Social Media and Hyperlocal Pioneer Shawn P. William Releases Book: "Blogging While Black"

Dec. 7, 2011 - PRLog -- Social media and hyperlocal news pioneer Shawn P. Williams recently released his first book Blogging While Black , which chronicles the pivotal role his blog played during the historic 2008 presidential election of Barack Obama, as well as during the brief but effective online civil rights movement.

Williams (http://shawnpwilliams.com) is publisher of DallasSouthNews.org (http//www.dallassouthnews.org), a frequent columnist for the Dallas Morning News and formerly contributed to WFAA Channel 8’s Inside Texas Politics.

“The meteoric rise in popularity of then-Senator Obama created an avenue for African Americans to stand up and speak out about their community and their country,” Williams said. “Regretfully, when some people saw black bloggers weigh-in on politics, the message was misunderstood by some and perceived as antagonistic by others, Blogging consistent messages allowed us the opportunity to articulate an intelligent point of view that didn’t appear vitriolic, and allowed for understanding which opened doors for effective communication.”

Beginning with the plight of a teenager in Paris, Texas, and ending with the election of President Barack Obama, Blogging While Black tells the story of how Williams, and other online advocates, changed America for the better. The book also looks at “breakthrough bloggers” who have transferred their online stardom into offline success.

Blogging While Back is a tool created for aspiring writers, bloggers and journalists who want to make inroads through the media and make a difference in the community as well. At the end of each chapter, Blogging While Black provides tips for anyone who aspires to use social media tools to make their own mark online, including: how to launch a blog in five minutes; how to become a big fish in a small media pond; how to leverage
your personal networks; and how to use your phone as a news gathering tool.

To schedule a book signing or an interview with Shawn P. Williams, contact Neil Foote, neil@neilfoote.com, 214.448.3765. For more information on his blog, visit
www.shawnpwilliams.com . To purchase the book, go to http://www.outskirtspress.com/bookstore/9781432772925.html

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Foote Communications LLC is a Dallas, TX multi-media company, specializing in public relations, website solutions, multicultural marketing and political strategy and messaging.