Newkirk, P. (2000). Ida B. Wells-Barnett; Journalism as a Weapon Against Racial

Bigotry. Media Studies Journal, 14, 1-5.

 

Pamela Newkirk is currently an assistant professor of journalism at New York University. In her article, Newkirk discusses the life and accomplishments of Black journalist Ida B. Wells, who is most noted for her relentless crusade against the lynching of Black men by White mobs all over the United States, and most particularly in the racist South. Wells was both disgusted and horrified that lynchings were being executed without being questioned, and wanted to expose the public to such incidents. Though her main audience was Blacks interested in reading Black newspapers, she also desired a change in attitude of Whites who condoned lynchings.

 

Newkirk highlights the notion that anytime Wells was made aware of yet another Black man being killed by an angry White mob, she would travel to that location and interview the victims’ parents or friends in order to uncover the real story behind what was reported in the mainstream press. Wells did not believe what the mainstream media was reporting about the supposed crimes of the lynched Black men, and thought it was of great importance for Blacks to write their own historical records and by extension create their own media outlets.

 

As the author explains, however, Wells was often criticized by Whites for her negative portrayal of Whites in her articles and pamphlets. Though she had the support of many Blacks, she certainly had made for herself many White enemies as a result of the accusatory way she discussed them in her writings. Wells wrote about the various lynching incidents she investigated in such a straight-forward manner that it was difficult not to portray Whites without any hostility. 

 

Wells, nevertheless, did not allow her passion to cease as a result of backlash from angry Whites. Instead she became a national lecturer, speaking about the shameful ways Whites were treating Blacks. While her lectures became popular amongst Blacks, they certainly won her the favor of the British news media who invited Wells to publicly speak about these issues in England, Wales, and Scotland. There she spoke openly about the mass murder of Blacks by Whites, and humiliated White Americans back home while outraging and shocking those abroad. Her time in the United Kingdom was also spent writing for the Chicago Inter-Ocean, and earned her much respect from Blacks in the United States.

 

Such bold actions from an ethnic minority woman further illustrate Wells’ determination to end lynchings, despite the hardships or criticism that she endured. She believed in her cause so much that she continued her work even after becoming a wife and mother of three, in a world where racism was still common and pervasive no matter how hard she battled against it. Yet her accomplishments paved the way for future journalists and crusaders who wished to challenge the racial status quo in America, as they were able to continue making a difference in the world by using her as the shining example of how to fight for equality.  (Reviewed by Sara Alamdar).