Book excerpt: ..". Hendricks adds greatly to our understanding of change and continuity in this important period of women's history." -- American Historical Review From 1890 to 1920, African American club women in Illinois and other Midwestern states created hundreds of female associations and became social and political agents of reform and community uplift. Through their own volunteerism and fundraising they combated the problems of homelessness, unemployment, illiteracy, and poor health care that plagued their communities. The Illinois club women also played a primary role in the election of the first black alderman in Chicago. This is their inspiring story.