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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.
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TEAM MEMBERS & COLLABORATORS.
Essence McDowell
Fariha Koshul
Founder, Director
Research and Communications
Associate
Sarah
Oberholtzer
Adam
Yafai
Videographer
Consultant
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