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Ida B. Wells—the anti-lynching crusader, women’s rights activist, voting rights advocate, and journalist—was born into enslavement on July 16, 1862 in Holly Springs, Mississippi.
As I sit here today, watching the resurgence of anti-Black hate groups, “white nationalism” denial from Sen. Tommy Tuberville, hate legislation from the Republi-Klan Party, book banning in the name of fake anti-CRT mania, daily news stories of anti-Black and -POC police brutality, and the rolling back of women’s rights, I feel like it is time, once again, to turn to music that narrates history, celebrates our hard-won victories, honors our freedom fighters, and moves us to keep on fighting that good fight.
Wells, also known as Ida B. Wells-Barnett, is a powerful symbol and example of who we must not only admire, but emulate, if we are going to drag this country out of the putrid weeds of hate—again.
RELATED STORY: Ida B. Wells-Barnett fought to make black lives matter
Black Music Sunday is a weekly series highlighting all things Black music. With nearly 170 stories (and counting) covering performers, genres, history, and more, each featuring its own vibrant soundtrack, I hope you’ll find some familiar tunes and perhaps an introduction to something new.
