The arts were an important part of the Chicago Women's Liberation Union (CWLU).

The Chicago Women's Graphics Collective produced and distributed thousands of colorful feminist posters worldwide.

Before the RiotGrrls, Lilith Fair and the current wave of girl-power rockers, there was the The Chicago Women's Liberation Rock Band which challenged the entrenched sexism of pop music.

CWLU publications usually included lively graphics, cartoons and photos. CWLU conferences featured theater and musical performances and the CWLU office was a political art gallery of posters from around the world. Most CWLU members also had a large collection of feminist buttons appropriate for any occasion.

Although documentary video was still in its infancy when the CWLU was active, there is some footage from the period as well as more recent on-camera interviews.

The Chicago Women's Liberation Rock Band: Music, photos, lyrics, documents, video and stories

The Chicago Women's Graphics Collective: Posters, photos and documents.

Photos by Elaine Wessel: Elaine was the unofficial photographer of the CWLU and her photos reveal much about the day to day activities of CWLU members.

Feminist Music: Join Kristin Lems for a live version of her song "For All Women in Struggle". We will be adding documents about feminist music and more songs. so stay tuned!

More CWLU Photos: Photos by Joan Berman and Kathy Mallin.

Feminist Buttons: If you lost your favorite at some big demonstration, you might find it here.