Ida B. Wells was an African-American investigative journalist, educator, and an early leader in the civil rights movement. She was born a slave in 1862 in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and went on to become one of the most influential activists of her time. She is best known for her work in documenting and exposing the horrific practice of lynching in the United States. Her work helped bring attention to the issue and led to the formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She also wrote extensively about women's rights and was a strong advocate for education and economic opportunity for African Americans.