top of page
Untitled design.png

Essence McDowell
writer, creative
director, artist

Join me on a journey where creativity meets purpose, and stories become vehicles for change.

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.

About Me.

I'm a writer, creative director, artist and coauthor of two books in the Lifting As They Climbed series. I co-founded the Chicago Justice gallery and have developed pver 50 public programs, exhibitions and conferences in Chicago.

 

I utilize community engagement, digital design, and communication technologies to strengthen community institutions, and advance justice-based organizations with over 15 years of experience in arts and communications.

​

Learn more about me and my work. 

bottom of page