Ida B. Wells: A Chicago Stories Special Documentary

There are few Chicago historical figures whose life and work speak to the current moment more than Ida B. Wells, the 19th century investigative journalist, civil rights leader, and passionate suffragist. WTTW brings you a new CHICAGO STORIES special that tells her story as never before.

Freed from slavery just six months after she was born, Ida B. Wells once described her childhood with her parents and siblings in Holly Springs, Mississippi as “happy.” But a tragedy would alter the course of Wells’ youth. As a young woman and teacher, she refused to give up her seat on a train car that she was told was reserved white women. That incident launched the young Wells into her first public fight for justice.

Through writing, Ida B. Wells found her “real” self. As she put pen to paper, her words became an important tool to analyze, debate, and persuade readers on the issues of the day, particularly when it came to race and gender. But after the lynching of her close friend in Memphis, Wells found a new kind of power in her pen.

[wttw]

Visit the interactive website at wttw.com/idabwells

[yolondaharrington]

Her husband recognizing that she was spectacular is amazing. He let her stick to the plan and be who she was and wasn’t intimidated but proud of her. Ida addressing real problems and her vigilance to not only protect black men and families should be more widely recognized

[marsheacaraballo]

This documentary brought tears to my eyes. She was a very strong black woman ❤️

I love the fact her husband supported her career.

[nanof]

I really find it difficult to see in the lynching picture how people including children can stand there smiling and looking so happy about someone hanging dead or dying…….that’s another level of being evil to the core.

[perrysaunders]

The more I read about Ms. Wells and having 6 books on her, I realize 3 things that frustrate my soul so very much. 1.) How Class played a major role in even in our race. 2.)Sexism played a major part. Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. looked down on her. 3.) Even the Church was scared to fight for freedom and seen Ms. Wells as a troublemaker. When she clearly wanted us to rise up and defend ourselves. Then there was a 4th issue I notice, White Women wanted rights and respect from their men, but they couldn't even put down their racism to include black women equally. Just think if Upper Middle Class Blacls, Other Civil Rights Leaders during that time, the Bkack Church and Women Rights Groups had a backbone and joined Ms. Wells how more advance our race would have been. The total lack of respect she received during the last decade of her life makes me sick. She should be mention along MLK, Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks. Because she attributes they all had before all but Harriet Tubman was born. It is a shame she isn't honored. I love this women and everything she stood for. R.I.P. Ms. Ida B. Wells.

[sarahsmiles]

If we’re still fighting for the same thing today that Ida B Wells was a century ago, something is wrong with this picture. Are we going to be forever begging and asking and demanding???

[aunrikatucker-shabazz]

I’m so excited that Ida Wells-Barnett finally has received a documentary. This helps synthesize so much biographical and sociological information about her not available — even to graduate students like myself who are just exploited and below the paywall needed for the historical/archival data shown here. Thank you so much !

[Jones]

Such a well done documentary! Thanks to WTTWChicago for putting this together and enlightening us with the legacy Ida B. Wells left all Americans.

[onagaali]

Ida B Wells Barnett epitomizes what mission blacks in this country and around the world should still be striving and fighting for today. She has always been one of my favorite black history pioneers. Her mission is so eternally relevant in the 21st century. She was truly a trailblazer of her time.

[gaylafrasier]

From Springfield, IL and never knew about this brave woman! This and ALL other black history should have BEEN being taught in schools.

[ablacksquare]

I am so honored to know of such a fierce, brilliant and loving, tactical woman. All that she created, organized, and attempted in the face of perpetual nonsense: Sexism, racism, classism, erasure…. Standing Salute in the spirit of gratitude.

[EMMALEEMC]

I love this woman and find so much fire, power & peace in her example. This is also so informative, well told and well researched. Shout to Pulitzer winning 1619 Project! The intersections of her life with World's Fair, Frederick Douglass & W.E.B. Du Bois are crazy....but it's HER story, HER spirit and HER work that trumps it all. Sad she is not more known, but she will never be forgotten. She did her work!

[pamulahwilliams]

Thanks so much for this short, but Beautiful 😍 "Biopic" life of this "Amazing " Women, Mrs. Ida B. Wells-Barnett, her Husband that backed her, her few allies, the Presenters and to Her " Grear Grands" that made sure Mrs Ida's legacy remained alive and current in this time. As the struggle continues even to this "Day", eye'm alive and greatful 🙏 🙌 that 👁 eye was able to see 👀 and hear this much needed "Herstory"! Rest In Power, Mrs. Ida B. Wells-Barnett. 👍🔥.

[elliottcurry]

Y'all, please read "Crusade for Justice" - this summarizes the book. This amazing woman stood up to the CIA. I don't know if this documentary covers that.... but the book will leave in awe, angered, empowered, amazed, and a full range of emotions.

[Libe]

What a woman!!! Amazing legacy full of teachings for all people willing to learn!!

[kathleencalhoun]

Ida B. Wells was a true humanitarian. She had a genuine desire to help those in need, which contrasted with the attitudes of the snobbish old school established blacks who considered themselves 'more polished' and unwilling to do the same as Ms. Wells. Good for her.

[fayebradford]

As an older woman and educator, I never knew her story. I'm so impressed and proud of the knowledge of her courage!

[PlannerGirlLifestyle]

I wished I would have learned this in school! Thanks for letting me know about Ida B Wells

[Angela-otes]

Excellent and long overdue. Well done Madame Wells.

[shestakenjones]

I have learned so much from this documentary. It has changed my entire outlook on the community I serve, (Bronzeville), because I know this is where it all started! My respect for Ida B. Well-Barnett have grown tremendously. Thank you for this history lesson that was way overdue.