Ida B. Wells showed from a young age that she was willing to work vigorously to attain the impossible through her efforts to retain her family by becoming a parent to six of her siblings at the age of fourteen. Her drive creates her identity as an intellectual and her loyalty to family is an example of her loyalty to her own culture and people. Many of Patricia Hill Collins theories from Black Feminist Thought are evident in the life of Wells and aid in the understanding of Wells.

Wells may not be an intellectual by the standards of white wealth many associate with intellect but Wells is undoubtedly an intellectual. Any dictionary will tell you an intellectual is one who is "given to activities or pursuits that require exercise of the intellect... see synonyms at intelligent" (dictionary.com). It seems to be impossible for someone to doubt...