Williams, Verda L.

Verda Louise Williams was born in 1944 in Des Moines, Iowa. She received a B.A. (1969) in Radio and Television from Drake University and an M.A. (1987) from Iowa State University. From 1981-1997, she was employed as a Communications Specialist with Extension Services, Iowa State University. A filmmaker and producer, Williams wrote and produced (in conjunction with WOI-Television) the 1985 documentary, "Black Des Moines: Voices Seldom Heard."

Verda L. Williams, video communications specialist at the Iowa State University Extension Service (Ames), was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on October 13, 1944. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1962, attended Morgan State College and the University of Minnesota, and graduated with a B.A. from Drake University in 1966 and an M.A. from Iowa State University in 1987.

As an aspiring actress, Williams was denied leading roles in high school and at Drake University because she was black. Determined to pursue her interest in theater, she majored in journalism with an emphasis on radio and television production, a field in which she would find less discrimination.

Williams has received much recognition and numerous awards for her work as a writer and producer for radio, theater and television productions. Two television specials, "Black Des Moines: Voices Seldom Heard" (1985) and "Gift of Song" (1987) received a National Continuing Education Award.

Williams earned a United Press International Award for "Black Des Moines" as well. In 1998, Williams was one of six alumni honored by Drake University's School of Journalism and Mass Communication.