Onward and Upward: Honoring the Legacy of Ida B. Wells
Patricia Freudenberg
Principal Owner and Partner at Miss-U-Gram with expertise in End Of Life Coaching
As Black History Month comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect not only on the progress made but also on the trailblazing women who fought for Black history to be acknowledged, celebrated, and woven into the fabric of America’s narrative. Among them stands the remarkable Ida B. Wells—a journalist, activist, and suffragist whose fearless pursuit of justice shaped history.
The phrase “Onward and Upward” echoes Wells’ unwavering spirit, a mantra that encapsulates her relentless fight against racial injustice, gender inequality, and systemic oppression. In an era when women—especially Black women—were silenced, disenfranchised, and faced insurmountable barriers, she defied the odds, paving the way for generations to come.
A Legacy of Courage and Tenacity
Ida B. Wells was born into slavery in 1862 in Holly Springs, Mississippi, during the final years of the Civil War. Though the Emancipation Proclamation granted her family freedom, the Reconstruction era was fraught with racial violence and oppression. Despite this, Wells pursued education and became a teacher, later finding her true calling in journalism.
Her work as a journalist and anti-lynching activist came at a great personal cost. After three of her friends were lynched in Memphis, she used her pen as a weapon against the brutal practice of lynching, exposing the horrors through investigative journalism. Her bold reporting led to threats against her life, forcing her to flee the South, yet she never ceased speaking out.
Wells firmly believed that truth was the most powerful weapon against injustice, famously stating:
“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” — Ida B. Wells
This principle guided her relentless efforts to shine a spotlight on racial violence and inequality, a mission that continues to inspire generations of activists and truth-seekers.
Key Contributions of Ida B. Wells:
Anti-Lynching Crusader: Wells meticulously documented and exposed the widespread lynching of Black men, women, and children in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her research debunked the racist myth that lynching was a punishment for crimes, proving instead that it was a tool of terror and oppression.
Co-Founder of the NAACP: In 1909, she played a critical role in the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), an organization that continues to fight for racial justice today.
Women’s Rights Advocate: Long before the ratification of the 19th Amendment, Ida B. Wells fought for Black women’s suffrage, challenging the racism within the women’s rights movement. She famously refused to be segregated during the 1913 Women’s Suffrage Parade, instead marching with her white counterparts in a bold act of defiance.
Education and Community Building: She co-founded the Alpha Suffrage Club in Chicago, empowering Black women with the tools and knowledge to fight for their right to vote.
Ida B. Wells: A Personal Reflection
I was honored to learn more about this extraordinary woman not only through history books but through powerful storytelling. I recently had the privilege of watching the Broadway show SUFFS, where her struggles and triumphs were vividly brought to life. The performance was breathtaking, a reminder of the setbacks, battles, and victories that shaped her legacy.
Even in the face of personal and professional adversity, Ida B. Wells never backed down. She stood firm in her belief that justice was worth fighting for, even when the cost was high. Her resilience is an inspiration to all who continue the fight for equality today.
Why We Must Keep the Legacy Alive
Ida B. Wells’ story is not just a chapter in history—it is a call to action. We honor her not by merely remembering but by continuing the work she started. Whether in the fight for racial justice, women’s rights, press freedom, or social reform, Wells’ spirit urges us forward:
Onward and Upward.
Let us carry her legacy beyond Black History Month—into every day, every movement, and every moment where justice demands a voice.
Disclosure:
The resources for these facts can be found in Britannica.
May we continue to uplift her legacy and march ever onward and upward!
Recommended Readings & Resources:??
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? 2025 Patricia Freudenberg, Certified End-of-Life Coach. All Rights Reserved.