Frances Ward-Johnson, associate professor in the School of Communications, presented a research paper titled “Public Relations and Social Activism: Ida B. Wells and America’s First Anti-Lynching Campaign” at the 10th annual International Public Relations Research Conference held March 8-11 in Miami, Fla.
Ward-Johnson’s paper explores the public relations tactics used by famous African American journalist and activist Ida B. Wells to launch one of the most successful of America’s early anti-lynching campaigns from 1892 to 1900. The research gives historical insight into Wells’ social activism and her role in spearheading the activism of African American women as well as Americans of all races in dismantling the rituals of lynching.