Sixteen painstakingly researched chapters, written by social workers, highlight the distinct roles of African American social work pioneers from the 1890s through the 1940s. The book discusses the birth of social welfare activities, both informal and formal, and introduces founding members of organisations such as the National Urban League and the National Association of Colored Women. Written from a social work perspective and framed within a historical context, these profiles and their accompanying lessons help today's practitioner make the connection to current issues.