Aldermen propose renaming Balbo Drive after civil rights champion Ida B. Wells-Barnett
A civil rights champion in her day, Ida B. Wells-Barnett was known for many things.
She was an African-American journalist who worked to expose lynchings. She pushed for women’s right to vote. She started numerous organizations to help African-Americans gain economic and political power in Chicago and the country. She created the first kindergarten for black children.
Now a group of Chicago aldermen are pushing to rechristen downtown’s Balbo Drive in her honor as Wells Drive.
“I believe Mrs. Wells’ legacy speaks for itself,” Ald. Sophia King said.