Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a rapist holiday and I'll not provide any services for any potential clients revolved a rapist holiday. Don't harass me nor beg me to promote a rapist holiday. I'll not. I'm not interested in discussing my reasons about not conducting any services related to Kwanzaa.

Ms. Afrika Abney gave away this dance outfit many years ago.

She appeared with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers for

Kwanzaa Celebration held at Plymouth. Photos credit by

Kelechukwu Onyenolachi

Imani Night Celebration, Kwanzaa 2010/2011

Information and Flyers posted widely on social media by Ms.

Afrika Abney from 2009 - 2015.

From 1970s - 2015, Ms. Afrika Abney celebrated Kwanzaa. She

stopped celebrating Kwanzaa because she learned that the creator

of the holiday, Dr. Karenga was a rapist and criminal.

Ms. Abney does not advocate nor support this type of African American

holiday that advocates sexual abuse towards women. She was disappointed to

learn about this history on her own in 2015 as supposed to told the truth about

the holiday.

Despite, learning about this, she had the opportunity to be apart of many

Kwanzaa events in the past.

7 Day Citywide Kwanzaa Calender of Events for the DMV. 2010/2011

UMOJA (UNITY) SUN. DEC. 26

• The Annual Candle-lighting, Children Presentations & Afrocenteric

Academic Challenge. Dinner Sale & Afrikan Marketplace sponsored by UBC

& LCPAN. 3:00pm until 6:00pm at Roots, 15 Kennedy St NW.

Call (202) 526-4039 or (202) 529·3635.

• Odwira Ancestral Akon Kwanzaa Celebration by THE TEMPLE OF

NYAME at 949 Bonifant St, Silver Spring, MD 2pm to 6pm. Call (202)678-3100

for info.

• African Heritage Dancers & Drummers Umoja Night Celebration.

7:00 to 8:30 P.M. Free to the Public. 1320 Good Hope Rd. S.E.

Info. 202-399-5252

KUJICHAGULIA (SELF- DETERMINATION) MON. DEC. 27

• Kwanzaa Candle-lighting Celebration & program by the

Ausar Auset Society and Ideal PCS .

The event will focus on health as a dynamic and transformative force

impacting the stability of the African family. Children activities, vending, and

food will be available. Location: 100 Peabody St. NW. (6:30pm-9:30pm).

Call 202-723-5566.

•Global Citizenship for African People Realized - An Evening of

Kujichagulia. The Government of the UNIA-ACL.

1320 Good Hope Rd. S.E., WDC. 6pm - 10pm.

This event is FREE. African Market Place and Dinner available for purchase

Call 1-866-496-8456 for Info.

UJIMA (COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY) TUES. DEC 28

• Kwanzaa Program & Candle-lighting Service by House of Ra,

Afi Soul and Friends. Hip-Hop, Go Go. Neo-Soul and Poetry. 7:15pm,

Bohemian Caverns, 2001 11th St., NW (11th & U Sts.), Wash., DC. Free

Admission. Call (202) 436-6466 or (202) 299-0800.

• Kwanzaa Candle-lighting Celebration & Program at St. Michael’s

Evangelical Lutheran Church. 700 Saint Michael’s Drive, Mitchellville, MD

at 7:30 pm. Call (301) 249-6222.

UJAMAA (COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS) WEDS. DEC. 29

• The Annual Ujamaa Kwanzaa Candle-lighting Celebration &

Program. Including the dramatic production: "Kwanzaa Yenu Iwe Na

Heri" (May Y’all’s Kwanzaa Be Filled With Happiness),

Ujamaa Dancers & Drummers and vegetarian food.

Ujamaa Shule at 8th & Q St. NW, Wash., DC at 7:00pm. Call (202) 232-2997.

NIA (PURPOSE) THURS. DEC. 30

• Candle-lighting and Kwanzaa Program Universal

Improvement through ReAfricanization and Nation

Building by the Universal Negro Improvement Association and

African Communities League, Woodson Banneker-Jackson Bey Division 330.

Guest speakers will include an African Priest of the Akan Tradition,

Dr. Mwangaza Bandele and Elements 4 Nature - producers of products

developed by Dr. George Washington Carver and Dr. Austin Curtis. Also

included will will be an African Market Place, Spoken Word by Evergreen

Productions, Pan African Feast and a Children’s Village from 6:00 P.M.

until 9:00 P.M. at the Tree of Life Community Public Charter School,

2315 18th Place, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20018. Free Admission.

For More information call (202) 398-2121or (202) 529-3635.

KUUMBA (CREATIVITY) FRI. DEC. 31

• 41st Annual Kwanzaa Children’s Party at Nation House,

770 Park Road NW, Wash., DC 1:00-3:00 pm. Sponsored by Kwanzaa

Children’s Party, Inc. and Temple of Nyame, for children age 3 -12.

Adult must accompany children. Featuring the Kuumba Arts Korner,

Baba Lasana, and dancing & drumming. Call (202) 363 5887,

(202) 390 3164 or (240) 832-7203.

• Community Resources, Inc. presents the premier of the

documentary film on the first African centered school in

Washington, DC: The New School for African American Thought.

The film is called Under the Radar: The story of the most important

DC educational institution that you probably did not know existed .

6:00 PM at Umoja House, 2015 Bunker Hill Rd. NE. Call (202) 526-4039.

• Karamu (Feast) sponsored by UBC. Candle-lighting Service, poetry,

music, dancing, lots of food and fun. Bring a wholesome natural food dish

to share. Umoja House, 2015 Bunker Hill Rd. NE. 8:00 pm until.

Call (202) 526-4039 or (240) 832-7203.

IMANI (FAITH) SAT. JAN. 1

• Annual Free the Land Annual Kwanzaa 3.1 - 5 mile

Fun Run/Walk/Bike. 12 noon, Lake Artemisia Park, Berwyn Rd. and

55th Ave, Greenbelt, MD. Call (202) 355-2562.

• Kwanzaa Imani Celebration and African Consciousness Award

Presentation.Cosponsored by UBC and ADACI. Performance by

Malcolm X Dancers & Drummers, presentation by noted spiritual leaders

and the presentation of this year’s African Consciousness Award:

Mama Sala Damali. At Plymouth Congregational Church, 5301 N

Capitol St NE, Washington D.C., 7:00pm. Call (202) 526-4039,

(202) 529-3635 or (240) 832-7203.

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."

Brain Gilmore at Francis Gregory - This Saturday

Award-winning poet Brian Gilmore will read excerpts from his upcoming book " No More Worlds To Conquer: The Black Poet in Washington DC Since Paul Laurence Dunba r" on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Francis Gregory. " BRIAN GILMORE is a native of Washington D.C., a poet and long-time public interest attorney. He is also the author of four books of poetry and numerous essays for The Progressive Magazine. Brian has won numerous awards, including the 2020 Michigan Notable Book Award for his book, come see about me marvin (Wayne State University Press). He is Senior Lecturer in the Law and Society Program at the University of Maryland - College Park." Register at https://www. estherproductionsinc.com/ events-1/african-americans- and-childrens-literature-on- tour Please join him along with Ms. Mathis on Saturday. Info: aachildrenslit2023@ gmail.com

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 Prelude

Nature's Prelude. Digital art created on canvas. September 23, 2024. Afrika Abney “Nature's Prelude embodies the serene condition of the sky that heralds the arrival of rain, symbolizing a product that honors the exquisite rhythms of the natural world. This tranquil moment in the atmosphere serves as a precursor to the impending rainfall, which is poised to rejuvenate the landscape. The calmness that envelops the sky acts as a gentle reminder of the continuous cycles inherent in weather patterns.”

DC Public Charter School Board

"DC PCSB is an independent government agency of the District of Columbia, created in 1996, led by a volunteer seven-member board. DC PCSB provides oversight to 135 public charter schools, which are managed by 69 independently run nonprofit organizations called local education agencies" The DC Public Charter School Board has listed several workshops,The Discovery Summit and Scholarship Awards Ceremony, and Discovering Me...Without You: An Annual Personal Essay Contest which were all launched by Esther Productions, Inc in their bulletin in the past. 10-26 - 22 https://mailchi.mp/3dd58c7b5cc2/wednesday-bulletin-795754?e=4ae2bafe99 11-22 - 22 https://mailchi.mp/6b8b007a5b05/wednesday-bulletin-795758?e=4ae2bafe99 11-23-22 https://mailchi.mp/a3197817a7ab/wednesday-bulletin-795770?e=4ae2bafe99 11-30 - 22 https://mailchi.mp/7498c107cc56/wednesday-bulletin-795774?e=4ae2bafe99 12-7-22 https://mailchi.mp/70cf4b50e59c/wednesday-bulletin-795782?e=4ae2bafe99 9 - 20 ...

Katherine Dunham

"Dunham Technique is a vibrant African American dance form that engages the body, mind and spirit! Created by dance pioneer Katherine Dunham, the technique is informed by the traditional dances of the African Diaspora, as well as by modern and ballet." I studied Dunham Technique from Dr. Sherrill Berryman Johnson. " Katherine Dunham Legendary dancer, choreographer and anthropologist, Katherine Dunham was born on June 22,1909 in Chicago, to an African American father and a French Canadian mother. She sang in her local Methodist Church in Joliet; but for a financial crisis at her church, she might never have sung anything but gospel songs. At age eight, she amazed and scandalized the elders of her church by doing a performance of decidedly non-religious songs at a cabaret party, in order to raise money. She never thought about a career in dance. Instead, she consented to her family's wish that she become a teacher and followed her brother, Albert Dunh...

Professional Positivity

Professional Positivity. Digital art created on canvas. September 23, 2024. Afrika Abney “Humor that is intended to lighten the atmosphere during work can often miss the mark for me. Instead of providing a welcome distraction, such jokes can come across as disrespectful and inappropriate in a professional setting. I believe that humor should enhance the workplace experience, not detract from it or undermine the seriousness of my work. When jokes are presented in a way that seems to trivialize the work environment, they fail to resonate with me. I find that humor should foster camaraderie and positivity, but when it crosses the line into disrespect, it loses its appeal. It is essential to maintain a level of professionalism. Ultimately, I do not appreciate humor that is veiled as lightheartedness if it carries an undertone of disrespect.”

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

Intention of emphasizing my comprehensive background

Numerous individuals had the chance to engage with me, yet you chose to dismiss me and cast me aside as if I were insignificant. You now seem to believe that I am aware of the context of your remarks, but that assumption is incorrect. In 2021, I established this branding blog to showcase different facets of my experiences, services, and professional endeavors, with the intention of emphasizing my comprehensive background. PAST SELECTED ART EXHIBITIONS • Virtual Art Exhibition and Poetry Reading. February 19, 2023 • The National Daughter Daddy Tour. National City Christian Church, Washington, D.C. 2004 - 2006 • Every Picture Tells A Story. Moca DC, Washington, D.C. January 6, 2006 – January 27, 2006 • "Visions." Ellingtons on 8th, Washington, D.C. May 31 - June 28, 2006.Curated by Prelli Anthony Williams. Reception, May 31, 2006 from 6-8pm and Closing Reception, June 28, 2006 • "The Power Within." El Tamarindo, Washington, D.C. July 1 - 31, 2006. Curated by D.Edwa...

The Spectrum of Self

The Spectrum of Self. Digital art created on canvas. September 10, 2024. Afrika Abney The Spectrum of Self, I have dedicated my career to creating meaningful and impactful experiences through the power of art. With a rich history of exhibitions, poetry readings, and community events, I have honed my skills in curating exhibitions, managing art events, and directing educational programs that bring people together and foster creativity. Some of my expertise includes Microsoft Office, gallery operations, and graphic design, coupled with my experience in program administration and teaching visual arts, literary arts, and dance, has allowed me to excel in crafting grant proposals, organizing workshops, and spearheading outreach efforts that benefit diverse communities. From showcasing my work on book covers to receiving award nominations, my commitment to community engagement shines through in everything I do. However, I no longer provide educational services.

Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

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