Light of Truth: Ida B. Wells National Monument
Michelle worked with the Ida B. Wells Commemorative Art Committee from 2008 to develop a 35-foot monument in honor of Ida B. Wells at 37th & Langley, on the land where the Ida B. Wells Homes stood from 1941-2002. It was created by world-renowned sculptor Richard Hunt and dedicated on June 30, 2021 Click here to read more
Final pieces added July 2025. More info here.
Watch dedication ceremony here (84 mins)
Equality Trailblazers Monument
Commissioned by the Memphis Suffrage Monument Committee chaired by Paula Casey, the monument was created by sculptor Alan LeQuire. It features 13 Memphis-based leaders, including Ida B. Wells. Michelle co-wrote the text for the Ida B. Wells panel. It is located on the river side of the University of Memphis Law School. The dedication ceremony was on March 27, 2022.
Ida B. Wells Homes Historical Marker
Michelle worked with Alderperson Sophia King's office to create an historical marker to be placed at 37th & Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Chicago to honor both the housing community that was originally named after Ida B. Wells in addition to her life and legacy. Michelle wrote the text and artwork was created by David Anthony Geary. The dedication ceremony took place on July 20, 2019. Click here to read more. Four years later, Michelle approached the newly elected Alderperson Lamont Robinson about upgrading the marker to include a garden. With the help of ProSocial Chicago, volunteers and community members, that became a reality on October 7, 2023. Click here for story.
Historical Marker for Ida B. Wells' Parents
The Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum in Ida's hometown of Holly Springs, MS initiated the idea of creating a marker to honor the parents of Ida B. Wells. Michelle wrote the text for this piece that is located in Hillcrest Cemetery and installed in July 2011.
Forthcoming Project
Michelle serves on the Board of the Women's Suffrage National Monument that is in the process of developing the first monument on the Washington, DC mall that focuses entirely on women and tells the story of the suffrage movement (anticipated early 2030s)