Celebrating Wells-Barnett
Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum will have a birthday celebration weekend on July 14-15, celebrating her 161st birthday.
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 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 vicious 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 for speaking out worldwide against racial injustice. She was a heroic woman ahead of her time who opened many eyes to the truth.
The museum will have an opening ceremony on Friday, July 14, at 10 a.m. and open for tours on Friday and Saturday. The museum is located at 220 N. Randolph Street in Holly Springs.
I’m glad the city honored Wells last year by renaming the park in her honor. What a wonderful way to recognize and celebrate such an admirable lady who, through free press and diligence, brought forth the truth against injustice that led her to become one of the greatest influences in the history of the Civil Rights Movement.
This year the celebration will begin its first Children, Youth, and Young Adult Festival at the park at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 14. The park is behind the Eddie L. Smith Multi-Purpose Building, 235 North Memphis Street.
This family fun event will have games, arts and crafts, a giant water slide, a splash pad, prizes, and giveaways and refreshments. Everyone is welcome, but you must make reservations. Following the children’s activities, live music will be provided. Bring a lawn chair and listen to local artist Trenton Ayers.
Saturday morning, everyone is invited to a book signing at the museum at 10 a.m. Michelle Duster, greatgranddaughter to Wells-Barnett and author of “Ida B. the Queen,” will meet and greet those attending the book signing.
Duster will speak at the Trailblazer Luncheon from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. at the Multi- Purpose building Saturday.
The annual Birthday Gala will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Multi-Purpose Building with Duster as the guest speaker.
I am still fascinated by her story and the rich history of where it all started. It put in perspective how incredible it is for me to live in a town where her life began.
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 in a column last year, 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.