Most people with a passing knowledge of Black history are familiar with aspects of the role Ida B. Wells-Barnett played. She was a many faceted woman: journalist, newspaper editor, suffragist, sociologist, civil rights activist and renowned public speaker. As an early leader in the civil rights movement, she was a founding member of the NAACP. She fought her entire life to combat prejudice and violence as well as equal rights for women.
Although born a slave she became a teacher. She documented lynching in America and exposed it as a barbaric practice of whites in the South which was used as a tool of intimidation and oppression against blacks for challenging any aspect of white power and dominance.
What is less well known about the activist are her national and international travels that resulted in the formation of hundreds of women's clubs along her path.
To explore more Black history in America go to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The FULL story of America's past can be found in a variety of surprising locations. If you are traveling the US consider these highly recommended museums that prominently feature different aspects of Black history:
Great Plains Black History Museum Omaha, Nebraska
Historic LB Brown Museum Bartow, FL
African American Art & Culture Complex San Francisco, CA
Henry B Plant Museum Tampa, FL
Ashland-Henry Clay Estate Lexington, KY
B & O RR Baltimore, MD
Baseball Heritage Museum OH
This is only a partial list. Investigate further to find your favorite!