“IDA B. AND Me” Color,Strength, and Legacy: Honoring Ida B. Wells through Textile Art
Oh yes, I know who Ida B. Wells was (1862–1931). She was a remarkable African American woman who loved her family and her community with fierce devotion. But what truly set her apart was her fearless voice in the fight for civil rights. Through her powerful writings, she exposed injustice and demanded change.
This year, I had the privilege of getting to know her more intimately—not through textbooks or documentaries, but through my own creative journey. I felt compelled to honor her legacy by creating a special fabric design technique called an appliqué. And so, my tribute began.
A Monument of Truth
My first stop was the breathtaking sculpture in Bronzeville on Chicago’s South Side: The Light of Truth Ida B. Wells National Monument, a towering public artwork in bronze and marble by the sculptor Richard Hunt. The monument takes its name from one of Ida’s most powerful quotes:
“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”
Standing beneath that sculpture, surrounded by trees and sunlight, I felt her presence. The strength. The resilience. The truth.
Learning Her Story
Next, I dove into her words. Her great‑granddaughter, Michelle Duster, edited a book titled Ida in Her Own Words. Chapter Three—Lynch Law—hit me hard. Today, the word “lynch” is tossed around casually, often stripped of its horrific weight. But Ida didn’t shy away from the truth. She described, in painful detail, the brutal reality of lynching: the violence, the mutilation, the cruelty.
I had to put the book down for a moment—it was that graphic. But Ida knew the world needed to hear it. She wrote so that no one could look away.
Through her writing, she launched a mission to end this evil. She fought for voting rights, for women’s rights, and for justice.
My Tribute in Fabric
Returning to my art, I used Richard Hunt’s sculpture as inspiration. His work is bold and commanding—it glistens in the sun, standing high and proud, just like Ida herself. My piece, though, took a different path. I wanted to capture her inner strength, her vibrant spirit, and her softness as a woman.
So I created Ida B. Color and Strength, a fabric appliqué made of linen and acrylic paint. It’s colorful, bold, and full of life—just like Ida. The structure is firm, yet graceful. It reflects her beauty, her courage, and her unwavering voice. This design later inspired a limited‑edition series of home décor pillows, allowing Ida’s strength and beauty to live not only in art galleries but also in everyday spaces.
About My Art Piece
As an artist, I hope that those who see my work will connect not only to Ida B. Wells, but also to my journey of recognizing and honoring a truly powerful woman.
Ida B. Color and Strength has now been transformed into a series of printed home décor pillows—each one 16” x 16”.
Special Offer
If you’d like to purchase a 2‑piece pillow set, my company’s website, www.rhondahardydesigns.com, has just opened an e‑retail page called The Vintage 47th Street Gift Shop. You can purchase these limited‑edition decorative pieces in time for holiday décor or as meaningful gifts.
Here’s something special: 10% of all proceeds will be donated to the Bronzeville Black Metropolis National Heritage Area Commission, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history, culture, and businesses in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville community (see BlackMetropolis.org).
About the Author
Rhonda Hardy is a Chicago‑based textile artist, cultural historian, and founder of Rhonda Hardy Designs, LLC. Her work explores African American history through fabric, fashion, and cultural storytelling. She is currently developing educational partnerships in Chicago’s Bronzeville community and creating textile‑based tributes to African American leaders. Her latest collection is available at www.rhondahardydesigns.com.
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