Ida B. Wells

In 1884. a 22-year-old Wells boarded the first class car on a train to her teaching job. Civil rights laws guaranteeing blacks passage on first class had recently been repealed and the railroad was operating under Separate but Equal laws so Wells was asked to move to the smoking car. When she refused. two conductors tried to physically force her into the smoking section. She got off the train instead and filed a discrimination lawsuit. She was awarded $500 dollars but the verdict was reversed three years later by Tennessees Supreme Court.