"Could I pass a week in the insane ward at Blackwell's Island? I said I could and I would. And I did"

Nellie Bly was a pioneering investigative reporter who was understood for her daring and non-traditional reporting techniques. In this quote, she is referring to her 1887 undercover examination of the Women's Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell's Island in New York City. She was identified to expose the inhumane conditions and mistreatment of the patients, and so she chose to go undercover and experience the asylum firsthand. She boldly declared that she might and would pass a week in the asylum, and she followed through on her pledge. Her examination was a success, and her exposé of the asylum's conditions resulted in much-needed reforms. Her courage and determination to uncover the truth and defend justice is an inspiration to reporters and activists today.