In 1923, Williams became the first Black female film producer of "The Flames of Wrath" ("Flames of Wrath")— a silent film crime drama that she also wrote, directed* and acted in. *The title of "director" and "producer" was interchangeable in the Silent Movie Era.*
Not only was she a pioneering creative, but she and her husband Jesse L. Williams (not to be confused with the activist and actor/director of @greysabc fame,) were a Black film POWERHOUSE, as she also worked as secretary and treasurer of the Western Film Producing Company, where her husband Jesse served as president.
In addition to their passion for producing, Jesse also operated a theater in Kansas City, MO where Maria served as assistant manager.
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Assia Micheaux is co-founder and editor of www.reelcultured.com