In commemoration of Black History Month 2023, the United States (US) Embassy in Kingston, has placed a spotlight on Ida B. Wells, an American investigative journalist and activist who dedicated her life to combating prejudice and violence in the US.

A film screening, featuring the documentary Ida B. Wells – A Passion for Justice, was followed by a discussion on race, equality, and the impact of media on social issues.

More than 30 participants, including students from several different high schools and journalism students from the University of the West Indies (UWI) and University of Technology (UTech), attended the event last Thursday (February 16) at the US Embassy, located in Liguanea, St Andrew.

Participants had a lively discourse on the press’ power to cause agitation to bring about social change. They also highlighted the power of social media to take the lead in drawing attention to difficulties faced by underrepresented or marginalised groups.

Discussions were led by Dr Kofi Barima, a US Fulbright Scholar, and Giovanni Dennis, 2022 Press Association of Jamaica Journalist of the Year, and moderated by Andrea Chisholm, a senior broadcast journalist.

Holy Wheeler, deputy public affairs officer, welcomed guests and encouraged participants to examine the challenges that Wells faced in the late 1800s to the early 1900s in the US, and called for students to determine how they believe the modern press can further advance social justice.