Highlights
Juan Williams
Plenary Speaker
Saturday Afternoon, July 15, 2005
Juan Williams is one of America's leading political writers and thinkers. He is the senior correspondent for NPR and the political analyst for Fox Television. A former prize-winning columnist and editorial writer for the Washington Post, he has also authored three books. His most recent is entitled, My Soul Looks Back in Wonder, presents stirring, thought-provoking, eyewitness accounts from people who played active roles in the civil rights movement over the past 50 years. Previous books include the nonfiction bestseller. Eyes On the Prize, and the critically acclaimed biography, Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary, Time magazine described American Revolutionary as a "magisterial" work of American history.
Williams' understanding of American history and his inside access to Washington politics gives him a unique and informed voice as an analyst of current events. IN 2000, NPR selected him to host their afternoon talk show "Talk of the Nation," and in two years Williams brought the show's ratings to record heights. His daring perspectives are based on his historical understanding, political expertise and knowledge of diversity.
Prior to writing bestsellers, Williams was a political analyst and national correspondent for The Washington Post. In a 21-year career at The Post he served as an editorial writer, op-ed columnist and White House reporter. He won several journalism awards for his writing and investigative reporting. He also won an Emmy Award for TV documentary writing. He was given widespread, critical acclaim for a series of documentaries including Politics-The New Black Power. His documentary on A. Phillip Randolph was featured on PBS.
As senior correspondent for NPR's "Morning Edition" and host of "America's Black Forum," a nationally syndicated weekly news program, Williams is at the cutting edge of America's culture and politics.
