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.

MidnightRose: A Reading Series of Poetry & Prose

“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 of iden...

Creative Journey

The days of traditional office environments are behind me. Now, I find myself thriving in a home-based workspace, where I am fully committed to my profession as a consultant. At present, I am channeling my efforts into an exciting project for MidnightRose: A Reading Series of Poetry & Prose, which is scheduled to take place on September 14, 2024, at the Tenley Library which I began on August 12, 2024.. This captivating event promises to unfold from 2 PM to 4 PM, providing attendees with a unique chance to dive deep into the enchanting realms of poetry and prose. All promotions are done online. My creative journey continues as I dedicate time to my digital art and branding blog. This platform serves as a canvas for my artistic expression and a space where I can share insights and tips related to branding in the digital age. I am passionate about exploring the intersection of art and technology, and my blog reflects this enthusiasm, allowing me to connect with a com...

Golden Orb of Inspiration

Golden Orb of Inspiration. Digital art created on canvas. August 15, 2024. Afrika Abney Last night, as I gazed up at the sky, the moon captured my attention with its luminous glow. It was a sight that stirred my imagination and inspired me to create. I decided to channel that inspiration into my digital abstract painting, where I chose to incorporate various shades of yellow. The warmth of the color seemed to echo the moon's gentle radiance, allowing me to express the beauty I felt in that moment.

Nature's Brushstroke

Nature's Brushstroke. Digital art created on canvas. September 29, 2024. Afrika Abney

Cross Bridges

I have crossed over many bridges. I have seen many bridges. I have been under many bridges and at the end of each bridge, there is hope and light. Cross Bridges. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney

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

Blogs for marketing and strategy purposes

" A blogger is someone who runs and controls a blog . He or she shares his or her opinion and knowledge on different topics for a target audience. Many bloggers feel strongly about an issue or topic, and they are motivated to write about it to bring attention to a need. This might be a social issue or cause, a problem that needs to be fixed, a belief or value that they hold strongly, or just a desire to help people. Blogging enables you to reach the billions of people that use the Internet . Blogging can help you promote yourself or your business. Blogging works as a method for attracting an audience because it provides something of value to them before asking for anything in return. Blogs are often used to promote a business or company, though some blogs have become business in and of themselves." I created this blog to inform viewers about various topics that is connected to my work and services that I offer and provide as a consultant. This is not a per...

Abstract brushstrokes of nature

Abstract brushstrokes of nature. Digital art created on canvas. September 29, 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.”

Resilience Reflections

Resilience Reflections. Digital art created on canvas. September 27, 2024. Afrika Abney Looking back on the difficulties I faced in the past, one particular experience stands out vividly: the autumn of 2020 during the pandemic in Washington, D.C. This period was marked by a unique set of challenges that tested my resilience and adaptability. The atmosphere was heavy with uncertainty as the world grappled with the implications of the COVID-19 crisis, and the vibrant city I once knew was transformed into a quieter, more subdued environment. “The Autumn of 2020 in Washington, D.C., was marked by the unprecedented challenges posed by the global pandemic. As the leaves began to change color and the air turned crisp, the city, usually bustling with activity, found itself navigating a new reality. Public spaces that once thrived with tourists and locals alike were now quieter, with many events canceled or modified to adhere to health guidelines. The vibrant energy of the capital was tem...

Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

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