Ida B. Wells Quote T-Shirt - Turn The Light Of Truth Upon Them | History Black Woman Journalist

Ida B. Wells became one of the most respected investigative journalists and activists using her writings to bring attention to the lynchings of black people in America. Born into slavery in Holly Springs Mississippi, after gaining freedom through the Emancipation Proclamation she later became a teacher at the age of 16 to help support her family.

As a young journalist she began to voice her opinions through a newspaper column called The Living Way under the pseudonym "Lola". She was later fired from her teacher position for criticizing the conditions of Black schools. After the lynching of her friend, a Black grocery store owner, Wells began to her investigative journalism and urged black residents to leave Memphis because of the failed court systems in protecting blacks when murdered by white people. Wells continued writing on these issues as well as being an activist for the rights of black people and women to help pass legislation through political positioning.