SFA’s Department of History to host award-winning filmmaker Gordon Williams Feb. 20

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of History will host Gordon Williams, an award-winning writer, producer and director, for an event titled “Beaumont’s Black History — In Moving Pictures” at 6 p.m. Feb. 20 in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Theater. The presentation is part of the Robert S. Maxwell Lecture Series.

Williams will start the event with a brief presentation before screening two films — both of which he had a significant role in creating. “The Example,” on which Williams is credited as the principal writer, is an award-winning historical fiction short film based on the 1943 Beaumont race riot. The second film, “They Will Talk About Us: The Charlton-Pollard Story,” is an award-winning documentary about the oldest Black neighborhood in Beaumont. It was written, directed and produced by Williams.

A Q&A session will follow the screenings. 

“The event will be part of SFA's celebration of Black History Month and will serve to highlight the history of Black communities in East Texas,” said Dr. Andrew Lannen, chair of the Department of History. “It also will highlight the talents and skills of Texas filmmakers.”

Williams, who is currently the television studio operations manager at Lamar University, has completed several other award-winning independent film projects, including “The Story of Marcus and Reyna,” “The Grater Ambition,” “Gemini” and “Do You.” He has also produced award-winning television programs, commercials and documentaries for Lamar University’s television productions. 

In addition to television, Williams has ventured into sports production as a producer for Lamar University’s athletics video department. Williams is an advisor for the Jefferson County Historical Commission and was recently named to the advisory board of the Center for History and Culture of Southeast Texas and the Upper Gulf Coast. 

The event is free and open to the public. Registration prior to the event is not required. 

For more information, contact the Department of History at history@sfasu.edu.