Why Context is Important When You Call Ida B. Wells a "Republican"
Isthat glass of water sitting on the edge of your table half-empty or half-full? While a thirsty person may call the glass half-empty, someone less eager to take another sip may call the glass half-full. It's more than a matter of perspective but also one of context. When it comes to American politics, particularly as we delve into history, context should take center stage. Still, sadly, as censorship and spotty historical curriculum take hold, the waters have become as muddy as the Mississippi River. For instance, one popular meme on social media suggested we never hear about Ida B. Wells, an anti-lynching and voting rights advocate, journalist, and feminist, because she was "Republican." However, this is not an intellectually honest point because it lacks context. The nature of America's two major political parties has shifted, and the Republican party of today can no longer be called "the party of Lincoln," it would be more accurate to call them "the party of Reagan" or the "party of Trump." Let's unpack this.
Ida B. Wells was born enslaved in Holly Springs, Mississippi, in 1862, during the Civil War, and throughout her life, she witnessed a great deal of political turmoil. The Republican party, during Wells' life, was the party of abolitionists, the Union Army, and progressives who fought to end the chattel slavery system and believed Black Americans were entitled to the same civil rights and liberties as White people. Initially, the Democratic party was the party of enslavers, the Confederate Army, and conservatives who fought to maintain the chattel slavery system and believed Black Americans were not entitled to vote, hold political office, or enjoy the same rights and liberties as White people. During the Reconstruction Era, Democrats participated in numerous racial terror lynchings, threatening not only Black people but White allies with violence.
According to historian Raymond Gavins, Democrats were "loyal" to the "Klan" and "enlisted men and women from all classes," targeting Union Leagues…
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