Crusade for Justice by Ida B. Wells-Barnett
"Crusade for Justice" is the autobiography of Ida B. Wells-Barnett, an influential African American feminist and civil rights leader, chronicling her life and activism in the pursuit of equality for women and African Americans. Born into slavery in 1862, Wells-Barnett's experiences span significant historical events such as the Reconstruction era, the fight for women's suffrage, and the societal changes following World War I. The autobiography is particularly notable for its documentation of the lynching of African American men, as Wells-Barnett vehemently opposed these brutal acts and sought to highlight the systemic racism prevalent in American society.
Throughout her life, she engaged in debates with prominent figures like Susan B. Anthony and W. E. B. Du Bois, showcasing her strong convictions and occasional unwillingness to compromise. While the autobiography provides valuable insights into her struggles and achievements, it remains incomplete due to the loss of many of her writings and the passage of time. The work is essential not only for understanding Wells-Barnett's contributions to civil rights and feminism but also for capturing the broader context of racial and gender dynamics in America. Her enduring legacy reflects a courageous commitment to justice, making her story an important part of American history.
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Crusade for Justice by Ida B. Wells-Barnett
First published: 1970
The Work
Crusade for Justice: The Autobiography of Ida B. Wells is the inspiring story of an African American feminist and civil rights leader. She documents her individual struggles, her accomplishments, and her major activities to promote equality for women and African Americans. Born into slavery in 1862, she lived through the Reconstruction era after the U. S. Civil War, the battle for suffrage, World War I, and its aftermath. Ida B. Wells-Barnett’s reflections provide a critical review of American racial and sexual relations. She did not simply observe the American scene; she also altered it as a leader in the women’s movement and the African American Civil Rights movement.
The autobiography is especially important in documenting the widespread patterns of lynchings of African American men by white mobs. In protests and writings about these horrors, Wells-Barnett fought against any acceptance of these illegal and violent acts. She struggled with many people to have her radical and unflinching stands represented. Her struggles included arguments with other leaders such as the suffragist Susan B. Anthony, the civil rights activist W. E. B. Du Bois, and the African American leader Booker T. Washington. She presents her side of these differences in the autobiography, which reflects her occasional unwillingness to compromise and her hot temper.
Wells-Barnett published in formats such as small-circulation newspapers, pamphlets, and journals, so the autobiography is vital in providing obscure information about her life and ideas. She did not complete the autobiography, however, and her daughter Alfreda Duster helped fill in many missing pieces for the publication of the manuscript almost four decades after her mother’s death. In addition, Wells-Barnett lost many of her writings in two different fires, so her daughter did not have access to the full range of her mother’s publications and thoughts. As a result, major areas of Wells-Barnett’s life and ideas that are not covered or explained. Wells-Barnett’s life is remarkable in its courage and influence. She refused to be limited by her battles with personal poverty, sexism, and racism, and her valiant spirit is apparent in her life story.
Bibliography
Aptheker, Bettina. Introduction to Lynching and Rape: An Exchange of Views, by Jane Addams and Ida B. Wells-Barnett. Occasional Papers Series 25. San Jose, Calif.: American Institute for Marxist Studies, 1977.
Wells-Barnett, Ida B. The Memphis Diary of Ida B. Wells. Edited by Miriam DeCosta-Willis. Boston: Beacon Press, 1995.