Shawn P. Williams launched DallasSouthBlog.com (now ShawnPWilliams.com) in June of 2006 where he serves as publisher and editor. In 2008, Dallas South was one of a select number of blogs nationwide to be awarded credentials for the Democratic National Convention. The website has been featured on NBC Nightly News, The Chicago Tribune, CNN, NPR, BBC, and many other national outlets.

In June 2009, Shawn helped to organize Dallas South News, a nonprofit news organization that utilizes technology, social media, and journalistic principles to empower and inform underserved communities. He served as President and Editor-in-Chief of the hyperlocal news website that focuses on Southern Dallas until May 2012. Dallas South News won Momentum Texas’ inaugural Southern Dallas Business Plan Competition in October 2009.

In March 2010, Shawn received the Austin American-Statesman’s Texas Social Media Awards, which recognized the Top 25 social media users in the state. He has been a guest columnist for the Dallas Morning News, provided commentary for WFAA Channel 8’s Inside Texas Politics and written articles for D Magazine. In November 2011, Shawn published his first book, Blogging While Black and was a panelist at SXSW Interactive 2012.

In June 2012, Shawn joined the office of Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings as Deputy Chief of Staff. In that role, Shawn is project manager for Mayor Rawlings’ Grow South initiative focusing on increasing economic development opportunities for Southern Dallas. Shawn also leads technology initiatives and digital strategies in the Office of the Mayor. In addition, he manages Mayor Rawlings’ social media efforts.