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

by Mariame Kaba, Essence McDowell

This publication features a number of Black women who contributed to the development of Chicago from the mid-19th century to today. It tells a story of Black women activists and artists who lived and worked on Chicago’s South Side by taking readers on a tour of relevant landmarks and locations.

The vast majority of women featured on this tour were active members of multiple organizations who pursued a broad range of issues. Others were artists (writers, painters, musicians, dancers) who both documented the conditions of Black people and shaped the culture of Chicago & the entire country. Chicago’s Black women activists organized to make the city work better for themselves, their loved ones and communities.

There are 33 main locations, mostly centered on the South Side of Chicago, featured in this guidebook. We’ve also included 10 additional sites of interest

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Social Justice

69 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

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.