162nd birthday celebration
Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum will have the 162nd birthday celebration of Ida B. Well-Barnett this weekend, beginning on July 12 and ending on Saturday, July 13.
Ida B. Wells-Barnett 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 issues during the 1800s.
Wells was confident, brave, and fierce in her convictions. All are commendable qualities to strive towards.
Wells had three friends, Thomas Moss, Calvin McDowell, and William “Henry” Stewart, who had opened People’s Grocery Company in Memphis, Tenn. Those three Black men were brutally launched with a trial on March 9, 1892.
The lynchings of her friends and others inspired her to investigate the frequency of racial lynching and the false charges often used to justify it. She published her investigations in her newspaper to share the information.
In response to her writings, on May 27, 1892, just two months after her friends were killed, a white mob attacked and destroyed the newspaper office while she was away in Philadelphia. They threatened to kill her if she returned. She moved to Chicago in 1895 and continued her work for civil rights and the women’s movement.
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 for speaking out worldwide against racial injustice. She was a heroic woman ahead of her time who opened many eyes to the truth.
An opening ceremony of the celebration will be held on Friday, July 12, at 11 a.m. at the Eddie L. Smith Multi-Purpose Center, 235 Memphis Street, Holly Springs. A youth Dutch Treat Luncheon will be held from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m., and the Youth Festival will be held from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
On Saturday, July 13, a book signing will be held from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. “Ida B. The Queen” by Professor Michelle Duster. The Gala will be held Saturday evening beginning at 6 p.m.
All events will be held at the Eddie L. Smith Multi-Purpose Center, and tickets will be available at the door or at the museum at 220 N. Randolph Street in Holly Springs.
For more information, call 662-579-5747 or 662-252-3232.
I will forever be fascinated by her story and the rich history of Holly Springs.
Her strength, passion, and use of the press for unhinging the truth personally inspire me in my career as an editor and writer. As I said before, I believe strongly in 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.