top of page
WHO WE ARE.

THE
FOUNDER.
Essence McDowell is the founder of Kemtiyu Arts & Media. She is a writer, communications strategist and creative director. She is the author of two books including the most recent, Lifting As They Climbed: Mapping A History of Trailblazing Black Women in Chicago.
Essence utilizes community engagement, digital design, and communication technologies to strengthen community institutions, and advance justice-based organizations.
Essence is the former director of arts and communications at the Social Justice Initiative, where she co-founded the Chicago Justice gallery.
.jpg)
TEAM MEMBERS & COLLABORATORS.
Essence McDowell
Fariha Koshul
Founder, Director
Research and Communications
Associate
Sarah
Oberholtzer
Adam
Yafai
Videographer
Consultant
bottom of page