Lifting As They Climbed Book Talk and Tour With Author, Essence McDowell

In recognition of Women's History Month, the Illinois Tech Office of Community Affairs and the League of Women Voters Chicago present Essence McDowell for a dynamic talk about the lives of Black women activists, educators and artists who contributed to the development of Chicago and beyond. Following the one hour presentation at the Tower Auditorium (10. W. 35th Street), we will board a chartered bus and tour many South Side landmarks and locations that speak to Black women's history on the south side of Chicago.

Essence McDowell is a communications strategist, writer and organizer. She utilizes media, digital design and communications technologies to amplify the work of community institutions and justice-based organizations. Essence has worked with numerous national, state and local entities to create digital platforms, organizing tools, and impact strategies in service of social change. She's worked as a communications consultant for the Chicago Torture Justice Memorials, national media coordinator for INCITE!’s Color of Violence 4 Conference, and community engagement manager with Chicago's Gallery 400.