Ida B. Wells-Barnett: The Journalist Whose Legacy Lives On

By Deborah Bailey

Ida B. Wells-Barnett (1862-1931) is the investigative journalist, educator, and advocate known for her outspoken activism. Wells-Barnett used her pen and voice to document and address the severe injustices experienced by Black Americans. She also worked to publicize the issues faced by women during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As an early American civil rights pioneer and suffragist, Wells-Barnett, a founder of the NAACP, promoted solutions to the systemic inequities faced by Black persons and women during her lifetime. 

Her work and legacy are being revived this year, starting with the Jan. 7 circulation of the Ida B. Wells-Barnett American Women Quarters coin issued by the U.S. Mint. The book, “Ida B The Queen: The Extraordinary Life of Ida B. Wells,” has just been released by Michelle Duster, Wells-Barnett’s great-granddaughter. 

Her great-grandson, Dan Duster, spoke with the AFRO about the fearlessness that characterized Wells-Barnett during her lifetime and the courage needed by this generation of Black journalists and advocates for struggles still faced today. 

Wells-Barnett had strong convictions. According to Duster, when it came to issues facing Black Americans, his great-grandmother had agreements and disagreements with both her Black and White contemporaries

“Some of her contemporaries got along and some had different opinions,” Duster said, adding that it is often mistakenly thought that, historically, most Black people shared the same perspectives about issues facing Black Americans. 

“Frederick Douglass was one of her friends and mentors,” said Duster, before noting the different opinions held by Douglass and Wells-Barnett on approaches to racial progress. “I understand that Frederick Douglass’ philosophy was, ‘[If] you owe me a loaf of bread and give me a half a loaf, that’s progress.’ But Ida would say, ‘If you owe me a half a loaf, where’s my other half loaf?’”

Duster said that Wells-Barnett would be astonished at the issues facing Black Americans today, particularly those that have been exacerbated during the past two months by the Trump Administration, such as the elimination of  DEI programs and the cancellation of Black History programs or the mention of Black history by federal agencies. 

“I think she would literally be shaking her head in disbelief at some of the causes we are still fighting for,” said Duster. “She would say, ‘It’s been 150 years, and we’re still talking about this?’”

Turning to the future, Duster said there are some distinctions between the Wells-Barnett era and the battles Black journalists and advocates face in this era. 

“The Ida B. Wells Foundation will continue to preserve, promote, and protect the legacy of Ida B. Wells. Part of her legacy is equality for all,” said Duster. “We still feel that access to and support of education is still paramount in our society.” 

“Part of the challenge right now is– with Black people being awarded some rights– we have something to lose. Prior to the 1960’s we had very little to lose,” Duster said. “Now, it becomes more challenging.”

In this generation, Duster said Black Americans and all persons of good will have the responsibility to act.

“If you know something is being harmful and you know it’s wrong, it’s your responsibility to do something,” Duster said. “It’s not the people who do evil– it’s those who watch it and do nothing to stop it. Righting the wrongs of society is something that Ida B. Wells did in her lifetime and encouraged others to do.”

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