Ida B Wells Research Paper

Kimberly Bowman

Dr. Watson

April 2, 2018

Critical Essay Topic 1: Introduction of African American Studies

Women have been deprived from having the same ability as males politically and socially. The injustice in social and political power in females has been a subject that’s been debated and protested for many years. Black Feminism developed after the civil war which was around the late 1800’s and 1900’s. There were many of black women who contributed to black feminism and paved the way for black women. Ida B. Wells was one of the black feminist that paved the way for black people socially and politically but she also participated in the developing a movement that empowers black females. Ida B. Wells was a journalist who spoke on the injustice of women as well as the civil rights movement. Mary McLeod Bethune was a black feminist who was an educator, she had a leadership within the civil rights movement and was the founder of Bethune-Cookman University. Bethune also, opened up another school that educated black girls only the school provide the girls education and well as thought the girls about their rights and standing up for what’s right and to hopefully one day be future black feminist. Shirley Chisolm was a black feminist who was the first black women ever to be elected for congress, she gave was an educator and author as well. Madam CJ

Walker was a black feminist who not only paved the way for black women but also women in general and African Americans. Walker was
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the first woman to develop and establish a success business.

Walker was named the first woman to become a millionaire off the success of her own business. Ruby Bridges was one of the

youngest black feminist and civil rights activist. Ruby Bridges was the first to desegregate a elementary school. It took a lot courage and heart for a 6 year old to overcome a challenge that was difficult however she did and it made a huge difference in her community. These are just some of the black feminist that supported and provide women empowerment for black

women.
Black Feminism and White Feminism had similarities but also had differences. White and Black Feminist were conjoined at one point of time. They both stood up for equality socially and politically in women. They both had goals they was hoping to see within women such a politics, having the right to vote and etc. However Black women broke away from white feminist groups because they found out that the white feminist were fighting for themselves and not all women from different races. The difference between white feminist and black feminist is that white were for themselves they focused only on white women being successful politically and socially. However, black feminist were for the culture. They fought not only themselves but black people in general. Black Feminist were leaders in communities and they were activist in the civil rights movement. White feminist came different backgrounds than black feminist. White Feminist did not have to deal with as much hate and discrimination as black women. During the late 1800’s and 1900’s being white was a privilege. So white might not had authority however they were treated better than black feminist. However black feminist had it tougher and they had to worry about being segregated, lynched, unfair treatment and the KKK. White Feminist were just trying make a statement that she had the same ability as her husband, father or brother. However, black feminist was the support system for the civil rights movement. They were the heart of the lion, meaning they were the strength. Black feminist supported the home by taking care of the children, cooking, cleaning and working while supporting the movement.

Work Cited