Why I taught the arts?

When I was a little girl, I wanted to pursue a career in the arts. I choose the arts as a vehicle and outlet for me to express myself through using the arts. If it was not for the love of the arts and I had the opportunity to teach visual arts, literary arts, and dance throughout my community in the past. It gave me the opportunity to express myself as it is related to bullying and culture, especially to minority race.

I taught various art forms such as collage design, abstract painting, drawing, poetry, and dance to children, youth and dance.

SELECTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES

ARTS SPECIALIST. Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington, DC, Washington, D.C. June 20, 2018 - July 25, 2018. Plan and present visual arts classes for students of varying backgrounds and abilities , create a safe, structured, and positive environment for each student; and prepare and disseminate a weekly report for the Program Manager, Justin Love.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER. DC International School, Washington, D.C. 2016 - 2017. Managed and co-managed select classrooms; provided instructions according to prepared lesson plans; ensure classroom environment that promoted active learning while working with students to reinforce learning objectives as defined by the school; and performed other assigned duties.

AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Roda Movements, Takoma Park, M.D.. 2015 - 2015. Taught a group of young children ages 7 - 9. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical context for each dance with a 1/2 hour warm-up, and energetic dance movements. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical within the context for each dance.

WEST AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. M.O.M.I.E.S TLC and YWDEP, Washington, DC. SUMMER 2015 Kingdom Kids Care, Washington, DC. Provided West African dance instruction to a group of students for a Summer Camp program such as M.O.M.I.E.S. TLC and Y.W.D.E.P. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical context for each dance with a 1/2 hour warm-up, and energetic dance movements. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical within the context for each dance. Also provided instruction for students at several other organizations including Kingdom Kids Care, Washington, DC. (July 3, 2013 - July 17, 2013) Hyde Addison Elementary School (May 18, 2013)

SUBSTITUTE DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington, DC. August 2013. Provided dance instruction to students grades 9 -12 in the absence of the studio teacher for the World Intensive Summer Camp.

SUBSTITUTE DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington, DC. 2013 - 2015. Provided dance instruction to children and adults in the absence of the studio teacher. Taught Samba Fusion - All Levels and Afro Beats - All Levels.

AFROBEAT, a dance class that includes a fusion of modern and African upbeat combinations to Nigerian music, inspired by FELA! the musical.

Samba Fusion, a dance workout that brings the benefits of basic samba/axe drills and steps to tone muscles.

SUMMER ACADEMY CAMP PART- TIME ELECTIVE ART TEACHER. Higher Achievement, Washington, DC - Metro. July 1, 2013 - August 1, 2013 (Center City PCS - Capitol Hill Campus); and 2003-2004 (Bruce Monroe Elementary School). Created and implemented a visual arts lesson plan for summer program, specific to 5th - 8th grade students of varying backgrounds and abilities. Students gained knowledge and dexterity in specific forms of visual arts, including abstract painting.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER. Mundo Verde Public Charter Schools, Washington, DC. December 2013 - 2014. Managed and co-managed select classrooms; provided instructions according to prepared lesson plans; ensure classroom environment that promoted active learning while working with students to reinforce learning objectives as defined by the school; and performed other assigned duties.

AFFILIATED TEACHING ARTIST. Young Playwrights' Theatre (YPT), Washington, DC. October 2012 - May 2013.Planned and presented visual arts classes for first and second grade students of varying backgrounds and abilities , integrating literacy fundamentals within the context of the classroom instruction; created a safe, structured, and positive environment for each student; established my own classroom rules for each student to follow; and prepared and disseminated a weekly report for the Program Manager, Laurie Ascoli.

SUBSTITUTE AFRICAN DANCE PRE - PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTOR. The Dance Institute of Washington (DIW), Washington, D.C. 2010 - 2012.Provided West African Dance Classes for the Pre-Professional Program targeted for ages 12-21 on Wednesdays.

PAST VISUAL ART WORKSHOPS

Kuumba Arts and Crafts Program (1995-1998). D.C. Department of Recreation (Emery Recreation Center, Parkview Recreation Center, Hamilton Recreation Center and Upshur Recreation Center) from 1997 - 1998 and A - T Seban Mesut (1995- 1998). Sponsored by Ms. Afrika Abney and funded by the D.C. Commission of the Arts, Arts Education Grant Program - https://msafrikaabney.weebly.com/kuumba-arts-and-crafts-program.html

Kuumba Expressions Visual Art Workshops (2015 and 2016).Culture Coffee on January 31, 2015 and Potter's House on May 16, 2016 and May 23, 2016. Sponsored by Culture Coffee, Potter's House and Esther Productions, Inc Art Enablers. - https://msafrikaabney.weebly.com/kuumba-expressions.html

SELECTED LITERARY WORKSHOP

Enhancing Our Imaginations funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. Takoma Park Library, Washington, DC. 2003

COMMUNITY CAREER DAY VISUAL ART WORKSHOPS

2016. Eliot (invited by Ms. Ophelia Morgan).

1996. Calvin Coolidge High School (invited by Ms. Angela Cook)

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...

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...

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...

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 Europ...

Self-introspection

“Self-introspection, or self-reflection, can be an important part of a professional life. It can help people understand their abilities, improve their performance, and develop self-awareness.” Reflective Blues. Digital art created on canvas. August 8, 2024. Afrika Abney Introducing a captivating piece of art that invites viewers into a realm of deep contemplation and self-introspection. This blue abstract painting, characterized by its rich and varied shades of blue, serves as a visual representation of tranquility and depth. Each stroke is meticulously applied, creating a sense of movement and depth that draws the eye and engages the viewer in a dialogue about their inner self. In my capacity as a consultant, I leverage my formal education and training in the arts to offer specialized consulting services tailored for small businesses and nonprofit organizations. My confidence in my creative abilities empowers me to deliver innovative solutions and services that meet the unique needs ...

Welcome

The above photos portrays Ms. Afrika Abney at Zenebech Restaurant after she disseminated some flyers in the Adams Morgan area on September 8, 2019. The purpose of this blog is to share information regarding the consulting services and work that Ms. Afrika Abney offers and provides since 1992. She has over 17 years of professional experience in designing and implementing media campaigns for individuals, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Ms. Abney has worked with a variety of clients in the arts and entertainment, media, and non-profit industries. "Afrika Abney is an awesome marketing consultant. As president of Esther Productions Inc., I have worked with her for nearly a decade on various projects. She has helped us define and target our audiences for each event or program. She has helped us brainstorm effective and creative ways to audiences, and she has been one of the critical elements of our success. If you want marketing, promotions and all around ha...

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...

INSIDE JOB WRITING INSTITUTE: The Art of Personal Essay Writing Workshops

INSIDE JOB WRITING INSTITUTE: The Art of Personal Essay Writing WORKSHOP Oct 01, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM EDT CHANGE OF LOCATION - 1629 K St NW Suite 300 About the event Everyone, even teen girls-- or maybe especially teen girls--have stories to tell. Esther Productions Inc. and The Black Student Fund, nonprofit organizations based in Washington, DC, are presenting a four-week writing institute designed to help each participant discover her inner story while learning how to present it using the personal essay. Award-winning journalist and author Jonetta Rose Barras will lead the workshop. She has expertly used the art of personal essay to take readers inside her world, helping them understand and assess important local and national issues. Her writings have appeared in the Washington Post, The Hillrag, The Washington City Paper, Essence Magazine, The DC Line. She has written three nonfiction books and two collections of poetry. Her fiction and essays have appeared in numer...

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...

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...

Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

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