Brucella Wiggins Jordan, "Ida B. Wells, Catherine Impey, and Trans-Atlantic Dimensions of the Nineteenth Century Anti-Lynching Movement" (2008)

Brucella Wiggins Jordan, "Ida B. Wells, Catherine Impey, and Trans-Atlantic Dimensions of the Nineteenth Century Anti-Lynching Movement" (2008)

In this piece of historical writing Jordan examines Tourgee as part of a larger group of individuals who were part of an anti-lynching movement during the 1800s. She first explains that he had a strong voice as a lawyer and judge which gave his position leverage to influence other Southerners on their feelings towards slaves. Not only did this put him a powerful place, it also exposed him to all the obvious inequality which occurred in the South at this time. Jordan goes on to describe that through Tourgee’s writings he was able to further explain his anti-lynching sentiments. She also indicates that he had a relationship with Catherine Impey as they were both committed to this cause. This writer also referred those who were interested in this cause to look into Albion Tourgee’s writing which showed an obvious respect and admiration for the work that he had done. Impey discusses the egalitarian philosophical standing of Tourgee, as indicated by his writing. Jordan, the author, moves from describing how Impey saw Tourgee but further her opinion on the matter. She explains that part of the reason Tourgee became so popular was a direct result of the socio-political as well as economic problems which sprung up because of the newly emancipated African American population. After explaining why he became so prevalent she then went on to discuss his background including his time in the North as a soldier as well as writer before he came to the South and began his time as a Radical Republican. As she see it, these experiences bred him for a life of civil rights activism.

Jordan, Brucella Wiggins

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