Summary Of Ida B Wells Crusade For Justice

More than any section thus far, chapter 32 through chapter 36 of Ida B. Wells’ Crusade for Justice invokes a call to action, urging the reader to move—not through explicit “you” commands, but rather through the apathy of others in the face of Wells’ constant action. The set-up takes place after the Chicago Tribune publishes a series of articles that support the segregation of Chicago schools, Mr. Barnett asking Wells, “What can we do?” To this she replies, “That is exactly what we should find out . . . There must always be a remedy for wrong and injustice if we only know how to find it” (274-75). This statement on injustice is a through line of Wells’ beliefs, but cynicism could easily dismiss the notion if Wells’ life didn’t continually reinforce

Unknowingly echoing Wells’ own husband, one of her students asks, “What can we do about it?” to which Wells recalls, “I replied that they could at least get together and ask themselves that question” (299). Before I return to Wells’ answer, there is one other conversation important here, one between Wells and her eldest son after Wells turns down an investigation of a lynching in Cairo, Illinois. Speaking to her son, Wells asserts, “I don’t see why I should have to go and do the work that others refuse,” to which he replies, “Mother if you don’t go nobody else will” (311). This short conversation perfectly epitomizes a part of what makes Ida B. Wells so incredible: she takes the steps others are too afraid to make. She asks the question, she finds the answer, and she carries it through—and she makes it look simple. Newspaper advocates segregation? Convince powerful people to pull support. Community seems apathetic? Start the Negro Fellowship League. Corrupt sheriff about to be reinstated? Speak at the hearing and win. There’s no doubt that these successes are partially a result of Wells’ extraordinary rhetoric and social skills, but she’s also doing what “nobody else will,” and most people aren’t even willing to ask the question—unless, of course, she’s present to hear