As the great-grandson of Ida B. Wells, Dan Duster talks about her struggles and triumphs in the late 1800s to motivate audiences to address the challenges we face today. Duster’s speech, “Make Your Legacy Matter” is a must for any organization.
On Feb. 27, the Black History Month Committee at Parkland College invited Duster to talk about the experiences of his great-grandmother and her involvement in the civil rights and women’s rights movement
(Photo credit: Andrew Bui)
Duster shared stories about Wells’ love for high fashion, how she “made problems bigger than herself,” and how she became a fierce negotiator and entrepreneur.
Wells, being a Black woman who wanted to own a business faced nearly impossible barriers her time, but she made it possible. After negotiations, she became a co-owner and editor-in-chief of a local Black-owned Memphis newspaper Free Speech.
Wells was the first American investigative journalist. She investigated over 250 lynchings that had happened in the south. After interviewing witnesses and victims, she wrote articles that led to her pamphlet, ‘The Red Record.’ Strategically, she was out of town when it was published, but when she returned, she found that her newspaper and printing press had been destroyed by the racist whites in town. Despite such intimidation, Wells had the courage and the gumption to become an investigative journalist who explored uncomfortable truths about the treatment of Black Americans.
Duster also shared engaging examples with a powerful voice inspiring people to be purposeful about making a positive impact in their organizations and communities. With his speeches, Duster’s goal is for corporations to have a more just and comfortable workplace for all employees.
In his additional speech ‘Leading Wells,’ Duster said “Be wise with your choices. Be excellent with your actions. Live with integrity. Lead with courage. And speak with passion.”
(Photo credit: Andrew Bui)
Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Duster, known as the “Barrier Buster,” has always been a leader. He has served on the boards of several non-profits to help guide their vision and implement their mission. He has also served as a consultant with dozens of organizations to improve their effectiveness by leading workshops on topics that include strategic planning, effective communication and creating a comfortable and just workplace.
He has spoken at a U.S. Senate Press Conference, attended the White House in 2022 for the signing of the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Bill, worked with the National Governors Association, the Congressional Tri-Caucus, and appeared on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox News, BBC.com, CNN.com, the Chicago Tribune, the Washington Post and many other media outlets.
He is finishing a book about Ida B. Wells, sharing the values she had that have been passed down to him and what influence she has had in his life. He is also in the process of starting the Ida B. Wells Leadership Institute to help give youth leadership skills and confidence in public speaking.
