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Essence
McDowell

author, creative director, artist, and filmmaker

Explore my latest book and other published works.

Lifting As They Climbed takes readers on a journey through the sites and landmarks in Chicago that illuminate the stories of Black women trailblazers —activists, artists, community leaders, and more— who transformed the city and nation.

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About Me.

I'm an author, creative director, and cofounder of the Chicago Justice Gallery. I've written two books in the Lifting As They Climbed series. The film Invisible Giants is my short documentary that speaks to the historical and present impact of Black women's labor and love in Chicago.

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