EOTO #2 Reaction Post

"Join or Die" a message from Benjamin Franklin in 1754 that is considered to be one of the earliest symbols encouraging American Unity. Looking at the image it appears to be so simple, it's a broken up snake with 3 words attached. However, the reason and message behind it was powerful. It was said that he created this image with a goal of uniting the colonist to work French and Native American allies.

Join or Die image 

It was also later on used during the Revolutionary war, to once again motivate Americans to unite against British rule. It still stands today as an iconic symbol of unity within the United States. 

I also found it empowering to learn of Ida B. Wells story.

She was a pioneering African American Woman who was multifaceted. Whether it was her journalism, or civil rights movement efforts, she truly left an impact in everything she did. 

Born into slavery in the state of Mississippi, she was then emancipated later on in her life alongside her parents after the Civil War. Her parents passed when she was just aged 16 were she then became the primary caretaker of her six siblings. 

Ida B. Wells 

Her life took a change on May 4th, 1884. She was taking a trip on the railroad to Selby County, when she was told to leave her first class seat and then wrongfully removed off of the train. This lit a fire in Ida as she began her Journalism career in Memphis as a editor.

From there she began writing in a impactful way. Speaking for the unspoken and fighting for what was right. She was known for her investigative journalism in lynching cases, fighting for the women's suffrage movement especially for black women who were wrongfully left out of the movement at times. 

Despite everything she faced, Wells remained fearless. She left the impact that Journalism could be more than just writing stories. It can be a call to action, fighting for what you believe in, and investigating every aspect of a story. 

Benjamin Franklin's "Join or Die" and Ida B. Wells journalism share a common theme; fighting for unity and justice for all even in times of uncertainty.