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

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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., programco-sponsor The Black Student Fund along with members of the community, congratulated all the young ladies.

Anita Josey-Herring, chief judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, presented the awards. On the court, she has been extensively involved with family and children, including as the deputy presiding judge of the Family Court. She brought important insight and inspiration to the event during her remarks.

Discovering Me…Without You Scholarship essay contest was launched in 2019 by the Fatherless Daughter Empowerment Project, a division of Esther Productions Inc. The essay contest is designed to educate the public about the importance of fathers in the lives and development of girls and women. Nationally, more than 24 million children are growing up in homes without their fathers. In the Washington Metropolitan region at least 60 percent of homes are single-parent households, many of them headed by women. The contest is intended to provide a platform for some of those children, particularly fatherless girls, to explain the impact of father absence in their lives and their efforts to reach self-actualization and empowerment.

The entries were judged by a team of successful professional leaders and youth, including Ana Acevedo, co- chairperson of Esther Productions Inc.; Patricia Bitondo, Woman’s National Democratic Club; Dr. Misty Freeman, a local psychologist who works with students; Alycea Gayle, a senior at DC International Public Charter School; Ana R. Harvey, a former senior executive in President Barack Obama’s administration; Alicia Henry, a nonprofit and government expert; Shelly Livingston; Leroy Nesbitt, executive director of The Black Student Fund; Winfield Swanson with the Woman’s National Democratic Club; and Addison Switzer, co-chair of Esther Productions Inc. and CEO of BuckWild Media.

Winning essays will be featured on estherproductionsinc.com during the months of January and February. A book of essays will be released later in 2023.

Esther Productions, Inc. is a Washington, DC-based national nonprofit organization. Founded in 2004, it is dedicated to inspiring and empowering girls and women. The Discovering Me Summit and Awards Ceremony was supported through generous contributions from Kerry S. Pearson LLC, Emmanuel Bailey, Fort Myer Construction Corporation Charitable Foundation, the Cornelia Bailey Foundation through The Black Student Fund, David Jannarone, A. Scott Bolden, and Esther’s Friends, which including Melvin Mitchell, Ana R. Harvey, Lamont Mitchell, Philip Pannell, and Rosalind Blunt. Special Thanks to Afrika Abney, Arts and Marketing Consultant and The Woman’s National Democratic Club.

Photos: Chief Judge Anita Josey-Herring with Raea Jordan and jonetta rose barras; Raine Badua (Tier 2/ Middle School winner in center with Chief Judge Anita Josey-Herring to the left and jonetta rose barras on the right.

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Vivid Artistry

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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...

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.”

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Gentle Rain. Digital art created on canvas. September 28, 2024. Afrika Abney The season of Autumn 2024 commenced just six days ago, and on this rainy Saturday morning, I woke up from my restful sleep a couple of hours ago. The sound of raindrops tapping against the window provided a soothing backdrop as I prepared to embrace the day ahead. This weekend, I have dedicated my time to focusing on my branding and delving into the creation of my digital artwork, both of which are essential components of my creative journey. Have a creative weekend.

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Autumnal Expressions. Digital art created on canvas. September 29, 2024. Afrika Abney “Autumnal Expressions encapsulate the essence of the fall season, a time when nature undergoes a remarkable transformation. As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, the landscape is painted in dark brown, deep dark brown, deep red and deep magenta.This seasonal shift not only affects the environment but also evokes a range of emotions and reflections. The beauty of autumnal expressions lies not only in the visual splendor of the season but also in the deeper meanings and emotions it inspires in creativity and productivity.”

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.”

Artful Humanity

Quote found on the Internet According to my research, “National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM) originated in 1985 as a celebration known as National Arts Week. This initiative was designed to promote the importance of the arts and humanities in American culture, encouraging communities to engage with and appreciate various forms of artistic expression. The establishment of this month-long observance has since evolved into a significant annual event that highlights the contributions of artists, writers, and cultural organizations across the nation. In the same year, 1985, a notable development in the realm of technology occurred with the release of a paint application. Together, these developments reflect the dynamic relationship between the arts and the tools that facilitate their creation and dissemination.” In 1985, I was 9 years old and a student at NationHouse.

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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.”

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."

Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

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