Skip to main content

My High School Experiences

 



The above photos were taken while I was a high school student at Bell from 1991 - 1993.  I gave away the clothing articles and jewelry shown in the photos above. Additionally, I donated the artwork shown above.

My high school experiences were diverse and somewhat traumatizing for me. I had the opportunity to exhibit my artwork in New York City in 1993 at The New Harlem Gallery (New York City, New York) and Wisteria ArtSpace (New York City, New York). I was 16 years old at that time. Additionally, I participated in the Congressional Art Competition from 1992 - 1993.  

I was exposed to a diverse set of people with different backgrounds and sexual orientations from 1991 - 1993. I was often bullied about my name, height, and size. Fortunately, I expressed my anger throughout my visual artwork.

Each of these experiences allowed me to produce a different set of artwork and develop a wide range of skills. 


(Please note in the above photos that I was 14 - 16)!
Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Father/Daughter Relationships

  Father and daughter is a "complex one, and all the more so given that it has perhaps been explored less than other relationships."  Unfortunately, the kind of relationship that I have had with my father is the disappointed daughter. I feel as though that my father was a stranger that I met on the street because of the type of relationship that I had with him. It's a chilly relationship between the pair of us, and I am quite aware of this. I became distanced with him when I was 13 which was in the Summer of 1989.  I grieved for the father that I could not have for many years. When I was growing up, I experienced all of the symptoms of father-shaped gap. Yet this has also made me slightly distant with other people, especially men, who I always fear will disappoint me. I feel persistent regret at the fact that I missed the opportunity to know my father because he divorced my mother and remarried when I was 13. This creat...
Read more

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...
Read more

Receive Free Copy of Fathering Words on October 14th

Free Copy of Fathering Words by Mr. Ethelbert Miller on October 14th as he is the special guest for  Me, Myself & Our Story: The Art of the Memoir, Part 1 scheduled for October 14th from 10 am to 2 pm. It is presented by Esther Productions, Inc and The Institute for African American Writing.  There'll be light refreshments and a prize for the best draft essay as voted by participants. So, you won't want to miss this. REGISTER NOW. (Seating is limited to 10) -  https://www. estherproductionsinc.com/ events-1/me-myself-and-our- story-the-art-of-memoir-part-1 "Moving beyond the loss of both his father and brother, E.Ethelbert Miller tells the story of how love survived in his family. When Miller was about ten years old, his father told him how he considered leaving his mother. Years later, now a writer and a father, Miller looks back on the simple remark and how it shaped him. In Fathering Words, Miller explores his development as an African American writer, the res...
Read more

The power of speaking up

Quote found on the Internet “The power of speaking up is an open culture where people feel empowered to express opinion, debate issues, provide insight and perspective, and is the starting point for an organization to grow and succeed.” Dedicated to creating a culture where every voice is heard and valued, I believe in the power of speaking up to drive organizational growth and success. My mission is to promote honesty, respect, and influence through transparent and constructive dialogues. With a robust background in communication and problem-solving, I bring a unique perspective to discussions and decision-making processes. I actively engage in debates, providing insight and perspective to contribute to effective solutions. Throughout my career, I have successfully raised concerns about workplace safety, ethical issues, and harassment, leading to tangible improvements in organizational processes and outcomes. I have a proven track record of driving positive change through open and ho...
Read more

WINNERS OF ITS FOURTH ANNUAL DISCOVERING ME…WITHOUT YOU SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST

   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Esther Productions Inc 202-829-0591-- estherproductionsinc@gmail.com ​ ESTHER PRODUCTIONS INC. ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF ITS FOURTH ANNUAL DISCOVERING ME…WITHOUT YOU SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST Raea Jordan and Raine Badua were chosen by a distinguished panel of judges as Top Scholarship  winners in Tier 1 (15-18) category and Tier 2 (13-14) category Esther Productions Inc.’s scholarship contest  for 2022. Three other young ladies—Simaya Hammond, Dominique Barksdale and Rahel Belay-  Tseganeh—were given Honorable Mention designation. Cash awards totaling $2,200 were distributed . The winners were selected from a group of more than two-dozen teen girls between the ages of 13 and 18. Those who did not receive cash prizes were each presented with $25 gift cards during an awards ceremony on  Dec. 10 th held at The Woman’s National Democratic Club in Washington, DC. Esther Productions Inc., program co-sponsor The Black Student Fund along with...
Read more

Forever In Your Eyes by Sylvia Dianne Beverly

    “Forever In Your Eyes”  Sylvia Dianne Beverly  ISBN-13:9781546266716 Publisher: AuthorHouse Publication date:11/27/2018 Pages:132 ​Product dimensions:5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.31(d) “Forever In Your Eyes” is an inspirational, uplifting, motivational and delightful book. Each of the poems are insightful, healing and touching such as “Deep In My Heart,” “My Heart Speaks,” and “Bring Back The Holy Spirit.” After reading, “Forever In Your Eyes,” you will find yourself completely energized and refreshed. My favorite poem written by Sylvia Dianne Beverly and is published in “Forever In Your Eyes” is entitled: “It’s Up To Me.”  Reviewed by Afrika Abney July 2007 https://www.amazon.com/Forever-Your-Sylvia-Dianne-Beverly/dp/1546266712   Ms. Sylvia Dianne Beverly, “Ladi Di” is a native of Washington, D.C,  founder/director of  "Girls with Hearts," (youth poetry group),  poet, and author of Forever In Your Eyes (A potpourri o...
Read more

The AACL Tour presented by Esther Productions Inc. in partnership with The Black Student Fund and The Institute for African American Writing

 The AACL Tour opened on March 16th and took place at Francis Gregory. The next AACL Tour is scheduled to take place on April 20, 2024. Please see details below:  (Photo credit from Esther Productions, Inc's programs)- https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/aachildrensliterature   Esther Productions Inc., in partnership with The Black Student Fund and The Institute for African American Writing presents two authors Ms. Joy Jones and Mr. E.Ethelbert Miller on April 20th. Info:  aachildrenslit2023 @gmail.com . " Joy Jones has taught creative writing and public speaking to middle school students and coached poetry slam teams. Her children’s book Tambourine Moon (Simon & Schuster) was chosen in 2000 as a Kid’s Pick of the Lists by the American Booksellers Association, selected as one of the best books for children by the black caucus of the ALA, and seen on Fox TV’s hit show The Bernie Mac Show. She is also the author of Private Lessons:A Book of Meditations for Te...
Read more

IT TAKES TWO…MAYBE MORE: Blended Families

  Join Dr. Rose Shelton, Carmen Haskins, Jacquelyn Smith - Edwards and A. Scott Bolden for IT TAKES TWO…MAYBE MORE: Blended Families on June 9, 2022. Photo found on the Internet Rose Shelton, PhD, NCC, LCPC, C.Ht, holds an MBA in International Relations, a master’s in clinical mental health counseling, and a PhD in counselor education and supervision from Capella University with a focus in multicultural theory and social justice advocacy competency. Photo found on the Internet Carmen E. Haskins, LCSW, CCTP is founder of P.I.N.K Solutions, PLLC. She is a clinical social worker specialist in High Point, North Carolina. She is the author of a trauma focused book, "Secrets Kill: Come out of the Darkness." Haskins has more than 11 years of diverse experiences with a particula...
Read more

Peacock

“The female peacock, also known as a peahen, can also represent inner beauty and self-love. Beauty: Peacocks' iridescent feathers can symbolize external beauty and capture attention. However, peacocks can also remind us that true beauty comes from within, and that nurturing our souls can enhance our outer appearance. Self-love: Peacocks can represent the importance of self-love and acceptance.” “Important qualities in the workplace include self-expression, optimism, individuality, personal reflection, being observant, and passionate. Self-expression can foster inclusivity and empowerment. Optimism involves expecting positive outcomes and growth. Individuality means bringing your whole self to work or fostering an individualist culture. Self-reflection aids personal and professional growth. Being observant helps notice details others may miss. Passion in the workplace involves finding meaning and approaching work with focus.” Dynamic and passionate individual with a strong focus on...
Read more

NationHouse

  NationHouse Positive Action Center, private African - American school originally located at 770 Park Rd NW in Washington, D.C. I had the opportunity to attend this school from 1978 - 1991. Some of my teachers while I was a student at NationHouse include Baba Agyei Akoto, Mama Nkechi Taifa, Mama Afia Nson Bonsu and Baba Michael Anthony - Brown artist.  "Baba Agyei Akoto was a respected scholar, educator, institution builder and author. He was the principal of NationHouse Positive Action Center – which has provided a rigorous African-centered education to students ranging from pre-school through high school, for over thirty eight years." Baba Agyei recently passed on December 4, 2019.  "Mama Nkechi Taifa is a native Washingtonian and life-long resident of the District of Columbia. She is a social justice attorney, activist, author, motivational speaker and entrepreneur. She serves as a Senior Policy Analyst for an international foundation and convenes a W...
Read more