While she was working as a journalist, Wells also had a position as a teacher in a segregated public school in Memphis. In 1891, however, she was fired from the school for speaking against the existence of black only schools in Memphis. 7 years later she brought all her demands to the white house and lead many protests to try and get President William McKinley to make reforms. While this was not as successful as she had hoped she was still able to accomplish many things. For example, she established many civil rights organizations including the formation of the National Association of Colored Women.
Ida B. Wells fought injustice until her death on March 25, 1931, from kidney disease. Wells felt like she left behind a striking legacy, and once famously said "I felt that one had better die fighting against injustice than to die like a dog or a rat in a trap."
2 comments:
I like how you included several interesting details, as well as her profound quote at the end. I think that her story is very interesting because she was able to voice her opinion throughout her entire life, without living in fear or hiding behind her words. She did this because she felt that her cause was more important in the long-term than her life in the short-term. Her courage and compassion are evident parts of her inspiring character and I think that she had a lasting impact on both minority and white communities.
This is a very comprehensive bibliography of Ida B. Wells' important moments in history. I am surprised she was not lynched herself after speaking up so much about all these controversial issues. It is almost surprising that she died from kidney disease and not some other forcible means, like lynching. Was she often on the run? Or was she not considered worth it because she was a woman?
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