Ida B. Wells for Kids
Journalist and civil rights leader
"Meet Ida B. Wells! She was born in 1862 in Holly Springs, Mississippi, during a time when Black people were still enslaved. When Ida was just a baby, President Lincoln signed a law that freed all enslaved people. Ida's parents valued education more than anything. 'Learning is your superpower,' her father told her. 'Nobody can ever take knowledge away from you.' Ida loved going to school. She was curious, smart, and asked lots of questions. She read every book she could find. Her teachers noticed that Ida had a special gift - she could see injustice and unfairness, and she wasn't afraid to speak up about it. 'Why do people treat others unfairly just because of their skin color?' young Ida asked. This question would guide her entire life's work."
Fun facts about Ida B. Wells
- Ida was born during the Civil War, just 6 months before the Emancipation Proclamation that would free enslaved people!
- When relatives wanted to split up the children, Ida said 'No!' and took on the responsibility of raising them all herself!
- Ida bit the conductor's hand when he tried to move her! Her lawsuit victory was later overturned, but she never stopped fighting!
- Ida became co-owner of the Memphis Free Speech newspaper - one of the first Black women to own a newspaper!
- Ida's friends were killed because their grocery store was too successful - the white store owner didn't like the competition!
What your child will learn
- Learn about this amazing person
Read the full illustrated story of Ida B. Wells
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