Ida B. Wells

Obama Presidential Center Honoree

Ida B. Wells

Space Name: Ida B. Wells Program Room | Forum | Lower Level | Democracy in Action Lab  

Ida B. Wells was an educator, journalist, and suffragist who made a lasting impression on Chicago. Stirred to activism after being denied a first-class seat because of her race, she led anti-lynching campaigns, protested the 1893 World’s Fair for excluding and negatively portraying Black people, and helped women win the right to vote in Illinois. Through her actions and truth-telling in the press, Wells dedicated her life to calling out oppression and injustice.

With gratitude to the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

“ Ida B. Wells was a courageous storyteller who redefined journalism as a tool for justice. Her unflinching pursuit of truth in an era of silence laid the groundwork for investigative reporting as a driver of civil rights and social change. Ms. Wells’ legacy exemplifies MacArthur’s commitment to strengthening and sustaining an independent media ecosystem that provides the facts, promotes just and inclusive narratives, and creates opportunities to advance the public discourse.”

–John Palfrey, President, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

Legacy on Campus

  • Democracy in Action Lab

    The Democracy in Action Lab is a new home for innovation and intellectual curiosity for emerging leaders and global changemakers. The Ida B. Wells' Program Room honors Wells’ pursuit of equality, truth, and racial healing through her writing and bravery. 

  • Teen Action Lab

    Explore hands-on programs with our partner After School Matters featuring a range of topics including sports, arts and media, and outdoor activities that teach life and leadership skills.

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The Barack Obama Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 46-4950751).

John Lewis

Meet More Honorees

Through the honoree naming initiative at the Obama Presidential Center, we are partnering with our donors to celebrate a part of the history in which the Obama story is so deeply rooted by associating a named space with a hero, moment, or person "on whose shoulders we stand"—an honoree who made the Obamas’ story possible.

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