Why Work with Women and Girls?

"As women, we have been taught to always compete with each other and compare ourselves on the basis of the way we look and act. Working with each other closely kills that way of thinking, empowers us and helps us create together in an environment that we feel safe in."

Therefore, working with women and girls not helps me to empower them to feel good about themselves, but to heal themselves from trauma and other experiences that they may encountered. Organizations such as Esther Productions, Inc and the African American Women's Resource Center allowed me to work with a diverse set of women and girls from different backgrounds and sexual orientation beliefs.

In 2004, I began to work with Esther Productions, Inc and from 2017 - 2018, I provided services for the African American Women's Resource Center.

Esther Productions, Inc. is dedicated to using a variety of vehicles—traditional and nontraditional—to develop communities throughout the United States and Europe. It was created in 2004 by Jonetta Rose Barras, award-winning journalist and author of Whatever Happened to Daddy’s Little Girl?Some of its programs include:

THE FATHERLESS DAUGHTER EMPOWERMENT PROJECT
The Fatherless Daughter Empowerment Project is a constellation of programs that include The Fatherless Daughters Speak Out, Discovering Me…Without You: An Annual Personal Essay Contest, and The Daughters Circle.

Specifically designed for teen girls ages 13 through 17, The Fatherless Daughters Speak Out guide participants to the path of self-actualization using fun arts-based interactive and intervention techniques. These sessions include PaintSpiration; MoveOn, and the Summer Writing Institute.

Discovering Me...Without You: An Annual Personal Essay Contest is for Teen girls 14-17 who live in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Region. It is designed to aid in the healing of fatherless girls by using the personal essay to help them discover their strengths and resilience. Cash prizes are presented to the winners and the writings of all finalists are published in a chapbook that is released in the spring of each year.

THE NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK was created around the belief that family is the institutional foundation for everything—the individual and society. If it is weak or unstable, then the individual, without interventions, also will not possess the necessary strength of character and purpose to achieve in life. A community without cohesive, strong and loving families will be marked by various socio-economic and debilitating challenges. The program is held each June and features an array of experts, practitioners and creative healers whose focus is to assist individuals, families and communities in becoming their best selves through a reconciliation system as developed by jonetta rose barras.

For more information about Esther Productions, Inc, please visit http://www.estherproductionsinc.com.

https://www.facebook.com/estherproductionsinc/

The African American Women's Resource Center, under the direction of Ms. Cassandra Burton, is an educational and cultural service center. Our mission is to develop, support, and maintain policies, programs, projects, and activities that inform, educate, empower and celebrate women and girls of the African Diaspora and their communities.

Djimo Kouyate

Commissioned Photography for Baba Djimo Kouyate Smithsonian Folklife Festival, 1997, Washington, DC Photograph by Ms. Afrika Abney "Djimo Kouyaté (August 16, 1946 - August 1, 2004). Djimo Kouyate was from the Malinké tribe, a sub-group of the Mandingo people. Born in Tambacounda, Senegal, he was from a distinguished family of griots who trace their ancestry back to the thirteenth century. A master kora player and a fine singer and dancer, Djimo also played a variety of other instruments including balafon (wooden xylophone), drums, and other string instruments. He worked with the Senegalese National Ballet as a singer and dancer since 1960, and was a founding member of the National Instrumental Ensemble of Senegal."

Interpretations or meanings

I am not playing mind games with anyone.I have made it abundantly clear that I am no longer in the role of a student. I was a student from 1978 - 1997 and I will not accept being treated as one. With over three decades of experience providing consulting services, I have established my identity in this field, and I kindly ask that you cease any actions that undermine that status. It is essential for you to understand the importance of respecting my professional journey. I have dedicated many years to honing my craft and building a reputation that reflects my expertise. Therefore, I urge you to take a moment to review the content I have shared and refrain from searching for interpretations or meanings that simply do not exist in my writings or on my blog. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I appreciate your understanding.

Simple White

The necessity for acquiring whiteboards has diminished for me, as I ceased offering educational services back in 2018. Since that time, my focus has shifted entirely. I have been working on my branding and digital art where I utilize various digital applications to express my creativity. In this context, the color white serves a significant purpose, often representing simplicity and clarity in my artistic endeavors. “The concept of Simple White embodies the essence of minimalism, where the purity of the color white acts as an open canvas for creativity and innovation, allowing ideas to flourish without the distractions of complexity. The color white encourages a harmonious balance between creativity and tranquility.”

Gentle Spectrum

Gentle Spectrum. Digital art created on canvas. August 12, 2024. Afrika Abney The name Gentle Spectrum beautifully captures the delicate nature of the colors, showcasing a harmonious blend that invites admiration. It suggests a soothing visual experience, where each hue flows seamlessly into the next, creating a tranquil atmosphere. This title not only reflects the gentle quality of the palette but also encourages viewers to delve deeper into the artwork, discovering the subtle variations and nuances that lie within. By choosing the name Gentle Spectrum, the emphasis is placed on the tender interplay of colors that characterize the piece. This title evokes a sense of calm and serenity, inviting observers to immerse themselves in the artwork's rich tapestry of shades. The term "spectrum" implies a wide array of colors, hinting at the complexity and depth that can be uncovered upon closer inspection, making the viewing experience both engaging and enlightening. Gentle Spec...

Finger Painting Techniques

I am committed to promoting finger painting as a powerful medium for self-expression and creativity. With a background in fine arts, I have honed my skills to create captivating and expressive works of art that engage viewers on a deep emotional level. Summer Blossoms. May 2022. 14 * 18. Afrika Abney Selected Accomplishments: Featured on the book cover of Kaleidoscope with my finger painting "Summer Blossoms" in 2022 Donated my abstract finger painting "Flock of Feathers #1" to Esther Productions, Inc in 2022 Summer Blossoms: https://msafrikaabney.blogspot.com/2023/03/summer-blossoms.html

The intersection of poetry and prose within the D.C. art scene

“The intersection of poetry and prose within the D.C. art scene serves as a catalyst for cultural dialogue and social commentary. Writers often address pressing issues through their work, reflecting the complexities of urban life and the diverse experiences of the city's inhabitants. This literary engagement not only captivates audiences but also inspires action and awareness around various social topics. As the art scene continues to evolve, the integration of literary forms with other artistic expressions promises to further enrich the cultural landscape, making Washington, D.C. a significant hub for artistic innovation and collaboration.” Join Mr. Miller, Ms. Ayala and Mr. Gilmore at Tenley on September 14th. For those interested in learning more about this literary event, please feel free to reach out via email at midnightrosereadingseries@gmail.com. Additional details can also be found on the official website of Esther Productions, Inc. at the provided link - https://www.est...

Kindness has power

Why is it so hard to be kind? Why do you think kindness needs to be rewarded? Kindness has power and it is unfortunate that bullying still exists in communities, neighborhoods and other places. Demonstrating kindness is an important trait. Kindness has power. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."- Maya Angelou "I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver." - Maya Angelou "People will never forget how you made them feel."- Maya Angelou

My Middle School Year Experiences

In 1989, I was 13. I often was bullied when I was a middle school student at NationHouse. As a middle school student, I was petite, statics of father absence, had an Afrocentric name, and was asked what I wanted to be. Each of these experiences in some form or another created trauma and were painful for me. Despite these experiences, I continued to develop my career goals. One of the photos of me when I was a middle school student at NationHouse. 1989. (Park Road NW Washington, DC) Please note that I do not have this outfit.

Energetic Canvas

Energetic Canvas. Digital art created on canvas. August 14, 2024. Afrika Abney My attention is firmly directed towards my own endeavors.Rather than dwelling on what has transpired in the past, I choose to channel my energy into the present. This approach allows me to cultivate a mindset that prioritizes my projects ensuring that I remain productive and engaged in my work. I find that my focus is best spent on my own initiatives, rather than being sidetracked. The past holds no sway over my current mindset; instead, I am dedicated to advancing my own goals. By concentrating on the services I provide, I can maintain a clear vision of what I want to achieve and how I can best serve my client. I am committed to nurturing my projects and honing the services I offer, which allows me to create a meaningful impact.

Unity in Motion

Unity in Motion. Digital art created on canvas. August 14, 2024. Afrika Abney As I engage in the act of blending, my hands move in a graceful circular motion with creativity. The vibrant colors swirl together, merging seamlessly to form a beautiful spectrum that radiates energy and life. This circular movement not only serves to mix the hues but also embodies a deeper meaning, representing the harmony and unity that can be achieved when diverse elements come together in perfect balance. With each deliberate motion, my hands create a rhythmic circle, a visual representation of the artistic process unfolding before me. This circular pattern is more than just a technique; it symbolizes the interconnectedness of all things. The act of blending becomes a meditative experience as my hands trace a continuous circle, inviting the colors to mingle and transform. Each vibrant hue contributes its unique essence, and together they form a cohesive whole that is both striking and h...

Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

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