Editor’s note: This is another in a series of stories on important women in American history, in celebration of March as National Women’s History Month. Information was provided by members of the Kaua‘i County Committee on the Status of Women.
Editor’s note: This is another in a series of stories on important women in American history, in celebration of March as National Women’s History Month. Information was provided by members of the Kaua‘i County Committee on the Status of Women. For more information, or to inquire about joining the committee, call Pat Hunter-Williams, 639-0888, or the Office of the Mayor, 241-6300.
Ida B. Wells was born during the Civil War, and grew up during a time when African Americans were beginning to get some legal rights and opportunities.
But, soon, a violent backlash arose against blacks who dared to build a better life for their families.
Thousands were killed by lynching and other forms of racial violence.
Wells was outspoken in her opposition to violence against blacks, and against unfair laws which limited black civil rights. She became a fearless crusader against lynching.
As a journalist and civil rights activist, Wells inspired many people to work against violence against blacks.
Across the nation, thousands formed anti-lynching groups, staged economic boycotts, and eventually got new laws passed to outlaw lynchings and other forms of racial violence.