The Red Record : Tabulated Statistics and Alleged Causes of Lynching in the United States

In "The Red Record," Ida B. Wells-Barnett meticulously compiles a harrowing chronicle of lynching in America, utilizing an amalgamation of statistical data, personal accounts, and passionate prose. This seminal work, published in 1895, serves not only as a historical documentation but also as a fervent call to action against racial violence. Wells-Barnett employs a clear, persuasive literary style, deftly navigating the complexities of racial injustice while shedding light on the life stories often overlooked by mainstream narratives. The book emerges from the tumultuous context of post-Reconstruction America, where systemic racism and mob violence pervaded society, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about their nation's legacy. Ida B. Wells-Barnett was a pioneering African American journalist, educator, and activist whose own experiences with racial violence deeply informed her work. Born into slavery in 1862, her lifelong commitment to civil rights and social justice was fueled by both her personal indignations and her relentless pursuit of truth. Wells-Barnett's passion for investigative journalism and her role as a co-founder of the NAACP exemplify her dedication to reform, making her insights in