FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2003
CONTACT: Nicole Lessin, Northwest Vista College Public Information Officer
210.348.2011

NVC Instructor Honored

Northwest Vista College government instructor Frederick Williams received the Frederick Douglass Emancipator Award at the 5th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Dinner Honoring San Antonio's Men and Women of Commitment sponsored by African-American Reflections newspaper on Friday, June 13, 2003.

Throughout his life, Williams has championed African-American causes both in San Antonio and nationwide. He is best-known for drafting the legislation that made Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday a national holiday while working as a political advisor to U.S. Senator Birch Bayh in the 1970's. In addition to teaching at Northwest Vista College, Frederick Williams is the author of The Nomination, a political novel based on Williams' earlier experience on Capitol Hill, and the book Beyond Redemption, due out September 1, 2003. Locally, Williams has spearheaded Black History Month celebrations at Northwest Vista College, which have featured a published author series, dance groups, an awards dinner, and prominent gospel groups like the "Mighty Clouds of Joy."

"Receiving this award is a tremendous honor," notes Williams, "Frederick Douglass is my personal hero."