Ida B. Wells Homes: Segregation's Silent Echo

The Ida B. Wells Homes, named after African American journalist Ida B. Wells, were constructed in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood from 1939 to 1941. These homes, a Public Works Administration project, were designed to segregate African American families, per federal laws. With 1,662 units, they were the fourth public housing project in Chicago before World War II. They boasted 860 apartments and nearly 800 row houses and garden apartments. A city park, Madden Park, was also a part of the project. Initially, the homes were sought-after addresses, symbolizing success. However, by the 1980s, they were plagued by neglect from the housing authority, gang violence, shootings, drug abuse, and drug dealing.

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