The Courage of Ida B. Wells: Political and True Crime Reporter
The United States of America is notorious for its true crime and its history of racial intimidation and violence. A simple Google search for "American True Crime" reveals chilling stories about infamous wrongdoers like Charles Manson and Adam Lanza, striking fear and disgust even into the most hardened individuals. Throughout U.S. history, there have been men whose profiles would unsettle true crime enthusiasts, yet many remain unnoticed. One such individual was William Barrett, a White grocer whose business faltered in competition with a Black-owned grocery store. His thirst for power led him to incite violence against his rival, resulting in the death of his competitor and two others.
Similar to Barrett, various perpetrators committed heinous acts and incited mob violence against their victims. Ida B. Wells, a courageous woman and a friend to Barrett's victims, stood strong despite great personal risk. Her work would ultimately shed a light on grossly inaccurate information that mainstream media of that time shared. It would also set her apart as an investigative reporter and arguably, a true crime one on top of that.
Delving into U.S. history reveals a haunting truth. The nation has yet to fully reckon with one of its most atrocious roles— not only looking away from murders but also providing systemic support for the perpetrators. Lynchings, perpetrated by everyday White Americans, were used to terrorize and oppress Black and Brown communities, leading to The Great Migration as people fled the violence in the South.
Organizations have called for political recognition of these events, emphasizing that mob violence was involved. It is often overlooked though that individuals with personal vendettas spearheaded these crimes. William Barrett, a failed businessman, blamed the success of a local Black American grocery store for his downfall. His envy escalated into violence, culminating in the illegal arrest and execution of three Black grocery clerks. A more detailed account of this story can be found here.
Ida B. Wells was a friend of William Barrett's victims. It would be their murders and the system's failure to bring their killers to justice that would drive her to pick up the pen for the anti-lynching cause. She became a champion for political justice for Black Americans. Her investigations became a thorough analysis of what is today considered true crime. Sifting through case after case, she noted her findings, and tracked what she read in the press. Ultimately, she created a "database" of "spreadsheets" that highlighted each victim, the crimes they were accused of, and the details that were not circulated in that era.
Despite threats and harassment, she exposed the inaccuracies in narratives surrounding lynchings. Her work, including "Southern Horrors" and "The Red Record," documented over 241 cases across the United States. Others would pick up where she left off, spearheading the later recognition of over 4,000 reported cases of lynchings across the country. Her activism also led her to co-founding the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and her insistence on an integrated rally for women's suffrage, which later passed anti-lynching resolutions.
Wells' legacy as an icon of investigative journalism endures. In an era where the media is often criticized, she serves as an example of courage in exposing the truth about public lynchings. A PBS documentary, "Ida B. Wells: A Chicago Stories Special," details her life and struggles.
Today, the anti-lynching movement persists, grappling with the legacy of systemic violence and negligence. The true crime legacy in America intertwines with institutional and systemic violence perpetuated by the U.S. government at all levels. William Barrett's wrath unjustly took three lives, but Ida B. Wells, fueled by her commitment to justice, stands as a beacon. Honored posthumously with a Pulitzer Prize, her work influences anti-lynching activist groups like the Equal Justice Initiative, addressing ongoing violence abetted by the state and through vigilante efforts.
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