This book is the first to document Illinois African-American state lawmakers who have served in Illinois General Assembly from the Reconstruction Era to 2005. The book includes U.S. Senator Barack Obama; the late Mayor Harold Washington of Chicago; Secretary of State Jesse White; Senator Carol Moseley Braun; and John Thomas, the first African American to serve in the Illinois General Assembly. This research can be readily used by students, scholars, and the general public.

"This compilation by Williams adds to available resource material for students, researchers, and the public in general. The strength of this documentationa is as a quick ready-reference guide. The book is a helpful stepping-stone to further research." - Journal Of Illinois History