Uncovering Ida B. Wells’ Extraordinary Hobbies and Interests

Uncovering Ida B. Wells’ Extraordinary Hobbies and Interests

Ida B. Wells is one of the most celebrated figures of the Civil Rights Movement. She is widely known for her tireless advocacy for racial justice and her pioneering work as a journalist. However, what many don’t know is that Wells was also an avid reader, a talented musician, and a skilled public speaker. In this article, we’ll delve into the lesser-known hobbies and interests of this remarkable woman.

Her Love for Reading

Growing up in Mississippi, Wells was a voracious reader. Despite the fact that education was limited for African Americans at the time, Wells managed to teach herself to read. She eagerly devoured the works of Shakespeare, Dickens, and Twain, and she later wrote that reading “opened up a whole new world” for her.

As she became more politically active, Wells turned her attention to the writings of abolitionists and feminists. She cited the works of William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglass, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton as major influences on her thinking.

Her Musical Talents

In addition to reading, Wells was also a talented musician. She began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the guitar and violin. Music was a way for Wells to express herself creatively and to find solace during difficult times.

During her time in Memphis, Wells often performed at local events and at her church. Her performances were well-received, and she was known for her beautiful voice and her ability to captivate an audience.

Her Public Speaking Skills

Wells was not only a gifted writer but also a skilled public speaker. Despite facing discrimination and hostility, she fearlessly spoke out on behalf of the rights of African Americans and women.

In 1892, Wells gave a passionate speech to a packed church in Memphis following the lynching of three black men. Her speech challenged the prevailing narrative about lynching and called for justice and accountability. Her words were so powerful that they earned her national recognition, and she soon became a sought-after speaker on the lecture circuit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ida B. Wells was a multifaceted woman with a wide range of interests and talents. She was a lover of literature, a gifted musician, and a powerful orator. Despite the many challenges she faced as a black woman in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Wells never let her passions and talents go to waste. Instead, she used them as a means of connecting with others, challenging injustice, and effecting change in her community and beyond.