Ida B. Wells film to screen on Jan. 11
Documentary focuses on civil rights crusader
Local historian Anna Bergman got wind of another pivotal figure in the Civil Rights movement last October when she presented “Ralph Bunche: An American Odyssey” by pioneering African American filmmaker William Greaves at the Empress Theatre — Ida B. Wells.
It was more than a passing acknowledgment as Bergman presents the documentary, “Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice,” Sat., Jan. 11, 4 p.m. at Izzy Drumgoole’s Studio 1405 in Vallejo.
This 1989 Greaves’ work follows Wells’ turbulent life as the daughter of a slave owner and slave who was 16 when she lost both parents and infant brother to yellow fever.
According to California Newsreel, Wells was a household name in Black America during much of her lifetime (1863-1931) and was considered the equal of her wellknown African American contemporaries such as Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois.
“She’s a fascinating figure,” Bergman said by phone earlier this week, thrilled to be presenting the one-hour film with a postshow discussion and “speakout.”
Bergman had “a general idea” of Wells’ importance as a civil rights, women’s rights and journalist before contemplating the screening of the documentary — and, eventually, viewing the film several times.
“I knew she was a journalist and knew she was involved in the NAACP,” said Bergman. “I did not know how much influence she had.”
As the co-owner of two newspapers, Wells wrote about racial segregation and inequality, documenting lynchings in the late 1800s. She moved from Memphis to Chicago after her newspaper was burned to the ground, married and had a family and led boycotts on behalf of African Americans and women. She traveled extensively delivering lectures.
“At one point, she urged black people to just leave Tennessee,” Bergman said.
By leading boycotts, “she demonstrated the economic power of black people,” Bergman said. “She demonstrated the power of the boycott.”
For the screening and discussion next Saturday, Bergman elicited the help of Wells-inspired journalist Danette Mitchell.
“This is about the African American voice,” Bergman said, calling Mitchell “an amazing researcher and writer.”
Bergman said her quest includes educating and convincing non-blacks to attend the screenings.
It’s important, she noted, “to get more white people to know the story,” personally feeling “I need to contribute and try. My role is to do what I can to get more people to come and learn about racism and our role in racism and speak about how we can do a better job and affect change.”
It’s good to start by listening “but listening is not enough. We have to look at our action,” Bergman said.
“Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice,” a documentary by William Greaves, narrated by Toni Morrison, is Sat., Jan. 11, 4 p.m., at Studio 1405, 1405 Georgia St., Vallejo. Post-show discussion and speakout. Admission $5.