Essence McDowell

Essence McDowell, a communications strategist, organizer, and a coauthor of the two groundbreaking guidebooks that includes the recently released, "Lifting As They Climbed: Mapping a History of Trailblazing Black Women in Chicago”.

Beyond her work in writing and archival research, Essence utilizes her expertise in media, digital design, and communications technologies to amplify the work of community institutions and justice-based organizations. Her collaborations span both national and local entities, including Illinois Humanities Council, Chicago Torture Justice Memorials, INCITE!, Chicago Teachers Union, Black Feminist Future, Chicago Public Library, and the Cook County Historic Archives.

Throughout her career, she has created digital platforms, organizing tools, and impact strategies that serve as catalysts for social change. Notable among her achievements are the creation of the Survived and Punished Toolkit which was first of its kind, spearheading the national Portal Project Think Tank campaign, and founding the Chicago Justice Gallery.

As a part of her commitment to preserving community histories, Essence wrote the pioneering guidebook "Lifting As They Climbed: Mapping a History of Black Women on Chicago's South Side" with organizer and educator Mariame Kaba in 2018. The resounding success of this publication led the two authors to sign with Haymarket Books, embarking on the creation of an expanded text. This new guidebook includes 30 more captivating accounts of Black women's histories, four additional tours, and a new section dedicated to the west side of Chicago.

Essence currently serves as the Director of Arts and Communications at the Social Justice Initiative. She is also working to develop a resource hub for a Chicago-based Black Women's Organizing Coalition.