Established in 1999, the Franklin H. Williams Award pays tribute to returned Peace Corps Volunteers of color who continue the Peace Corps mission through their commitment to community service, and who support the agency's third goal of promoting a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans. The award assumes the name of former Peace Corps Regional Director for Africa and U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Franklin H. Williams. Ambassador Williams was instrumental in assisting the first Peace Corps Director, Sargent Shriver, in advancing the agency's mission across the globe

Finalists for the Franklin H. Williams Award were selected by the 11 Peace Corps regional recruiting offices across the United States. Learn more about the 2008 award recipients.