Jennifer Lawson is a multifaceted individual with a career spanning across various fields, including writing, producing, and executive management in public broadcasting. Her most recent production was the documentary "Security versus Liberty: The Other War" for PBS in 2007, showcasing her expertise in documentary filmmaking.
As the CEO/General Manager of WHUT in Washington, D.C., USA, Lawson is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization. Additionally, she serves as a member of the board of directors for Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and chair of the board of American Public Television (APT),highlighting her leadership skills and commitment to the public broadcasting industry.
Lawson's journey began in Fairfield, Alabama, where she was born and attended Fairfield Industrial High School, graduating with honors. She then pursued her higher education at Tuskegee University, majoring in chemistry. However, her activism in the civil rights movement, particularly during the campaign led by Martin Luther King, Jr. that resulted in his famous letter from Birmingham Jail, led her to leave her studies and become a full-time member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). She worked as a community organizer with SNCC in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, often serving as a graphic artist for the organization.
Lawson's transition into film came after studying film and obtaining an MFA from Columbia University, New York. She wrote the original feature screenplay "Team-mates" in 1976, which marked the screen debut for Estelle Getty and James Spader. Her experience in film production led her to become the executive director of the Film Fund, a position she held until 1980. She was then recruited to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Washington, D.C., where she served as the Director of the Television Program Fund, providing millions in grants to film and TV producers.
In 1989, Lawson was selected by PBS to become its first chief programming executive. She served as Executive Vice President, Programming and Promotion Services from 1989 to 1996, before leaving to establish her own company, Magic Box Mediaworks, Inc. Under its banner, she produced the acclaimed eight-hour documentary series "Africa," made in conjunction with National Geographic Television and Thirteen, Inc. The series premiered to critical acclaim on September 9, 2001, just two days before the tragic events of 9/11. She also produces websites, including "The African American World" for PBS.
Throughout her career, Lawson has received numerous awards for her achievements on and off screen, a testament to her dedication and expertise in the fields of public broadcasting and documentary filmmaking.
