Dear Ms. Ida B. Wells,

    Dear Ms. Ida B. Wells,
    Your essay was painful for me to read in so many ways. One thing that really struck me about the piece was the importance of the press in not only illuminating the story, but disseminating information that provides context to your argument. I’m especially moved by your statement that the ideals of American freedom of speech have no value if people aren’t willing to defend them locally as well as federally.
    When the main means of obtaining information is held by a violent oppressor, it is impossible to have anything resembling a “truthful” society. So my question is, how does one go about getting the information to those who matter, and of sharpening that information into a weapon in the fight? Those who would be most impacted are the same people who would be least likely to read your article and those of the Southern papers to the end. This question is relevant to my own time as well as yours.
    I want to push back on your assertion that support of Southern African American papers will greatly benefit the lynch situation in the South. I wonder whether there is any time that honest reports had a tangible effect on lynch culture in a Southern town. Even if the papers are supported through funds from those in the North, what stops Southern whites from dismantling the paper through force? In addition, how would one organize African-Americans to get support that is not only helpful, but lasting.