March 25

Ida B. Wells-Barnett

Ida B. Wells-Barnett died on March 25, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois at age 68.  Wells is noted as a civil rights leader, journalist, newspaper editor and suffragist.

She recorded lynching of African Americans in America.  Wells made sure the world was aware of the cruel and inhumane actions that were occurring in America with African Americans being lynched in dramatic numbers for trivial and often falsely accused charges.

Through her investigative journalism, she published the staggering numbers of African Americans being lynched and the ugly truth behind the killings;  Wells was able to seek justice for those who could not obtain it for themselves.  She traveled speaking in America and Europe promoting her cause for humanity while risking her own safety. Wells was born a slave on July 16, 1862 in Holly Springs, Mississippi.