Lifting As They Climbed: Mapping a History of Trailblazing Black Women in Chicago

by Essence McDowell, Mariame Kaba

An essential guidebook to influential Black women from Chicago’s South and West Sides, and their social, cultural, and artistic contributions to movements both past and present. 

Geographically, historically, and politically, Lifting As They Climbed gives readers an in-depth understanding of the numerous Black women, from the nineteenth century to today, who empower(ed) their neighborhoods and communities. Structured as five self-guided tours, with crisp maps and accessible narratives, Lifting As They Climbed showcases seventy-eight women—activists, artists, musicians, and more—through sites and landmarks on Chicago’s South and West Sides. 

Including Margaret Burroughs, Gwendolyn Brooks, Mahalia Jackson, and many others, this updated and extended edition is a testament to women whose stories have gone largely untold, and whose lives reveal powerful connections between their endeavors and present-day struggles for radical community-building and solidarity. With no “official” landmarks to preserve the history of their social justice efforts, this book is an intervention against their erasure.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Social Justice

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Essence McDowell is a writer, communications strategist, and organizer. She wrote Lifting As They Climbed: Mapping a History of Black Women on Chicago's South Side with Mariame Kaba. Due to the success of the publication, the two authors have signed with Haymarket Books to write an extended guidebook set to be released in the next year.

You can learn more about the book at www.LiftingAsTheyClimbed.com. To learn more about Essence visit: at her personal website: www.EssenceMcDowell.com

Reviews

[Jung · Rating 5 out of 5]

[5 stars] A compilation of Black women’s history in Chicago told through their connections to various buildings and landmarks on the South and West sides of the city. This book is a beautiful tribute to the cultural, political, educational, and artistic contributions of the nearly 80 women profiled, and I learned a lot from reading it. It’s arranged by curated tours of the South and West sides, and works just as well as a standalone reference guide. Recommended for those interested in Black and women’s stories, those curious about architectural landmarks, and anyone who values the role of place and neighborhood in understanding history.

Publication Info: Haymarket Books, August 2023
Goodreads Challenge 2024: 9/48
Nonfiction and Beat the Backlist Challenges: history
Book Riot Read Harder Challenge: a book that went under the radar in 2023
Popsugar Reading Challenge: a self-published book (original version)

[Fenesha Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Well organized and thoroughly researched book on women that played critical roles in the advancement of black people in Chicago. There are a lot of facts in this 65 page publication! I'm inspired to learn more about the women. I want to take the tour, as laid out in the book, and see Chicago from a women-led perspective. Add this book to your collection.

[Essence McDowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard it's ok to rate your own book. So, I definitely give it a 5 start rating. Objectively of course, 😉.

It's a unique take on a tour guidebook that captures the lives of 48 powerful Black women from the 19th and 20th centuries. These organizers, educators, artists and entrepreneurs accomplished paramount feats but have been erased from mainstream historical narratives. Readers will learn about their dynamic contributions while also exploring 200 years of Chicago history. This accessible text opens a pathway to Southside landmarks and sites that highlight Black women's impact on the city, nation and world.