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Frances E. Williams, Actress, Activist, Organizer, Community Worker was one of the most colorful and knowledgeable stage and screen personalities of our time. Perhaps best known for the role of Miss Marie on the television series, Frank's Place in the late 1980's,  Williams acting career spanned more than six decades beginning in the 1920's at Karamu House, the oldest black theater in the United States, through stage, screen, and television. In addition, Frances studied theater in Moscow in the 1930. became the first black woman to run for the California State Assembly in 1948 on the Progressive ticket. traveled and performed throughout Europe and Africa.

appeared in over one hundred stage, screen, and television productions. represented the World Peace Council at the first Angola Independence Celebration in 1975. co founded the Art Against Apartheid Movement in Los Angeles in the 1980's. Frances fought continuously to expand and elevate the roles portrayed by African American actors and other minorities in Hollywood. Whether working as an actor in film, as wardrobe mistress on stage productions, or as the Assistant Director on the landmark film Salt of the Earth, she was always attuned to injustices and didn't hesitate to voice her disapproval. As a result, while she made many in authority uncomfortable, she had a host of friends among whom were Paul Robeson, W.E.B.DuBois, Langston Hughes and many more. Her motto Meet it, Greet it, and Defeat it! sums up the rich life of this fantastic lady.

Meet it, Greet it, & Defeat it!   The Biography of Frances E. Williams, Actress/Activist by Anna Christian      P.O. Box 1266 Moreno Valley, CA 92556 also available from http://Amazon.com

for more information, contact           
              anadoodlin@dadielte.net