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."

MIDNIGHTROSE: A Reading Series of Poetry and Prose features Mr. Kenneth Carroll, Ms. Elizabeth Bruce and Ms.Sasa Aakil

“MidnightRose serves as a vibrant platform that highlights the diverse voices of multigenerational and multicultural writers from the Washington Metropolitan Region and beyond. This initiative is brought to life by Esther Productions Inc., in collaboration with The Institute for African American Writing and The Black Student Fund. The series aims to celebrate the literary talents within the community, showcasing a variety of poetic and prose works that reflect the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives that define the region. Attendees of MidnightRose can expect to engage with a dynamic array of award-winning poets and authors, each bringing their unique narratives and artistic expressions to the forefront. The event not only serves as a performance space but also as a gathering that fosters dialogue and connection among writers and audiences alike. By immersing oneself in the powerful words and stories shared during the series, participants are invited to explore themes o...

Nature’s Radiant Palette

Nature’s Radiant Palette. Digital art created on canvas. October 3, 2024. Afrika Abney Dark green symbolizes tranquility, while yellow symbolizes optimism. The depth and fluidity between the contrasting colors and brushstrokes adds volume to Nature’s Radiant Palette.

Vivid Artistry

Vivid Artistry. Digital art created on canvas. October 3, 2024. Afrika Abney Today is October 3, 2024 and I am focusing on creating my digital art and branding. Whatever conversations that you are having, I have not been engaged in them. I am busy working using the colors, blue, yellow and dark green representing optimism, tranquility and creativity which are portrayed in Vivid Artistry.

The intention and significance of my digital abstract paintings

“The intention and significance of my digital abstract paintings are not rooted in themes of sexual relationships. Instead, they serve as a medium for my self-expression, allowing me to convey the stories and emotions that inspire each piece. Through these artworks, I aim to communicate my personal and professional experiences and the narratives that shape my creative vision.”

BrightBlend Techniques

BrightBlend Techniques. Digital art created on canvas. October 2, 2024. Afrika Abney BrightBlend Techniques is a digital abstract painting composed of colors and various brush techniques.Some colors include orange, red, and blue. All three of the colors represent creativity. According to my research, “the use of various brush techniques creates a rich tapestry of texture within the artwork. The dynamic relationship between light and shadow, skillfully rendered through these different strokes, infuses the piece with vitality and a sense of motion. This deliberate layering invites viewers to delve deeper into the work, fostering a greater appreciation for the intricacies and purpose that lie behind each individual brushstroke.”

Whispers of Solitude

Whispers of Solitude. Digital art created on canvas. August 17, 2024. Afrika Abney

Narrative Layers

Narrative Layers. Digital art created on canvas. October 2, 2024. Afrika Abney I created Narrative Layers, a digital abstract painting, using layered brushstrokes and vibrant colors with the focal color - red. Red represents determination, courage, resilience, and creativity. According to my research, “layered brushstrokes serve as a powerful representation of the different phases of artistic expression and emotional depth. Each stroke adds a unique texture and dimension, reflecting my evolving thoughts and feelings throughout the creative process. This technique not only enhances the visual appeal of the piece but also invites viewers to engage with the underlying story that unfolds within the layers. Ultimately, the culmination of these layered brushstrokes results in a finished piece that resonates with a profound narrative.”

Exhibit Inquiry

Good afternoon, I hope this message finds you well and thriving. I am writing to inquire about any events you may have planned for the year 2025. Should there be any such events on your calendar, I would be very keen to explore the possibility of exhibiting my artwork. Throughout my career as a consultant, I have had the privilege of showcasing my art in various settings, and I am eager to bring that experience to your event. My artistic creations encompass a wide range of themes and styles, demonstrating my commitment to producing work that is both meaningful and engaging. I am confident that my unique background and experiences would add significant value to your event, and I would be excited to discuss how my art could fit into your vision. I appreciate your consideration of my inquiry and look forward to the potential of collaborating with you. Thank you for taking the time to review my request. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to your event and sharing...

Branding Blog

As the creator of a dynamic branding blog, I am dedicated to sharing valuable insights on the consulting services I have been providing since 1992. With over 17 years of experience in media campaigns, arts, and entertainment, I bring a unique blend of expertise to the table. My mission is to empower individuals, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations to elevate their artistic endeavors through strategic consulting services. From art curation to social media marketing, I am committed to helping my clients reach their full potential in the ever-evolving arts industry. My proven track record of success includes receiving grants and awards for my contributions to the arts, as well as conducting numerous art exhibitions and events throughout my career. I have also had the privilege of teaching dance and visual arts classes to students of all backgrounds, fostering a safe and positive learning environment for each individual. With proficiency in Microsoft Word, Publisher, and Excel, a...

Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

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