In 'Ida: A Sword Among Lions', Paula J. Giddings brings to life the compelling journey of Ida B. Wells, a trailblazing African American journalist and civil rights activist. Against the backdrop of racial violence and sexism, Wells wielded her pen as a sword, fearlessly exposing the horrors of lynching in America. As she navigated the tumultuous landscape of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, her fierce determination and unyielding spirit challenged societal norms and paved the way for future generations. This gripping narrative not only highlights her significant contributions but also invites readers to reflect on the enduring fight for justice. Discover the courage of an unforgettable woman who refused to remain silent in the face of oppression.
By Paula J. Giddings
Published: 2009
""In the struggle for justice, our voices become the swords that cut through the darkness, creating pathways for those who dare to follow.""
Pulitzer Prize Board citation to Ida B. Wells, as an early pioneer of investigative journalism and civil rights icon From a thinker who Maya Angelou has praised for shining “a brilliant light on the lives of women left in the shadow of history,” comes the definitive biography of Ida B. Wells—crusading journalist and pioneer in the fight for women’s suffrage and against segregation and lynchings Ida B. Wells was born into slavery and raised in the Victorian age yet emerged—through her fierce political battles and progressive thinking—as the first “modern” black women in the nation’s history. Wells began her activist career when she tried to segregate a first-class railway car in Memphis. After being thrown bodily off the car, she wrote about the incident for black Baptist newspapers, thus beginning her career as a journalist. But her most abiding fight would be the one against lynching, a crime in which she saw all the themes she held most dear coalesce: sexuality, race, and the law.
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“"In the struggle for justice, our voices become the swords that cut through the darkness, creating pathways for those who dare to follow."”
Ida
By Paula J. Giddings
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Paula J. Giddings is an esteemed American author, historian, and professor widely recognized for her scholarship focusing on African American women's history. Her notable works include 'When and Where I Enter: The Impact of Black Women on Race and Sex in America,' which has become a seminal text in the field, and 'The Woman That I Am: The Life and Times of Anita Hill,' offering insights into contemporary social issues. Giddings is celebrated for her compelling narrative style that blends rigorous research with poignant storytelling, making complex histories accessible and engaging.
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