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Image: WYNC

Audio by WNYC Studios

Journalist and activist Ida B. Wells is in some ways a forgotten figure, overlooked even in black civil rights history. But her reporting on lynchings across the South was unwavering in its mission: calling America out on racial injustice. And, why black women are no longer willing to play the role of “Magical Negro” in U.S. politics.

The United States of Anxiety recently recorded a live episode remembering the life and work of Ida B. Wells at The Greene Space. Watch the whole event here.

The United States of Anxiety is supported in part by the Economic Hardship Reporting Project. Additional support for WNYC’s election coverage is provided by Emerson CollectiveThe New York Community Trust, and New York Public Radio Trustee Dr. Mary White. 

This report is produced with support from Chasing the Dream, a public media initiative from WNET reporting on poverty, jobs, and economic opportunity in America.


Hosted by Kai Wright

Music Credits: “USofA Theme 2” by The Outer Borough Brass Band , “Stingray – Dangerous Thought” by Blue Dot Sessions , “Denzel Sprak” by Blue Dot Sessions , “Lakeside Path” by Blue Dot Sessions , “Black Ballots” by Blue Dot Sessions , “Cirrus” by Blue Dot Sessions , “Heather” by Blue Dot Sessions , “Wax Paper Jewel” by Blue Dot Sessions , “Base Camp” by Blue Dot Sessions , “Balti” by Blue Dot Sessions , “Cloud Line” by Blue Dot Sessions , “USofA Credits” by The Outer Borough Brass Band

IBW21

IBW21 (The Institute of the Black World 21st Century) is committed to enhancing the capacity of Black communities in the U.S. and globally to achieve cultural, social, economic and political equality and an enhanced quality of life for all marginalized people.