A review by carlybarly6
Crusade for Justice: The Autobiography of Ida B. Wells by Ida B. Wells-Barnett

4.0

Ida B. Wells was an extraordinary woman who was led by integrity and her pursuit of justice. A teacher, an investigative journalist, a civil rights leader, a politician, a wife, a mother, an anti-lynching advocate — and always, a truth-teller. Best known for her anti-lynching writings and speaking, Wells’ research revealed that what white people had claimed to have been killings of self-defense were actually motivated by economic competition — where Black people’s successes were competing with those of white people. Regardless of people’s wishes that she would cater her words to be more palpable, Wells would publish and speak out against lynching candidly and truthfully. Wells was also a leader in the women’s suffrage movement, and challenged the racism within that movement where white women excluded non-white women (though their contribution to the cause was invaluable). Whether supporting grassroots organizations or speaking with national organizations, Wells was unrelenting in integrity and truth-telling. A woman of great intelligence, heart, and courage, her autobiography is an astounding recounting of a life lead greatly — and as a nation and as individuals, we’re all the better for it.