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Crusade for Justice: The Autobiography of Ida B. Wells, Second Edition (Negro American Biographies and Autobiographies) Paperback – May 13, 2020

by Ida B. Wells (Author), Alfreda M. Duster (Editor), Michelle Duster (Afterword),
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 368 ratings
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“She fought a lonely and almost single-handed fight, with the single-mindedness of a crusader, long before men or women of any race entered the arena; and the measure of success she achieved goes far beyond the credit she has been given in the history of the country.”—Alfreda M. Duster
 
Ida B. Wells is an American icon of truth telling. Born to slaves, she was a pioneer of investigative journalism, a crusader against lynching, and a tireless advocate for suffrage, both for women and for African Americans. She co-founded the NAACP, started the Alpha Suffrage Club in Chicago, and was a leader in the early civil rights movement, working alongside W. E. B. Du Bois, Madam C. J. Walker, Mary Church Terrell, Frederick Douglass, and Susan B. Anthony.
 
This engaging memoir, originally published 1970, relates Wells’s private life as a mother as well as her public activities as a teacher, lecturer, and journalist in her fight for equality and justice. This updated edition includes a new foreword by Eve L. Ewing, new images, and a new afterword by Ida B. Wells’s great-granddaughter, Michelle Duster.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    496 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    May 13, 2020
  4. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    022669142X
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0226691428
  7. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"[Wells was] a sophisticated fighter whose prose was as thorough as her intellect." -- Walter Goodman ― New York Times

"No student of black history should overlook Crusade for Justice." -- William M. Tuttle, Jr. ― Journal of American History

"Besides being the story of an incredibly courageous and outspoken black woman in the face of innumerable odds, the book is a valuable contribution to the social history of the United States and to the literature of the women’s movement as well." -- Elizabeth Kolmer ― American Quarterly

"This book chronicles what would become groundbreaking journalism and community service. . . . We get a clearer picture of how integral women like [Wells] have been to the 'Lift as we climb' black club women’s movement, but also how black women’s activism was shaped after that. . . . Both [Eve L. Ewing and Michelle Duster] bring fresh insight into why Wells’ work is resonant today and how Wells’ work is still relevant. If you want a good understanding of why Ida B. Wells . . . is a historically significant figure on a national and international level, then this is the book that proves a more inclusive history is necessary." ― Newcity Lit

"It’s a classic that should be read just as often as the works of her contemporaries Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. Du Bois."

― Book Riot

About the Author

Ida B. Wells (1862–1931) was an African American journalist, newspaper editor, and an early leader in the civil rights movement. Wells was born into slavery in Holly Springs, Mississippi, in 1862. The Emancipation Proclamation was passed about six months after her birth.

She was a journalist and publisher—an owner of the Memphis Free Speech and Headlight, in which appeared the first stories and editorials of her anti-lynching campaign. In retaliation, in 1892, a mob stormed the newspaper’s offices and smashed the equipment. Wells had already fled to Chicago and continued writing pamphlets and reports on lynching in America for the New York Age. She lectured across America and in Europe on the scourge of lynching.

In 1896, Wells formed the National Association of Colored Women. She was also a founding member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909. She continued to work for civil rights and African American empowerment, forming a black suffrage organization in Chicago, the Alpha Club. In 1930, she ran, unsuccessfully, for a seat in the Illinois state senate.

In 2020, a special Pulitzer Prize was awarded to Wells for “her outstanding and courageous reporting on the horrific and vicious violence against African Americans during the era of lynching.”

Alfreda M. Duster (1904–1983), daughter of Ida B. Wells, was a social worker, mother, and civic leader in Chicago.
 

Michelle Duster, great-granddaughter of Ida B. Wells, is a writer, speaker, educator, and champion of racial and gender equity. She has written, edited, or contributed to eleven books, including Ida In Her Own Words and Ida From Abroad.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ University of Chicago Press; Second edition (May 13, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 496 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 022669142X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0226691428
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.06 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 368 ratings

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Ida B. Wells

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
368 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Chai Yehovah
5.0 out of 5 stars A FASCINATING MUST READ
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2024
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This is truly a fascinating book and a great read. This is a book for anyone who loves history, truth, honesty, and great narratives. This shows the incredible passion and love Ida B. Wells had for seeking, writing, and fighting for truth and justice. She was extremely courageous considering the time she lived. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Well worth it
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Aaron Knight
5.0 out of 5 stars History's facts bear fruit in present times
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2022
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I didn't know who Ida B Wells was before I read her story. What a courageous advocate of the truth. Making the world see that lynching was wrong not because it was done from a hateful standpoint, but because it also was harmful to the perpetrators. Living in constant fear of death without any lawful protection of people says something about our society. We need to change our mindset if we want to change our relationship with one another and she used her excellent organization skills to influence a nation. In a time where women were subjected to secondary roles, she refused to be defined by the lies of others. She lived a life of accountability and she helped others see what they could do if they would act boldly. She is on my Mount Rushmore of American heroes.
12 people found this helpful
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teromee
5.0 out of 5 stars Good Reading Material
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2024
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Good for young readers...
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Berni
5.0 out of 5 stars Icon of Social Justice
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2024
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Orphaned as a young teen, Ida B. Wells went to work to support her younger siblings rather than see them split up. This was the first of a lifetime of heroic, selfless acts that she undertook for her people.

Ida B. Wells was a force of nature, a force to be reckoned with, and every other term that we apply to people who get things done. People who do what we see needs to be done, but which we lack the courage and moral clarity to attempt. Could she have done more? Of course. She was human and took offense when people pushed her out of positions for which she was better suited. But who else has done as much as she? She wasn’t able to totally abolish lynching, but she drew attention to the problem. She saved who she could. She was taken advantage of by people. She was reviled, often by those who most benefitted by her actions. But she was a shining light and an inspiration to all today. Read her story.
2 people found this helpful
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Cameron Grant
4.0 out of 5 stars A Lioness for Justice
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2023
What an incredible person Ida Wells was! Such backbone ( sorely lacking in today’s leaders), integrity and fortitude. Would loved to have known her.
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TA
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read about an iconic figure!
Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2023
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One of the most important people that has walked the planet. It was a great joy to learn even more about her and it was motivating nonetheless.
6 people found this helpful
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Wendy DeMegret
5.0 out of 5 stars Crusade for Justice, Why was my review of Ida Wells an Afro-American.
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2022
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This is a powerful portrayal about an Afro-American woman's struggle against the barbarian practice of lynching almost a century ago.. This autobiography is about a courageous woman's opposition against lynching. Most notably. President Biden recently signed an anti-lynching bill.
This work highlights a shocking practice of injustice that has continued into this century.
7 people found this helpful
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andre manar
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a must read
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2022
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After reading this book, Ida B. Wells is now INE of my greatest American heroes. You will especially take pride in reading this book if you are a Chicago Native. I learned so much about my city, good and bad.
7 people found this helpful
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Dagmar Dr.von Schnurbein
4.0 out of 5 stars Crusade for justice
Reviewed in Germany on January 16, 2022
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sehr beeindruckend und berührend
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MS LUCY M EVANS
5.0 out of 5 stars Not about the content but the physical book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 1, 2020
Verified Purchase
This is a superb autobiography by the amazing Ida B Wells. I have just finished reading "Ida A Sword among Lions" by Paula J Giddings so great to hear the voice directly as well. Very glad this has been made available.
2 people found this helpful
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