Ida B. Wells: The Legacy the "Princess of the Press" Left Behind

Educator. Advocate. Journalist. The woman who fueled inspiration for future generations of public relations.

If you've ever had any interest in public relations/journalism, you've most likely heard of Ida B. Wells. Who was she, though?

Early Life: Rising up to Responsibilities

Let's begin with the basics.

Wells was born in a small rural town to a large family in Mississippi named Holly Springs on July 16, 1862. Her adolescent years were nothing but easy. Wells had to rise up to becoming the parental figure to her siblings after her parents and the youngest brother lost their lives due to the 1878 Yellow Fever epidemic. She found that the best way to help her family was by starting her teaching career right at home.

By the 1880s, Wells moved to Memphis, continuing her teaching career while getting a head start on her journalism career writing for the local church newspaper, "The Living Way." It was in Memphis where she gained a following from her newsletters which focused on social and political issues.

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"Princess of the Press": The Road Through Journalism

After gaining traction in Memphis from newsletters, Wells faced a situation that became very personal, very quickly.

In March of 1892, three African-American men whom Wells was friends with, were lynched by a group of white men. Frustrated, Wells opened an investigation about the lynchings... Pushing her to fight for justice by unveiling the transparent truth.

Being a well-known journalist, Wells took on an investigative approach to the situation. Throughout the early 1890s, she wrote under the pen name "lola," continuing the investigation and providing a strong voice against injustices she saw.

She soon after became the editor and co-owner of the Memphis Free Speech and Headlight newspaper where she further investigated the many lynching that was occurring throughout the South - motivated, she launched an investigation of the lynchings that happened to her friends. Much of her efforts and reports, which exposed the truth behind the widespread practice of lynching - caused commotion from many white men who committed lynchings.

“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” - Ida B. Wells

After awaiting the release of findings from her investigations, a white mob destroyed her newspaper office because of her gutsy and in-depth investigations while she was out of town. She received many death threats and then decided to move to New York.

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Whiling living in New York, she chose to re-published, this time to a new audience, her pamphlet titled "Southern Horrors: Lynch Law In All Its Phases." After much success, Wells relocated to Chicago, where she further expanded her investigations.

Wells' journey through journalism didn't end there. She traveled throughout Europe, where she explained her disdain toward the racial violences that prevailed throughout the American South.

Wells' Impact on Chicago's Communications

There's something monumental - almost mesmerizing - about looking at America's past when it comes to journalism. By remembering how the moments that push one to push past adversaries in order to bring any and all truth to the surface is a skill that is quite frankly easier said than done.

After Wells' relocated to Chicago, she knew she found a place she could call home. The legacy she left behind changed the way journalism and public relations are approached - maintaining truthful new and information while upon the people by being a part of the change.

Some of her accomplishments in Chicago include "...[establishing] the first black kindergarten, organiz[ing] black women, and help[ing] elect the city's first black alderman."

In addition to this, there have been many awards and recognitions in her name including: National Association of Black Journalists, The Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, the Coordinating Council for Women in History, and many others.

What WE, The Future of Public Relations, Can Learn From Ida B. Wells

Take Wells' inspiration and legacy from someone who is still in search of their future.

As soon as I shifted gears by changing my major to Advertising/Public Relations, I began to notice the small details around me - especially living in Chicago. From the innumerable amounts of public relations agencies to a street named after Ida B. Wells herself, we are encompassed in the world of public relations - whether we realize it or not.

There's a need and desire to look to those who face many obstacles and hardships regardless of the dangers placed against them. Ida B. Wells, the embodiment of journalism and public relations... Placing the need for the truth, fairness, and overall consistency when it comes to representing and understanding consistently changing publics.

The question I ask myself after discovering the transparent truth and inspiring life behind Ida B. Wells is "How can I do the same and more in my life?"

As I learn from professionals in public relations from past and present, I advise you to ask the same for yourself.

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