Criticism In American Life: Ida B. Wells

According to the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum article, over 88% of the victims who were lynched in 1882 to 1951 were African Americans (“Resistance”). An activist and journalist named Ida B. Wells- Barnett sought a solution to lynching during the Reconstruction period. Throughout her writings, she expressed her beliefs about lynching and other cruel actions that were done to African Americans. Ida believed lynching was a horrible action that should not go unnoticed, so she publicized facts about racism that took place during the Reconstruction Period. Wells gained publicity about her writings, and many people became aware about the practices of lynching (“The Christian Broadcasting Network”). Therefore, Ida B. Wells is a hero in US history.

Ida B. Wells was born on July 16, 1982 in Holly Springs, Mississippi to Jim and Elizabeth Wells. Her mother, Elizabeth was born in Virginia, but slavery forced her to move to Mississippi at the age of seven. Elizabeth was never able to trace her biological family, so she believed that she was half Indian. On the other hand, Ida’s father was half white and half African- American, and his father was his slave owner. Both parents did not suffer as bad as other slaves did. They hoped that Ida would helped their lives improve because being a slave was not easy (Steenwyk 12).

She served as a heroic figure starting at a young age. According to the film “Ida B. Wells A Passion for Justice,” “She stood for, fought for freedom of opportunity and the freedom of intimidation (Ida B. Wells A Passion for justice). She risked her life for her beliefs and principles. At the age of sixteen, Ida’s parents died from helping others with the yellow fever. She was left alone, and she had to accept responsibilities at a young age. The young woman did not let that interfere with becoming successful (Ida B. Wells A Passion for