Lifting As They Climbed: Mapping a History of Black Women on Chicago's South Side

Chicago Collections is proud to co-sponsor Newberry Library's upcoming event on the history of black women from Chicago's south side.

Tuesday, May 22nd
6:00 pm Author Talk, 7:00 pm Book Signing
Newberry Library, Ruggles Hall 
60 W. Walton St. 

Lifting as They Climbed: Mapping a History of Black Women on Chicago's South Side tells the lives of Black women who contributed to the development of Chicago from the mid-nineteenth century to today.

This self-guided tour, by Essence McDowell and Mariame Kaba, features thirty-three locations and ten additional sites of interest that represent the lives and work of Black women activists and artists from Chicago's South Side who organized to make the city work better for themselves, their loved ones, and their communities. These women documented the conditions of Black people and shaped the culture of Chicago and the entire country. 

Download a PDF flyer for this event, to post and distribute.

After her talk, McDowell will sign copies of the book, which will be available for purchase.

Essence McDowell is a digital aesthetic specialist and communications strategist who works at the Social Justice Initiative as the Digital Media Strategist and Program Manager. Essence is on the board of Chicago Freedom School, and serves as a communications consultant for various organizations. 

Mariame Kaba, the co-author, who is unable to attend, is an organizer, educator, and curator. Her work focuses on ending violence, dismantling the prison industrial complex, transformative justice and supporting youth leadership development. After over twenty years of living and organizing in Chicago, she recently moved back to her hometown of New York City. 

Free and Open to the public; registration required
Register online using this form by 3 pm Tuesday, May 22

Doors open half an hour before the program begins, with first-come, first-served seating for registered attendees. If seats remain available, non-registered individuals will be permitted to enter about ten minutes before the event's start.

Questions? Contact the Newberry Library at publicprograms@newberry.org or 312-255-3610.