Colorful Narratives

Colorful Narratives. Digital art created on canvas. August 10, 2024.Afrika Abney

The shared journey of African Americans encompasses a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and social experiences that have shaped their identity and resilience. This collective narrative is marked by a profound struggle against systemic oppression, which has been a defining aspect of their existence in the United States. From the harrowing legacy of slavery to the ongoing fight for civil rights, the experiences of Black Americans reflect a continuous quest for dignity, equality, and justice. Each generation has contributed to this narrative, weaving together stories of triumph, perseverance, and community solidarity that resonate deeply within the broader American landscape.

The historical and contemporary experiences of Black Americans are interwoven with themes of resistance and empowerment. This collective experience is not merely a recounting of hardships but also highlights the rich cultural contributions that African Americans have made to society. Through art, music, literature, and activism, they have forged a unique cultural identity that celebrates their heritage while challenging the status quo. The resilience demonstrated in the face of adversity has fostered a strong sense of community and solidarity, allowing for the preservation of traditions and the promotion of social change.

Understanding the collective experience of Black Americans requires an appreciation of the diverse narratives that exist within this community. Each individual's story contributes to a larger understanding of the systemic challenges faced, as well as the triumphs achieved. This multifaceted experience is characterized by a blend of historical injustices and cultural richness, which together inform the ongoing dialogue about race, identity, and social justice in America. By acknowledging and honoring these experiences, society can work towards a more inclusive future that recognizes the invaluable contributions of Black Americans to the nation's history and culture.

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...

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...

My Charter School Experiences

In 1992, I did not attend a charter school. I have had a wide range opportunities that took place at various schools. I have not provided any services for schools as a consultant for a while. Among them include when I served as a substitute teacher for Mundo Verde PCS in 2013, I can recall working with some of the students and staff and sharing my passion and extensive background in visual arts. Additionally, I can recall when I served as a substitute teacher for DC International School. I knew a little bit of Spanish, but as a professional visual artist, I really enjoyed sharing my love and extensive background in visual arts with the students and some of the staff members at DC International from 2016-2017. Also when I served as an art elective Summer Camp teacher for Higher Achievement in 2013, the program took place at Center City Capitol Hill Campus. Providing each of these services in the past were a great opportunity for me. However, since these experiences, I have directed my s...

FATHERLESS DAUGHTER SYNDROME

"Since childhood, fathers have a critical impact on their daughters’ lives as they are both their first guides to the outside world and their first reflections of themselves, symbol of recognition of their own value. A healthy and uninterrupted relationship between a father and a daughter greatly helps to create a positive self-image and therefore will have a positive influence on her aspirations and relationships. When this relationship is suddenly broken for some reason, the daughter’s cycle of identity development is also interrupted. Adolescence and preadolescence are critical times where young women build themselves: their body change, they make a transition from girls to young women, and in this transition, the father’s role is important. " - Source: https://medium.com/@andreabomo/why-we-should-all-care-about-the-fatherless-daughter-syndrome-5fe527e22cc5 At the age of 5, I inherited some of the traits from father absence and abandonment. At the age of 13...

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."

Absence in life

"Absence sharpens love, presence strengthens it." - Thomas Fuller Well, this quote is complete opposite for me. Many people in my life have been absent. If absence is supposed to sharpen love, then why do some people think that helps a relationship grow stronger? It does not, it makes people feel unloved, unwanted and unappreciated. Yet, many people why I am fearful or afraid of relationships? Well, try looking at it from this perspective. I have spent most of my life living in the darkness and isolation. Perhaps, this digital piece entitled: Absence in life can help you understand me even better. The colors that I choose to the title of the piece. Absence in life. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney

March is Women's History Month - Ms. Georgette S. Powell

March is Women's History Month - Ms. Georgette S. Powell In 1999, I had the opportunity to participate in art exhibit that took place at the Children's National Medical Center and met Ms. Georgette S. Powell. "Georgette Seabrook Powell was born in Charleston, SC in 1916 and raised in New York City. After graduating from The Cooper Union School of Art, she became active in the Harlem Arts Workshop. Powell was inspired by Augusta Savage (A’25), a young sculptor and the newly appointed director of the Harlem Arts Workshop. Powell learned from the dedication Savage gave to teaching arts in the Harlem community, and teaching became a cornerstone in her life as well. Powell was employed by the WPA, along with a team of artists, to create a series of murals for the Harlem Hospital Art Project. Her murals, titled Recreation in Harlem, depicted the daily lives, struggles and joys of Harlem’s residents. Once the murals had been completed, they were pronounced “too controversial” b...

Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

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