The influential journalist known for their investigative reporting on corruption is Ida B. Wells. A pioneering African American journalist, she used her writing to expose and challenge injustices, particularly concerning lynching and racial discrimination. Wells's work was groundbreaking in its thoroughness and courage, often putting her own safety at risk for the truth. Her advocacy for civil rights and women’s justice made her a key figure in the early civil rights movement, inspiring future generations of journalists and activists to pursue truth and accountability.