Day 27. Ida B Wells Journalism as Activism.

Let’s honor Ida B Wells (born July 16, 1862), a pioneering journalist, activist, and suffragist whose fearless reporting exposed the injustices of lynching and racial violence in America. Wells’ courage and commitment to truth-telling continue to inspire movements for justice and equity.

Investigative Journalism and Activism
Ida B Wells’ groundbreaking work blended fearless journalism with tireless activism:

• Exposing the Truth: Through her writings, Wells investigated and documented the horrors of lynching, challenging the false narratives used to justify racial violence
• Publishing as Power: She co-owned and edited several newspapers, including The Memphis Free Speech, where she published exposés on racial injustice
• Champion of Women’s Rights: Wells was a vocal advocate for women’s suffrage and equality, refusing to be silenced even when marginalized by fellow activists

Her unyielding dedication to justice earned her a global reputation as a truth-teller and advocate for human rights.

Stories of Resilience
Ida B Wells’ activism came at great personal cost:

• Forced into Exile: After publishing articles condemning lynching, Wells’s printing press was destroyed by a mob, forcing her to leave Memphis for her safety
• International Advocacy: Wells took her fight abroad, speaking in England and Europe to rally global support against American racial violence
• Founding Movements: She co-founded the NAACP and the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, creating lasting institutions for social change

Her courage in the face of threats and persecution is a testament to her unshakable resolve.

Quotes to Inspire Action
Wells’s words resonate as a call to justice:

“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”

“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”

Learn More About Ida B Wells

• Books:
  • “Crusade for Justice: The Autobiography of Ida B Wells”
  • “Ida: A Sword Among Lions,” by Paula J Giddings
• Films and Documentaries:
  • Ida B Wells: A Passion for Justice (1989)
  • The Light of Truth: Ida B Wells by PBS
• Online Resources:
  • National Park Service: Ida B Wells Historical Sites

Reflection and Call to Action
Ida B Wells’ life and work remind us of the power of speaking truth to power. Her story challenges us to ask:

• How can we use our voices and platforms to challenge injustice?
• What actions can we take to continue her fight for racial equity and human rights?

Join us tomorrow as we conclude our celebration of Black Excellence by honoring another extraordinary visionary who changed the world.

Learn more: The Ida B Wells Society for Investigative Reporting is a news trade organization dedicated to increasing and retaining reporters and editors of color in the field of investigative reporting.

Join us this month as we honor 28 luminaries and celebrate the enduring legacy of Black excellence. Together, we can build a more just and compassionate world. By embracing the richness of Black history and culture, we can strengthen our community and create a more vibrant and equitable future for all.

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