Ida B. the Queen is the result of the incredible vision of Julia Cheiffetz, who saw my great-grandmother Ida B. Wells-Barnett as more than a historic figure. She saw her as someone who is connected to the present and serves as an inspiration for current and future generations.
Between the guidance of Cheiffetz, the skill set and unique perspective of Hannah Giorgis, the gorgeous artwork of Monica Ahanonu, and the photo editing of Nicholas Ciani, the story of Ida’s life developed a new vibrancy and relevance that contemporizes her. My agent, Daniel Greenberg, has been an incredible advocate and cheerleader for me during the creation of this book. My hope is that a new generation will be inspired by the extraordinary story of a woman who refused to allow societal restrictions to limit or define her.
I am forever grateful to my brothers, David and Daniel, who have always been supportive of the work involved in the telling of our ancestor’s story. Shout-out to my Girlfriends Brunch Club—a group of incredibly smart, witty, down-to-earth friends with whom I can relax, unwind, share laughs, and have fun with. Thank all of you for your friendship and support. To all of my college, high school, and other lifelong friends, you have been my rocks during the ups and downs in this thing called life. To my writing partners Trina Sotira and Bernard C. Turner, thank you for your wisdom and talent. To my aunts, uncles, and cousins who have been with me every step of the way during the decades-long journey of preserving Ida’s story, I appreciate all of your encouragement.
This book is dedicated to my mother, Maxine, who always insisted that I embrace my story and my voice; and my father, Donald, who always encouraged me to take chances in life and believe in myself—you have my forever love and gratitude. Thank you to my grandmother Alfreda Barnett Duster, who always made sure that I knew my history while also insisting that I had my own sense of individual identity. And my great-grandmother Ida B. Wells-Barnett, for being a trailblazer and incredible role model of a Black woman who refused to be quiet, who held her head high, and who challenged systems in order to make this world a better place for everyone.
And to the current and next generations of fierce women! You go! I look forward to seeing how you transform our world.