Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice

53 minutes, 1989, United States

Producer/Director: William Greaves

Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice

Educational Streaming

Colleges, Universities, Government Agencies, Hospitals and Corporations

Streaming licenses for institutional use—ideal for education, training, and research.

Community Screening

Short-term use for small groups, organizations, or high school classes (under 100 participants-where no admission is charged).

Flexible options for educators, facilitators, and non-commercial screenings.

Home Viewing

48-hour personal streaming rental for in-home use only.

For individuals without institutional access.

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

Discussion Questions

Well's Original Letters

ABOUT WILLIAM GREAVES

A director, producer, actor and writer, William Greaves' 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.

The Equal Justice Institute has released a groundbreaking new report Lynching in America Confronting the Racial Legacy of Racial Terrorism which documents at least 700 more lynchings of Black people than previously reported.

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 trailer image

Ways to Watch

Educational Streaming

Colleges, Universities, Government Agencies, Hospitals and Corporations.

Community Screening

Short-term use for small groups, organizations, or high school classes (under 100 participants, where no admission is charged).

Home Viewing

48-hour, personal rental for in-home use only, restrictions apply