A woman who opened many eyes to the truth

I’ve met many wonderful residents of Holly Springs since my first introduction to the town, and I’m delighted to call Holly Springs my community. Those who know me well know that I have a great admiration and passion for history. From what I’ve gathered during my time spent here Holly Springs is rooted in incredible history. As I learn more about the history of Holly Springs, I’m intrigued most by its importance to the community and how it connects to the nation as a whole. I was blown away to learn that Ida B. Wells, who is an incredible leading lady in history, was born right here in Holly Springs.

I first learned of Ida B. Wells’ connection to Holly Springs during my very first visit to the town. I was joined in my trip by my friends Bob and Annie Perry and Bette Craig. On the drive from Alabama to Mississippi, Bette informed me Holly Springs is home to one of America’s first female civil rights activists, Ida B. Wells. After I returned home from the trip, I wanted to know more about Ida B. Wells. So, I pulled out my laptop and did what I love doing the most ­ research.

Ida B. Wells was born in Holly Springs in 1862 but later moved to Memphis, Tennessee to pursue work as a teacher. Soon after her arrival to Memphis, at just 28 years old, Wells co-owned the “Memphis Free Speech and Headlight” newspaper where she wrote on topics of inequality and racial segregation, both pressing topics during the late 1800s. I learned Wells was confident, brave, and fiercely forthright in her beliefs, all of which are commendable qualities to strive towards. In response to an article she wrote about public lynchings, a barbaric white mob destroyed the newspaper office. Shortly after this incident, Wells moved to Chicago in 1895 and continued her work for civil rights and the women’s movement. She did exactly this for the rest of her life. Ida B. Wells was incredible not only for her role in the Civil Rights Movement and Women’s Movement, but also for her display of extraordinary character. She became a strong voice and had a reputation of speaking out throughout the world against racial injustice. She was a heroic woman ahead of her time who opened many eyes to the truth.

I was continually fascinated and engrossed by her story and the rich history of where it all started. It put it in perspective how incredible it is for me to live in a town where her life began. After learning the full story behind Ida B. Wells, I am proud to hear the renaming of the park that was announced at the City Board meeting last week. What a wonderful way to recognize and honor such an admirable lady from Holly Springs who, through free press and diligence, brought forth the truth against injustice that lead her to become one of the greatest influences in the history of the Civil Rights Movement.

Her strength, passion, and use of the press for unhinging the truth personally inspires me in my career as an editor and writer. I believe strongly for the freedom of the press and will always uphold the importance of truth. Newspapers are a freedom that should never be taken for granted or forgotten.

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