Ida B. the Queen - by Michelle Duster (Hardcover)

About the Book

American pioneer Ida B. Wells' great-granddaughter offers an inspiring biography of a leader called "a dangerous negro agitator" by the FBI, and a "brave woman" by Frederick Douglass.

Book Synopsis

Journalist. Suffragist. Antilynching crusader. In 1862, Ida B. Wells was born enslaved in Holly Springs, Mississippi. In 2020, she won a Pulitzer Prize.

Ida B. Wells committed herself to the needs of those who did not have power. In the eyes of the FBI, this made her a "dangerous negro agitator." In the annals of history, it makes her an icon.

Ida B. the Queen tells the awe-inspiring story of an pioneering woman who was often overlooked and underestimated--a woman who refused to exit a train car meant for white passengers; a woman brought to light the horrors of lynching in America; a woman who cofounded the NAACP. Written by Wells's great-granddaughter Michelle Duster, this "warm remembrance of a civil rights icon" (Kirkus Reviews) is a unique visual celebration of Wells's life, and of the Black experience.

A century after her death, Wells's genius is being celebrated in popular culture by politicians, through song, public artwork, and landmarks. Like her contemporaries Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony, Wells left an indelible mark on history--one that can still be felt today. As America confronts the unfinished business of systemic racism, Ida B. the Queen pays tribute to a transformational leader and reminds us of the power we all hold to smash the status quo.

Review Quotes

"Ida B. the Queen delves deep into the life of Wells and the Black experience through visual storytelling and recounts the life, successes and hardships of one of the most renowned leaders of justice in American history."
--The Root

"A warm remembrance of a civil rights icon"
--Kirkus Reviews

"Bow down to this biography that shows why Ida B. Wells is an icon for all seasons."
--Refinery29

"Visually stunning...readers who are looking for bold, out-of-the-box, approaches to social change will undoubtedly be inspired by Ida B. the Queen."
--Forbes

"With bold graphics and a compelling story, Ida B. the Queen is sure to be one of the year's best biographies."
--Bustle

"Duster delivers a vibrant and accessible portrait of her great-grandmother Ida B. Wells"
--Publishers Weekly