Wheaton Public Library to host Ida B. Wells' great-granddaughter Oct. 24

Michelle Duster, great-granddaughter of Ida B. Wells, will visit Wheaton Public Library on Monday, Oct. 24, for a presentation about the work and legacy of Ida B. Wells and the multigenerational family efforts to ensure her ancestor's contributions to the country are recognized and honored.

Ms. Duster is a professor, public historian, and author of Ida B. the Queen.

She has worked on a PBS documentary film, edited two books that include her ancestor's writing, wrote two biographies, and worked on a Chicago monument, honorary street name, historical marker, large-scale mural, and a major downtown Chicago street.

Duster also consults on other national projects that feature her ancestor. Recently, she spoke alongside President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as the Emmett Till Antilynching Act was signed into law.

Ida B. Wells, who died in 1931, lived in Chicago. She fought for women's right to vote, was instrumental in the establishment of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and was awarded posthumously the Pulitzer Prize for investigative journalism.

This free event will be held in-person at 7 p.m. at Wheaton Public Library, 225 N. Cross St., and livestreamed via Zoom.

Registration is open for in-person or virtual attendance at wheatonlibrary.org/calendar.

This program is co-sponsored by the City of Wheaton Community Relations Commission, Wheaton League of Women Voters, and Wheaton Public Library.