Ida B. Wells (Discovering History's Heroes)

Born into slavery, Ida B. Wells eventually became co-owner of a newspaper in Memphis. But even as a successful businesswoman and journalist, she faced daily injustice. Instead of sitting back quietly, she used her pen to demand change.

When a white mob lynched a close friend, she found a new mission. She began speaking out about the evils of lynching - traveling all over the world to do so. Some white people were furious, threats were directed at her, and the newspaper office was destroyed.

But Ida wouldn't back down. her courage and persistence shone a light on some of the darkest acts in our history.