Alpha Suffrage Club Marker Unveiling and Reception

On January 30, 1913, Ida B. Wells founded the Alpha Suffrage Club, which was located at 3005 South State Street. The goal was to make African-American women feel more comfortable in the realm of politics and then to “use the vote for the advantage of ourselves and our race,” as Wells said.

The former site of the Alpha Suffrage Club is located on the campus of Illinois Tech, and a commemorative marker will be unveiled on October 1, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony is at the northeast corner of 31st and State Street, and will be followed by a reception at 3201 South State Street (The McCormick Tribune Campus Center at Illinois Tech) at 10:30 a.m. The reception includes a book signing by Michelle Duster, author of Ida B. the Queen and the great granddaughter of Ida B. Wells, and a performance by Tsehaye Hebert. Copies of the book are available for $17 with registration and for $27 onsite. Parking for both events is at the A4 parking lot.

ASL interpretation will be provided.