Ida B Wells: Paving the Way for Government Exposure
Introduction
Ida B. Wells, an African-American journalist, suffragist, and civil rights pioneer, blazed a trail for modern-day investigative journalism through her fearless pursuit of justice and unwavering commitment to exposing the dark underbelly of society. A name recognized across the country, she has left a legacy by working towards a country founded on equality rather than hatred. In an era rife with inequality and oppression, Wells stood strong with steady determination to uncover the truth. Recognized by W.E.B. DuBois for her monumental work, her journalism inspired Black Americans to demand what they were promised when slavery ended: their freedom.
Wells was born into slavery in 1862, just a year before the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Growing up during Reconstruction, she found herself positioned in a time of history that allowed her to seize agency of her own life and future. With this promising historical context, Wells fearlessly fought for change. Unafraid to challenge the status quo and speak truth to power, Wells investigated and reported on the horrors of lynching, shining a spotlight on the true motivations behind these acts of violence rooted in deep-seated racism that plagued America.
Her groundbreaking work reached far and wide, bringing the gruesome reality of lynching to the forefront of public consciousness and leaving no room for denial or complacency. She meticulously documented these atrocities, exposing the racism that fueled them. It is undeniable that Wells shattered the barriers that confined her as an African-American woman and blazed a trail for future generations of investigative journalists.
More specifically, I would argue that Wells understood the power dynamics at play and recognized the significance of the close intertwining of government and press. Her pieces exposing voter suppression tactics aimed at disenfranchising Black Americans and uncovering the true motives behind discriminatory legislation are groundbreaking, boldly revealing abuses of power at the highest levels.
In an era where the government’s true intentions are often obscured behind a smokescreen of public relations, Wells’ legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of investigative journalism. Her fearless pursuit of truth and her relentless determination to expose hidden agendas paved the way for a new breed of journalists who refuse to accept official narratives at face value. Through her writing, Wells unleashed a powerful force that continues to propel the quest for transparency and accountability in government today.
Revolutionary Writing
In the realm of the black press, the name of Ida B Wells rises above most. While her contemporaries in the fight for racial justice made their mark, Wells stands out as a revolutionary force. So, what is it about her that so clearly distinguishes her from other voices? In my view, it is her unwavering conviction. Wells’ dedication to facts and evidence not only bolstered her credibility but also set a new standard for investigative journalism.
Renowned scholar, activist, and author Frederick Douglass praised her writing, saying, "There has been no word equal to it in convincing power. You give us what you know and testify from actual knowledge. Brave woman!" And brave, she was. In 1892, Wells released a thorough pamphlet titled Southern Horrors which exposed the harrowing reality of racial violence and lynching in the South.
What made this pamphlet truly exceptional was how it called for action and denounced the government’s role in perpetuating racial violence. In the fifth chapter, Wells presents a call to action, saying the public reaction to lynching was not strong enough. She gives the example of the citizens of Chattanooga, Tennessee, who rose to the occasion to defend an innocent black man in his lynching trial. She reflects that they “have set a worthy example in that they not only condemn lynch law, but her public men demanded a trial for Weems, the accused rapist.” This behavior is praised and encouraged in Wells’ work as she persistently calls her peers to action. By exposing the government’s failure to protect its citizens, despite the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, Wells effectively ignited a national conversationabout the urgent need for reform.
What truly sets Wells apart from her peers is her passionate fight for suffrage and her unrelenting exposure of government-sanctioned segregation. In her essay, “How Enfranchisement Stops Lynching,” she confronted the contradictions in the government's arguments against racial justice. Wells discusses the extensive history of discrimination, detailing how voting rights are a necessity. She directly calls out Senator Tillman, who in a speech to the US Senate stated that “he and the people of South Carolina shot Negroes to death to keep them from voting.”
Furthermore, Wells does not hold back in exposing the more subtle racial practices during Reconstruction and gave a powerful explanation of how suffrage is the underlying answer. She highlights how African Americans were left to fend for themselves following the civil war, explaining that the best they could do to avoid being beaten or killed was to comply and give up the fight for suffrage. Thus, they were left devoid of voting rights and with limited assistance from Reconstruction. As they forged ahead, establishing thriving businesses and communities, discriminatory laws were cunningly enacted to impede their progress. In writing about this, Wells drives home the point that the only way to shield themselves from discriminatory government legislation is by demanding their voices to be heard.
Wells’ legacy and relevance remain undeniable. In a literal sense, Wells wrote about how false rape and crime allegations were used as the catalyst for lynching black men in the south. In a more abstract sense, she revealed how the government supports blatant lies as a basis to preserve a presence of white supremacy in the South and across the country. She exposed a theme that I urge Americans to be wary of - that the government does not want what is best for everyone, just what is best for white folk in power.
Continuing Wells’ Legacy in the Modern Age
An alarming example of this can be understood through Florida’s current political climate. In a move that has sparked discourse around the country, Florida governor Ron DeSantis is removing the AP African American History courses from the state’s curriculum under the guise of “protecting children.” By using child protection as a shield, DeSantis has stifled an essential piece of education, denying students the opportunity to fully understand the struggles, triumphs, and contributions of African Americans throughout history.
The removal of this course undermines the importance of diverse perspectives and perpetuates a narrative that whitewashes the past, limiting the understanding of systemic racism that continues to plague society today. By critically examining this policy, it becomes evident what is truly at play. I would argue that DeSantis sees and feels threatened by the progressive, empathetic, Generation Z, who are growing up with a passion for social justice. In order to maintain the deeply rooted white supremacist culture in America, the government will have to influence the minds of the young people. Therefore, in the eyes of right wing politicians, the only way to do so is by stifling and manipulating our understanding of systemic oppression.
It is absurd to think that even after a century, our country still employs deceitful tactics to promote conformity. However, this fact also underscores the importance of history and the repetition of trends. It is time for my generation to learn from the bravery of Ida B Wells and follow in her footsteps. We must shed a light on the government’s true intentions and push for a more equitable system that fosters compassion rather than hatred.
The Power of Expository Writing
In conclusion, Wells has proven to be a writer whose influence is still present and will continue to influence future generations of journalists and activists alike. Her objective and powerful writing made a tangible impact on the fight for civil rights, rallying Black Southerners to take action. Today, there is hope that by continuing this style of powerful, hard-hitting, expository journalism, we can combat the racism and inequalities that persist in society.
While policies like those of politicians such as DeSantis are discouraging, they are destined to fail. Generation Z and Millennials are growing up more progressive and educated than ever before, and the government’s excuse of “protecting children” falls flat. There is no doubt that our beliefs and values are evolving with the world we live in. Inspired by Ms. Wells, there is potential to expose the truth behind the government’s intentions and ignite a revolution. Because whether we like it or not, times are changing, and the centuries of deeply ingrained systemic racism are going to change with them.
