Ida B. Wells

Background

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, racism in the United States was both common and extremely violent. Lynching, where mobs of white people would kill Black Americans without trial, was one of the worst type of injustice. It usually gained public approval and had no consequences. These types of acts were talked about rarely in the media, and if they were, they were justified or ignored. Regarding political power, African Americans had very little. Women, especially Black women were almost completely shunned from public ordeals. Black families moving north in search of safety and better lives often struggled to find homes and jobs. In addition, voting rights for Black people, especially women, were always threatened. Though this was a time of silence and injustice for the black community, one woman chose to speak up. 

Introduction to Ida B. Wells

Ida B. Wells was born in 1862 in Holly Springs, Mississippi, shortly before the Emancipation Proclamation. Her parents were formerly enslaved but strongly believed in hard work and the right to an education. Ida went to school at Rust College, where her father worked as a board member. Her life came crashing down when both her parents and one of her siblings died from yellow fever. At the ripe age of 16 years old, Ida took on the role of a mother-like figure for her younger siblings. Not only this, but to support her family, she lied about her age to get a job as a teacher. Growing up in the South, Ida dealt with racism and injustice regularly. One specific incident pushed her to take action: she was removed from a first-class train car she had paid for. She sued the railroad and won her case. Both this victory, along with the horror known as lynching in the South, propelled her to fight for equality through writing and activism.

Contribution

Ida B. Wells has become one of the most powerful voices in American history. She is mostly known for her lifechanging books and newspaper articles examining the reality of lynching, showing that many victims were innocent Black people killed for resisting racism. Setbacks did occur, like when a mob destroyed her newspaper office in Memphis, Tennessee, though she continued to speak out across the country and overseas. Not only did she write but she founded major civil rights organizations. Ida helped create the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) as well as the National Association of Colored Women. In Chicago, she started a club to help Black women take part in elections and make their voices heard. She also started a support group to assist Black families find jobs and housing who newly moved to the North. Her determination and bravery put her at risk many times, but she continued to fight. 

Impact

Because of Ida B. Wells, the truth about lynching was no longer a secret. Her journalism laid the groundwork for civil rights awareness and inspired next gen activists to use facts and stories to fight for justice. Her leadership in founding significant organizations helped build assistance for African Americans, especially women, to advocate for their rights. Ida B. Wells’ fight for voting rights, fair housing, and equality all around invited future leaders to do the same. Today, we live in a society where racism and violence continues to be a reality, but there are systems in place and people ready to fight thanks to the courage of Ida B. Wells.

Why I Admire Ida B. Wells

I admire Ida B. Wells because she never waited for someone else to do the right thing. She took initiative, even when it cost her safety and peace. She spoke her and others’ truth in a time when many were too afraid to do so. Not only did she not let injustice put her down, but she instead turned her story into a purpose. Her confidence, smarts, and hard work reminds me, a colored woman, that speaking up with courage and passion, can truly change the world. Ida B. Wells was not just a writer and activist; she was an empath who refused to be silent.

Fun Facts

• She was known as the “Duchess of Trains” because she bit a train conductor who tried to force her out of a first-class seat.

• She was bold in her writing, never scared to tell the truth

• She loved to shop, horseback ride, and dress stylishly

• She lied about her age to become a teacher and take care of her siblings.

• She won a lawsuit against a railroad company at the young age of 21 years old.