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.

Pandemic Affect on Consultants

The pandemic has had a profound impact on consultants, influencing various aspects of their professional lives, including mental health, economic stability, and social interactions. For instance, Ms. Afrika Abney found it necessary to cancel all her scheduled meetings with prospective clients, which significantly hindered her ability to connect and engage with them during this challenging period. The abrupt shift in the business landscape forced many consultants, including Ms. Abney, to reassess their strategies and adapt to the new normal. As a consultant specializing in services for small businesses and nonprofit organizations, Ms. Abney faced considerable obstacles in delivering her offerings effectively due to the stringent restrictions and regulations imposed since March 9, 2020. The ongoing challenges made it increasingly difficult for her to ensure the success of her services, as the traditional methods of engagement were no longer viable. This situation necessitated...

Vibrant Imperfections

Labor Day occurred on Monday, September 2, 2024, a date that marked the creation of my work titled "Vibrant Imperfections." Quote found on the Internet “Within the sphere of abstract art, the embrace of imperfections acts as a compelling testament to the inherent beauty present in everyday lives. Each stroke of the brush and selection of color can convey a story that resonates deeply with the observer, prompting them to uncover significance within the seemingly aspects of the artwork. This exploration invites viewers to engage with the art on a personal level, fostering a connection that transcends traditional interpretations. The state of urban sidewalks and roadways often reflects a less-than-perfect reality, marked by the inevitable signs of aging and the impact of human activity. These surfaces narrate their own tales, showcasing the natural imperfections that characterize the environment. Throughout my career as a professional visual artist and art consultant, I have ...

MEET CREATIVE WELLNESS EXPERT JENNIFER Y. OKOSUN AT WOMEN BLOSSOMING

A creative writer, author of the blog Power upWell, speaker and creative entrepreneur, Jennifer taught herself as a child to use the arts to cope with trauma. As an adult she used them to heal. Jennifer has facilitated several workshops locally and nationally on self-care and healing from trauma. ON MAY 6 at 3:00 pm during the WOMEN BLOSSOMING, she will share her expertise, teaching you what she knows while helping you as you move on your path to greater empowerment. COME CELEBRATE YOURSELF! YOU DESERVE IT! Register at www.estherproductionsinc. com/events-1/women-blossoming- a-traditional-tea-celebration- to-inspire-and-empower-girls- and-women-16-and-older Esther Productions, Inc. is a Washington, DC-based national nonprofit organization. Founded in 2004, it is dedicated to inspiring and empowering girls and women. It is supported through generous contributions from Kerry S. Pearson LLC, Emmanuel Bailey, Veterans Services Corp, Pepco, an...

The Independent Mindset

The Independent Mindset. Digital art created on canvas. September 14, 2024. Afrika Abney I have no clue what you are talking about? I am busy minding my own business and keeping to myself. Today is Saturday, September 14, 2024 and I graduated from college in 1997. The intersection of branding and digital creativity is crucial for building a strong foundation in today’s competitive landscape. I am an energetic and motivated independent professional who possesses a wealth of experience in both contracting and consulting roles. With expertise in various techniques, materials, and media, including acrylic paint, I bring a unique perspective to every project. My strong understanding of the properties of acrylics allows me to create intricate layers and complete projects rapidly, while still maintaining a high level of quality. My skill set includes working with acrylic and oil paint, digital art, oil pastels, crayons, charcoal, colored pencils, canvas, and paper. I have experience in creat...

2022 Year in Review

Summer Blossoms. Acrylic on Canvas. 14 * 18. Afrika Abney Summer Blossoms, abstract finger painting created on canvas using colors that represent the Summer. I recently had one of my abstract paintings featured on the cover of a book and the painting is entitled: Summer Blossoms. It is entitled: Kaleidoscope. For more information about the book, contact Esther Productions, Inc at estherproductionsinc@gmail.com. In 2022, I have implemented over 30 new strategies. As a consultant, I would say that I have received numerous feedback on my effective strategies. Each strategy was uniquely different for each event that I provided and offered services. During the pandemic which began on March 9, 2020, I provided and offered all of my services online. I had to ensure that each service that I provided was effective and successful. This was challenging for ...

Efforts

"The effort is the time, energy and emotional labor devoted to completing a task — and the rewards are what you get back from your workplace, such as compensation, benefits, recognition and opportunities." Quote found on the Internet Since 2018, I have redirected my professional efforts away from educational services. With the onset of the pandemic, I transitioned to offering all my services online, a practice I maintained from March 9, 2020, until August 2023. In November 2021, I launched a branding blog, which I have consistently updated and can be accessed at msafrikaabney.blogspot.com.

Afrocentric Education - NationHouse

This photo was taken of me in 1982. I was 6 years old at that time and many years later, I have given away of the clothing articles depicted in the above photo. When I was a student at NationHouse. Some of my teachers include: Baba Yao "Willie “Yao” Brewer is a DCTV award winning film-maker who produces short, original community-based documentaries that capture riveting reality stories. He is a multi-talented “one-man band.” Born and raised in Southwest, Washington, D.C., Yao is a Howard University graduate with degrees in Music Education at the Masters and Bachelor levels. He began his documentary film-making career twenty-five years after working as an instrumental music teacher in the DC Public Schools. The digital information age is making it possible for documentary film-makers to use more creativity and technologies to enhance comprehensive stories. With Yao’s work, the entire viewing public becomes an eyewitness or primary resource as he documents stories that encour...

The 1990s

Why are you talking about the 1990s? These are some old photos of me. Please note that I have given away these items depicted in the photos. "Popular clothing items in the 1990s were " black or red leather (or pleather) pants, fitted shirts, halter tops, cropped tanks, flared pants, and platform shoes . The color palette brightened up from the darker grunge tones to plums, navys, and reds. After two decades of saturated and vibrant colors, the 90s grunge scene brought darker, subdued colors into style. Dark plum, forest green, dark brown, black, and deep red began to emerge as fashion turned towards flannel shirts, jeans, and combat boots. The 90s fashion decade was also influenced by the emergence of supermodels, TV celebrities, and A-listers who rocked the 90s latest looks on the red carpet, in the movies, and in music clips."

Spectrum of Struggles

Spectrum of Struggles. Digital art created on canvas. August 10, 2024.Afrika Abney Thirty years ago, I was navigating the dynamic landscape of college life, all while being rooted in my hometown of Washington, D.C. This era was characterized by a distinctive fusion of scholarly endeavors and the diverse cultural environment that the nation's capital provides. The experience was not only about academic growth but also about engaging with the complexities of social issues, including discrimination and racism, which were prevalent during that time. During this transformative period, I delved into various fine arts courses that enriched my understanding of creativity and expression. The curriculum was designed to challenge conventional thinking and encourage innovative approaches to art, allowing me to explore my artistic inclinations deeply. Simultaneously, the backdrop of Washington, D.C., with its historical significance and cultural richness, served as an inspiring canvas that in...

Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

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