Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice, Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice, directed by William Greaves and produced by California Newsreel in 1989, is a powerful documentary that tells the story of Ida B. Wells, an African American journalist, suffragist, and early civil rights activist. Wells' life and activism, particularly in anti-lynching and racial equality, are presented through archival footage, reenactments, and expert commentary. As a teaching tool, the film is invaluable for college students learning about the history of the United States, especially during the tumultuous post-Reconstruction and Jim Crow periods. It provides a balanced portrayal of Wells' struggles and successes while addressing her time's broader social and political …show more content…
As a journalist and activist, Wells became one of the most ardent voices against racism and especially lynching, which was very rampant during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. College students reading this period will consider the portrayal of Wells' early life as a teacher and her suing the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad after being thrown off a train for black people as a good starting point for understanding the journey more constrained African Americans endured during this time. The portrayal of her fight against lynching after the murder of three of her friends in Memphis in 1892 is a perfect illustration of how one can turn a movement and change public opinion. One of the most significant aspects of the film is its attention to Wells' investigative journalism. Taking advantage of that, she was allowed to write in newspapers like The Free Speech; Wells was instrumental in challenging some dominant discourses that sought to justify lynching as a means of controlling the black …show more content…
These efforts were critical in shaping the political landscape for African Americans in the early 20th century, yet they received relatively little attention in the film. Including these aspects would have provided a fuller picture of Wells' lifelong commitment to social justice and her influence on both the civil rights and feminist movements. Conclusion Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice is a remarkable teaching aid for college learners who focus on U. S. history from the perspective of race, gender, and journalism. The film gives a clear and realistic depiction of Well's experience in her fight as an activist for civil rights, from her early struggles to her achievements later. Its aesthetic qualities are easily digestible, and it has strong, solid visuals and decent sound that give it a solid, informative, yet fun experience. Even though the potential of some aspects of Wells' life and the context in which she functioned may be further investigated in the given film, it still provides invaluable insights to the people who wish to comprehend the multi-faceted struggle for civil rights in