Black History Month: Celebrating Those Who Came Before Us

Maria P. Williams (1866 - 1932)

Maria P. Williams was the first Black woman to produce, write, and act in her own film, The Flames of Wrath (1923). Thanks to her accomplishments, we have female directors and producers such as Oprah Winfrey, Ava DuVernay, and Shonda Rhimes. Mrs. Williams, a former Kansas City school teacher, authored the book, My Work and Public Sentiment, published in 1916, which details her social activism and leadership skills.

February 18, 2021

Source: O The Oprah Magazine, January 2021; Columbia University Libraries (Women Film Pioneers)

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Black History Month: Celebrating Those Who Came Before Us

Columbia Public Schools