Juanita Anderson

Juanita Anderson is a Teaching Professor and Area Head of Media Arts and Studies in the Department of Communication at Wayne State University, where she also holds the Bob Allison (Allesee) Endowed Chair in Media. A veteran producer, documentary filmmaker, and still photographer from Detroit, she has over three decades of experience in public television and independent media production, with notable works like the Academy Award-nominated Who Killed Vincent Chin? and the Favorite Poem Project video anthology. Her career spans leadership roles in organizations such as Black Public Media, American Documentary, Inc., and Working Films.

Education:

• M.A. in Speech, Communication and Theatre (Radio-TV-Film), University of Michigan
• B.A. in Journalism; Radio-TV-Film, University of Michigan

Anderson's research focuses on African American and African diasporic cultures, urban issues, documentary studies, and multiculturalism in public media. Her award-winning filmography includes works on African American history, social justice, and the arts, distributed nationally on PBS. She has received fellowships from prestigious institutions and been recognized as a champion of diversity in media.

Scientific Awards & Honors:

• Induction into the National Film Registry (2021)
• duPont Columbia Silver Baton
• George Foster Peabody Award
• 2024 Kresge Artist Fellow
• 2019-2020 Murray E. Jackson Creative Scholar in the Arts
• Gilbert Family Foundation/United States Artists Seed and Bloom fellowship

As a mentor, Anderson has guided generations of filmmakers and launched 15 projects into national public television distribution. She currently serves on the executive committee of American Documentary, Inc., and is a Resident Artist in Media Arts at The Carr Center in Detroit.