Which leader initiated an anti-lynching crusade in support of African Americans?

Ida B. Wells is recognized for her fearless and tireless anti-lynching crusade, which she initiated in the 1890s in response to the rampant violence against African Americans, particularly in the South. Wells utilized her talents as a journalist to expose the injustices of lynching, publishing her findings in pamphlets and articles that highlighted the brutality faced by African Americans. Her work played a critical role in raising awareness about the issue and mobilizing public opinion against these acts of violence. She argued that lynching was not only a means of racial control but also served to maintain white supremacy.

Wells' activism was foundational in the development of the early civil rights movement and laid the groundwork for future anti-lynching campaigns. Her dedication to social justice and her powerful advocacy for the rights of African Americans has made her an important figure in both the history of journalism and the fight against racial violence.