The Historical Significance of Ida B. Wells Free Essay Example, 2000 words

Wells, born into slavery in 1862, was a respected journalist who championed racial equality leading efforts to illuminate and eradicate the lynching of black men in the South. Wells, a spokesperson for civil rights long before the Civil Rights Movement, contested segregation laws more than half a century prior to Rosa Parks famous bus incident. Because she was a black female, much of her words were either left undocumented or were suppressed by the white media establishment. However, her efforts to communicate were so intense and broad-ranging that enough evidence remains of her militant, unabashed actions. Wells was a fearless heroine who championed civil liberties at a time when the majority of the country was fighting against her. Wells parents, Jim and Elizabeth Wells, instilled in her a positive, goal-oriented attitude and an interest in politics. After his emancipation, her father became a member of a political organization dedicated to black causes, the Loyal League, where he openly campaigned for black politicians (Sterling, 1988, p. Wells passionate interests regarding racial injustices were a strong influence on his daughter as was her mother s devotion to religion and a staunch work ethic. We will write a custom essay sample on The Historical Significance of Ida B. Wells or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page This, along with her parents influences, would be a driving force in her life. Wells took a teaching job at age 16 after her parents and a sibling died from Yellow Fever in 1878 (Sterling, 1988, p. She had altered her appearance to look older. Had she not gained employment, her family would have been forced apart.