Ida B. Wells-Barnett: A Pioneer for Civil Rights

Why did Ida Wells-Barnett continue to teach?

Ida Wells-Barnett was happy with her life as a teacher.

What was the name of the newspaper where Ida Wells-Barnett became the editor?

Ida Wells-Barnett was dragged off a train for not sitting in the ______________________ car.

Match the following institutions with Ida Wells-Barnett's experiences:

What was the outcome of the Emancipation Proclamation of the Civil War in 1865 for Wells-Barnett and her family?

Wells-Barnett's parents were allowed to get married in Mississippi.

What was the name of the disease that killed Wells-Barnett's parents and youngest brother?

Wells-Barnett was born in _______________________ in 1862.

Match the following family members with their relationship to Wells-Barnett:

Early Life and Education

Ida B. Wells-Barnett was born into slavery on July 16, 1862, in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to Elizabeth Warrenton and James Wells.
Her parents were not allowed to be married as they were both slaves.
Her maternal grandfather was also her white slave master.
Due to the Emancipation Proclamation of 1865, Wells-Barnett and her family were no longer slaves.

Overcoming Adversity

After her parents and youngest infant brother died of Yellow fever, Wells-Barnett took care of her six siblings at the age of 14 or 16.
She refused to let her siblings be separated and instead found a job to support them.
She became a schoolteacher, attending school during the week and returning home on weekends.

Career and Activism

Wells-Barnett moved to Memphis in 1883 and found another teaching job, but she didn't enjoy teaching.
She continued her studies at Fisk University and wrote for the Evening Star newspaper, focusing on issues affecting African Americans.
She was dragged off a train for not sitting in the men's car, which sparked her passion for writing about racial injustices.
She was elected secretary of the National Press Association and traveled around the south, witnessing segregation and discrimination against African Americans.

Learn about the life and achievements of Ida B. Wells-Barnett, a pioneering figure in the Civil Rights Movement who fought for the rights of African Americans.