jan 1, 1883 - 1883: Ida B. Wells is denied seat on railroad car
Description:
Woman born into slavery, took care of 5 siblings when she hit 16 (parents died of yellow fever). In 1883, she was denied a seat on a railroad car and became the first African-American to file suit for discrimination. The circuit court ruled in her favor, but the Tennessee Supreme Court overruled this. She used her fiery, skillful journalism to combat unequal rights and to support civil rights, especially relating to lynching - 3 of her friends were lynched. She moved to NY after whites terrorized and threatened to kill her. She helped form the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Added to timeline:
CCP History Midterm ID Terms Timeline
Date:
