In slave times the Negro was kept subservient and submissive by the frequency and severity of the scourging, but, with freedom, a new system of intimidation came into vogue; the Negro was not only whipped and scourged; he was killed.
IDA B. WELLSIn slave times the Negro was kept subservient and submissive by the frequency and severity of the scourging, but, with freedom, a new system of intimidation came into vogue; the Negro was not only whipped and scourged; he was killed.
IDA B. WELLSI shall feel I have done my race a service. Other considerations are of minor importance.
IDA B. WELLSThe way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.
IDA B. WELLSThe mob spirit has grown with the increasing intelligence of the Afro-American.
IDA B. WELLSThe appeal to the white man’s pocket has ever been more effectual than all the appeals ever made to his conscience.
IDA B. WELLSWhite men lynch the offending Afro-American, not because he is a despoiler of virtue, but because he succumbs to the smiles of white women.
IDA B. WELLSThe city of Memphis has demonstrated that neither character nor standing avails the Negro if he dares to protect himself against the white man or become his rival.
IDA B. WELLSI felt that one had better die fighting against injustice than to die like a dog or rat in a trap.
IDA B. WELLSThe only times an Afro-American who was assaulted got away has been when he had a gun and used it in self-defense.
IDA B. WELLSThe South is brutalized to a degree not realized by its own inhabitants, and the very foundation of government, law and order, are imperilled.
IDA B. WELLSVirtue knows no color line.
IDA B. WELLSThere must always be a remedy for wrong and injustice if we only know how to find it.
IDA B. WELLSSomebody must show that the Afro-American race is more sinned against than sinning, and it seems to have fallen upon me to do so.
IDA B. WELLSThe people must know before they can act, and there is no educator to compare with the press.
IDA B. WELLSLynching is color line murder.
IDA B. WELLSWhen the white man who is always the aggressor knows he runs as great a risk of biting the dust every time his Afro-American victim does, he will have greater respect for Afro-American life.
IDA B. WELLS