Juan Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juan Williams
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Williams in 2016
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| Born |
Juan Antonio Williams
April 10, 1954 |
| Alma mater | Haverford College (BA) |
| Occupation | Author, journalist |
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Notable credit(s)
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| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) |
Susan Delise
(m. 1978) |
| Children | 3 |
Juan Antonio Williams (born April 10, 1954) is a well-known Panamanian-American journalist and political expert. He shares his thoughts and analysis on the Fox News Channel. Juan Williams has written for many important newspapers like The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. His articles have also appeared in magazines such as The Atlantic and Time. He has worked as a writer, a reporter at the White House, and a national correspondent. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
Juan Williams helped write the book Eyes on the Prize: America's Civil Rights Years, 1954–1965 (1987). This book goes along with a documentary series about the civil rights movement. He also wrote Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary (2000), which is a biography about Thurgood Marshall. Marshall was the first black American to serve on the Supreme Court. Williams has won an Emmy Award for his TV documentary work. He has also received awards for his investigative journalism and opinion articles. He has been working at Fox News since 1997.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Juan Williams was born in Colón, Panama, on April 10, 1954. His mother, Alma Géraldine, was from Panama, and his father, Rogelio L. Williams, was from Jamaica. His family spoke both English and Spanish. When he was four years old, Juan moved from Panama to the United States with his mother and two siblings. They traveled on a banana boat.
The family first lived in Pleasantville, New Jersey, for a short time. Then, they settled in Brooklyn, New York. Juan received a scholarship to attend Oakwood Friends School. This was a Quaker school located in Poughkeepsie, New York. While at Oakwood, he was chosen as the "student clerk" during his senior year. He was also the editor of the school newspaper and played sports. After finishing high school in 1972, Williams went to Haverford College. He graduated in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in philosophy.
Career in Journalism
Juan Williams has had a long and successful career in journalism. He has worked for several major news organizations.
Writing for The Washington Post
Juan Williams wrote for The Washington Post newspaper for 23 years. During his time there, he shared his opinions and reported on many important events.
Working at National Public Radio
In 2000, Juan Williams joined NPR (National Public Radio). He first hosted a daily talk show called Talk of the Nation. Later, he became a senior national correspondent for NPR. In 2010, NPR ended his contract after he made some comments on The O'Reilly Factor. NPR stated that his remarks were "inconsistent with our editorial standards." This decision led to a lot of discussion among the public.
Joining Fox News Channel
Juan Williams has been a contributor to the Fox News Channel since 1997. He has appeared on popular shows like Special Report with Bret Baier and FOX News Sunday with Chris Wallace. He was also a regular co-host on The Five. In May 2021, he announced he would leave the New York office to work from the Washington D.C. office. This change allowed him to spend more time with his family in D.C. After NPR ended his contract in 2010, Fox News offered him a new three-year contract. This expanded his role at the network.
Television and Books
Juan Williams has received an Emmy Award for his work in television documentary writing. He has been praised for several TV documentaries. These include Politics: The New Black Power and A. Philip Randolph: For Jobs and Freedom.
His 1988 book, Eyes on the Prize: America's Civil Rights Years, 1954–65, was written to go along with the first season of the PBS series Eyes on the Prize. His 2003 book, This Far by Faith, also accompanies a PBS series.
Williams contributes to many national magazines. These include Fortune, The New Republic, The Atlantic Monthly, Ebony magazine, TIME, and GQ. He also appears on various television programs. Some of these are ABC's Nightline, Washington Week on PBS, and The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Juan Williams spoke at the Smithsonian's event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision. This important decision ended legal segregation in public schools. He has also received honorary doctorates from several universities. These include Lafayette College, Wittenberg University, and Long Island University.
Personal Life
Juan Williams married Susan Delise in July 1978. They have three children: a daughter named Rae, and two sons named Antonio ("Tony") and Raphael ("Raffi").
His son Tony worked as a Senate page and intern for Senator Strom Thurmond. He also served as a speechwriter for Senator Norm Coleman. In 2006, Tony ran for a seat on the Council of the District of Columbia but did not win. His younger son, Raffi, studied anthropology at Haverford College, which is also his father's college. Raffi has worked for the House Rules Committee and as a communications director for a congressional campaign. He also served as a deputy press secretary for the Republican National Committee. Raffi was also a press secretary for former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson.
Juan Williams is the proud grandfather of twin girls, Pepper and Wesley.
Williams describes himself as "a black guy with a Hispanic name." He identifies as Afro-Panamanian. He is also a member of the Episcopal Church.
Juan Williams has been involved with the Haverford College Board of Managers. He has also participated in the Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program. He is on the board of directors for the New York Civil Rights Coalition.
Awards and Recognition
Juan Williams has received many awards throughout his career. These include honorary doctorates from Haverford College and the State University of New York.
See also
- New Yorkers in journalism
