Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice
Recognized in 2020 with a special Pulitzer Prize, Ida B. Wells-Barnett was a household name in Black America during much of her lifetime (1863-1931) and was considered the equal of her well-known African American contemporaries such as Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois.
Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice documents the dramatic life and turbulent times of the pioneering African American journalist, activist, suffragist and anti-lynching crusader of the post-Reconstruction period. Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison reads selections from Wells' memoirs and other writings in this winner of more than 20 film festival awards.
"One had better die fighting against injustice than die like a dog or a rat in a trap." - Ida B. Wells
"Tells of the brave life and works of the 19th century journalist, known among Black reporters as 'the princess of the press, 'who led the nation's first anti-lynching campaign."
New York Times
"A powerful account of the life of one of the earliest heroes in the Civil Rights Movement...The historical record of her achievements remains relatively modest. This documentary goes a long way towards rectifying that egregious oversight."
Chicago Sun-Times
"A keenly realized profile of Ida B. Wells, an African American who used her potent skills as writer and orator to fight racism and sexism."
Los Angeles Times
Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice
Biographies
William Greaves is a director, producer, actor and writer. His films have won over seventy international film festival awards including an Emmy. He served as executive producer and co-host of the pioneering 1960s network television series Black Journal. His complete filmography reveals that he has been one of the most prolific and eloquent African American voices in the media over the past three decades. For more information visit www.williamgreaves.com.
Links
In 2015, the Equal Justice Institute has released a groundbreaking report, Lynching in America Confronting the Racial Legacy of Racial Terrorism which documents at least 700 more lynchings of Black people than previously reported.
View Wells' Original Letters in the University of Chicago Library Collection
Ways to Watch
Educational Streaming
Recommended for Colleges, Universities, Government Agencies, Hospitals and Corporations
Community Screening
Short-term use for small groups, organizations, or high school classes (where no admission is charged)
Home Viewing
48-hour, personal rental for in-home use only, restrictions apply