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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

LEARN, BUILD, SHARE!

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Contact Us

Learn more about Kemtiyu Arts & Media, get updates on upcoming events and public programs, and receive information about our community offerings

ADDRESS

PO Box 4785

Chicago, IL

60637

PHONE

773-980-9738

EMAIL

Kemtiyu.arts@

© 2025 by Kemtiyu Arts & Media. 

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