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The Indiana House of Representatives recognizes the Fifth Annual Bill Johnson Film Festival and commends William L. Johnson for dedicating his time and energy to the project.

William L. Johnson is a Gary native and Emerson School for Visual and Performing Arts graduate who has appeared in over 20 film projects including lead roles in "Blue Hill Avenue," "Motives 2," and "The Mannsfield 12," earning top honors at multiple film festivals.

Johnson's goal is to reinvest earnings into businesses supporting urban communities through promoting self-reliance and providing opportunities to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, and he delivers conscious messages through music under the stage name "Brotha Bill."

The festival features filmmakers and artists including Domingo Guyton (HOPE Multimedia Company president and Grammy Award-winning musician), Major (Retired) Terrence "Ty" Manns (Angel City Pictures co-founder), award-winning writer/director Reggie Gaskins, and Christopher Nolen (Nferno Productions founder).

The House directs copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the African American Achievers Youth Corps, Inc. and William L. Johnson, recognizing the arts as a valuable tool for community understanding and engagement in northwest Indiana.