012 - Fun in Gretna

Born into slavery in Mississippi in 1862, Ida B. Wells-Barnett emerged as a pioneering African-American journalist, editor, suffragist, sociologist, and a staunch advocate for civil rights. In this gripping account, she draws from two New Orleans newspapers to vividly recount a harrowing week in the early 20th century, where a violent mob terrorized the city, relentlessly hunting down people of color to inflict brutal violence. Wells-Barnett highlights the near catastrophe averted through the courageous actions of local newspapers and community leaders who stood firm for justice and order. This powerful narrative serves as a chilling testament to the brutality of mob mentality fueled by hatred and anger, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for civil rights. - Summary by Holly Jenson