The Memphis Diary of Ida B. Wells

by Ida B. Wells-Barnett (Editor), Mirian DeCosta-Willis (Editor)

Published for the first time in its century, The Memphis Diary of Ida B. Wells offers an intimate look at the hopes, thoughts and day-to-day life of the young woman who would later become the celebrated civil rights activist and antilynching crusader. 

Genres: History, Memoir, Nonfiction, Race, Biography, African American, American History

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Ida Bell Wells-Barnett (July 16, 1862 – March 25, 1931) was an African-American journalist, newspaper editor, suffragist, sociologist and, with her husband, newspaper owner Ferdinand L. Barnett, an early leader in the civil rights movement. She documented lynching in the United States, showing how it was often a way to control or punish blacks who competed with whites, often under the guise of rape charges. She was active in women's rights and the women's suffrage movement, establishing several notable women's organizations. Wells was a skilled and persuasive rhetorician, and traveled internationally on lecture tours.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book in my early 20's which is the same age Wells was during the writing of much of her diary. The themes reflected in the diary are issues of concern to many women in that age range--- romance, finances and future plans.
Most of the diary entries are short but the editor does a good job painting in the details of Wells's life and community.
This book is a bit of an academic read but I would recommend it to any history buffs.

[Katharine Holden · Rating 1 out of 5]

These diaries are interesting only in that they exist. They're not interesting to read. Mostly, they pre-date Wells' activism days.

[Rihanna Simón · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting! But it is a diary, meaning sometimes reading it can feel never ending. However being able to peer through the window of Ida B. Wells’ life (even if the lens is poorly transcribed) was a treat.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I am not happy & nothing seems to make me so. I wonder what kind of creature I will eventually become?"

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I'd read one of her biographies first - it was an interesting read about a fascinating woman, but not a great introduction to her achievements. Very well researched and clearly written, it was worth reading for sure.

[April Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all diaries, this wasn't meant to be read by anyone other than its author, so it is not written to entertain, but it also is invaluable for insights about who this famous reformer was, before she was famous.