects include the documentary series “Unsung” and “Unsung Hollywood” on TV One, as well as BET’s award-winning series “American Gangster” and “Hip Hop Homicides.” His latest documentary, “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told,” on Hulu, has been trending at the top.

Williams, a native of Oakland, California, credits his alma mater for laying the foundation for his successful career. He expressed gratitude for the lessons learned at San Diego State University, which have propelled him from newspapers to magazines to television and documentary filmmaking.

In addition to his professional achievements, Williams is actively working to address the underrepresentation of people of color in the media through his multimedia production company, For The Culture By The Culture (@FXCXC). Dr. Temple Northup, director of JMS, praised Williams for his commitment to social change and justice, stating that he personifies the spirit of the Alumni Impact Award.

As he prepares to receive this prestigious honor, Williams hopes to inspire current and future students at JMS to pursue their dreams with dedication and focus. He encourages them to strive for their goals and believes that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.