Ida Taught Us

Who is carrying the torch as our new storyteller?⠀
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In the spirit of Ida B. Wells, we are highlighting women who are using their voice, gift, artistry, and craft for the future. By amplifying their voice and thanking them for ringing the alarm on social justice issues, news, and historical context that moves us to action, we hope to inspire our girls and community to do the same.

Nikole Sheri Hannah-Jones is an American investigative journalist known for her coverage of civil rights in the United States. In April 2015, she became a staff writer for The New York Times, where she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 2020 for her introductory essay to the 1619 Project.⠀
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Visit nikolehannahjones.com to learn more about Jones and her work.

Tiffany Walden & Morgan Elise Johnson, co-founders of The @thetriibechicago. The TRiiBE is a digital media platform showcasing innovative content to reshape the narrative of Black Chicago.⠀
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Visit thetriibe.com to learn more about Walden & Johnson's plans to unify Black Chicago in the common purpose to create a safer, more vibrant Chicago.

Melissa Kimble is a connector, consultant, Black cultural storyteller, and creator of @blkcreatives.⠀⠀⠀
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Visit melissakimble.co to learn more about Melissa and her mission to showcase the stories of Black creatives–so that Black creatives from all backgrounds can access what’s possible. ​

Michelle Kennedy is the Founder, Producer, and Executive Director of the Chicago South Side Film Festival. Michelle is a South Side native who graduated from Kenwood Academy in 1991 and went on to earn degrees from the University of Wisconsin, The University of the West Indies, and Rutgers University. She has 20 years of professional experience in Real Estate Finance and Development. Additionally, Michelle is a film enthusiast who regularly attends film festivals all over the world.

Tonika Lewis Johnson is a photographer/visual artist and life-long resident of Chicago’s South Side neighborhood of Englewood.
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In 2010, she helped co-found Resident Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E), whose mission is to “mobilize people and resources to force positive change in Englewood through solution-based approaches." She is also a lead co-founder of the Englewood Arts Collective; established in 2017.⠀