Ida B. Wells was a prominent African American journalist, suffragist, and civil rights leader in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She is known for her fearless advocacy against lynching and racism, as well as her contributions to the women's suffrage movement. In this lesson, we will explore why Ida B. Wells is an important figure in women's history.

Ida B. Wells was born into slavery in Mississippi in 1862. After the Civil War, her family became politically active and supported Reconstruction efforts. Wells attended Rust College and later became a teacher. She began her career in journalism in the 1880s, writing for a black-owned newspaper in Memphis, Tennessee.

In 1892, three of Wells' friends were lynched by a white mob. Outraged by the injustice, Wells began investigating and documenting cases of lynching. She published her findings in a series of articles, pamphlets, and books, exposing the true nature of lynching as a tool of white supremacy and racial control. Her activism and advocacy helped to raise awareness and spur action against lynching.

In addition to her anti-lynching activism, Ida B. Wells was also involved in the women's suffrage movement. She was a founding member of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs and worked with white suffragists to push for women's right to vote. However, she also called out the racism within the suffrage movement and advocated for a more inclusive movement that recognized the contributions of women of color.

Ida B. Wells' tireless advocacy for justice and equality has had a lasting impact on American history. Her work paved the way for the civil rights movement and the fight against systemic racism. She was also a trailblazer for women's rights and helped to expand the boundaries of what was possible for women in the public sphere.