Skip to main content

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 encourage positive and uplifting perspectives. "
Mama Nkechi
"Nkechi Taifa is an attorney, activist, scholar, motivational speaker and author. A native Washingtonian, she has been part of many movements for justice throughout the decades - the Black Power Movement, the New Afrikan Independence Movement, the Anti-Apartheid Movement, the Movement to Free Political Prisoners, the Reparations Movement, and the Movement to End Mass Incarceration.
Incensed that books for Black children failed to highlight freedom fighters, she authored a book in her twenties, "Shining Legacy: Storypoems and Tales for the Young, So Black Heroes Forever Will Be Sung," (1983) followed by "The Adventures of Kojo and Ama" (1992). She describes her latest book, "Black Power, Black Lawyer: My Audacious Quest for Justice," as "part memoir, part textbook, part study guide, part expose'." Although sometimes raw, sometimes abrasive, sometimes passionate, Taifa offers her truth, unapologetically and unfiltered, with honesty and authenticity."
Adopting an African name at age 16, Taifa was heavily influenced by the Black Power era, and sat at the feet of luminaries not often mentioned as part of history, such as Queen Mother Audley Moore, President Dr. Imari Obadele, Rev. Ishakamusa Barashango, Attorney Chokwe Lumumba, Dr. Frances Cress Welsing, Dr. Jean Sindab, to name a few. As a social justice attorney, Nkechi Taifa was pivotal in transforming criminal justice into a movement against mass incarceration, and helped steer the issue of reparations from the fringes into the mainstream.
As a Black Power advocate and a Black Movement attorney, Nkechi Taifa has been on the cutting edge of change and impactful in countless people's lives, but has also experienced the challenges, personal frailities and battle scars that define what it is to be human. She weaves together the rich tapestry of her life (both the good and the bad; the happy and the sad) and connects historical dots with honesty, humor and authenticity."

"Nation House is a private school located in WASHINGTON, DC. It has 24 students in grades K-6 with a student-teacher ratio of 6 to 1."

Popular posts from this blog

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...

Spectrum of Imagination

I would like to share insights regarding a selection of my artwork, which I developed using a painting application that was launched in November 1985. At that time, I was just nine years old and attending NationHouse, a private school with a focus on African-centered education. This early exposure to a creative environment played a significant role in shaping my artistic journey. It is important to note that my foray into the realm of digital art did not commence until several years after my initial experiences with traditional forms of creativity. The painting application, while groundbreaking for its time, was not the catalyst for my digital artistry; rather, it served as an early introduction to the possibilities of art in a digital format. My artistic development evolved gradually, influenced by various mediums and techniques over the years. Reflecting on my artistic evolution, I recognize that the foundation laid during my formative years at NationHouse has been instrumental in m...

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...

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."

THE DISCOVERY SUMMIT AND SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY

  For Immediate Release   Contact: Esther Productions, Inc Email to estherproductionsinc@gmail.com Website: estherproductionsinc.com THE DISCOVERY SUMMIT AND SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY (Washington, DC) - Join Esther Productions, Inc and Black Student Fund for THE DISCOVERY SUMMIT AND SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY held on Dec 10, 2022 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST at Cleveland Park Library, 3310 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008. ABOUT THE EVENT Each year since 2019, Esther Productions Inc. has presented a unique scholarship essay contest that invites young ladies aged 13 through 18 to submit essays that tell their stories about growing up without their fathers and building their resilience as they face that challenge. A group of accomplished artists, educators, clinicians, business and civic leaders serve as judges. Cash prizes ranging from $1500 to $500 are given to the top winners during the Discovery Summit and Scholarship Awards Ceremony. This year, the event is presen...

Dancing Fire #1 & 2

                                                                                                     Dancing Fire #1 Acrylic on Canvas $350.00 24 * 36 1997 Afrika Abney  Vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange blend seamlessly with darker tones, creating a vivid and dynamic composition. The central area is illuminated, giving the impression of light bursting through clouds. Dancing Fire #2 Acrylic on Canvas $350.00 24 * 36 1997 Afrika Abney  A vibrant explosion of colors featuring blends of red, blue, and pink with hints of green and yellow emits a cosmic or nebula-like atmosphere. The interplay of colors creates a sense of depth and movement, evoking an abstract and dynamic feeling.

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...

Cultural Spectrum

My enthusiasm is deeply rooted in the art-making process, which provides me with a platform to convey my distinct viewpoint and life experiences. Being a Black American, I find profound inspiration in my cultural background and the diverse stories that contribute to my sense of self. This ongoing commitment to my artistic practice not only ignites my imagination but also acts as a bridge to connect with others, promoting conversation and empathy through the medium of visual art. The act of creating art is a significant passion of mine, enabling me to articulate my individual insights and personal journey. As a Black American, I am influenced by my cultural lineage and the myriad of narratives that inform my identity. This persistent dedication to my craft not only enhances my creative expression but also facilitates connections with a wider audience, encouraging meaningful exchanges and a deeper understanding through the power of visual storytelling. Engaging in the creation of art is...

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

Background and Services

Since 2016, I have not provided any dance performance services. Additionally, I have not engaged in providing complimentary services for an extended period. My involvement in educational services came to an end in 2018, and I have since moved away from that aspect of my work entirely. It is crucial for me to maintain a high level of respect and accuracy in my professional endeavors, particularly as I have dedicated considerable time to branding, creating digital art, and delivering my services. While my past experiences are no longer the primary focus of my career, it is essential to recognize the breadth of my background. My journey has been shaped by a variety of roles and responsibilities that have contributed to my overall diverse array of expertise. The skills and insights I have gained over the years continue to inform my work, even as I have transitioned away from certain services. This evolution reflects my commitment to growth and adaptation in a rapidly changing landscape. ...