Passion for Painting and Poetry Events

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Dynamic and dedicated creative professional with extensive experience in orchestrating impactful poetry and painting events. Committed to inspiring and uplifting individuals through the fusion of artistic expression, I have successfully collaborated on notable projects such as "Sip, Paint and Reflect" and "Kaleidoscope: Women of Color Reflection on Life." My artistic talents are showcased through my abstract paintings, including the esteemed "Summer Blossoms," featured on the cover of a prominent literary work. With a strong background in community engagement and event hosting in the Washington, DC area, I have facilitated diverse programming, including poetry readings and workshops, to promote vibrant literary culture. A proven track record of securing funding for innovative initiatives underscores my dedication to fostering creativity and enhancing literary skills in youth. Passionate about promoting diverse voices and creating meaningful experiences, I thrive on bringing communities together through the transformative power of art and words.

SELECTED EXPERIENCES

Guest Host. Summer is Magic Artist's Reception. The Martin Luther King Memorial Library, Washington, DC. July 17, 2003

Guest Host. The Poets Den (Kaffa House), Washington, DC. July 26, 2001

"A Night of Poetry". The Market Five Gallery, Washington, D.C.. Oct 26, 2002

Guest Host. Word of Mouth. Bossa Bistro Lounge, Washington, DC. March 13, 2003

Guest Host for “Open Mic”. John Nelson Gallery, Maryland. November 8, 2003

Guest Host. A Night of Poetry. Trinity College, Cullivy Lounge, Washington, DC. February 19, 2004

Host. 1st Thursday Poetry Open Mic Fest sponsored by Cultural Development Corporation and Starbucks, managed by Desho Productions. 2001 - 2002

Coordinator. Open Mic.Islander Caribbean Restaurant & Lounge, Washington, DC. 2001

Co-coordinator. Provisions Poetry Fest and Free the Peace.Provisions Library, Washington, DC. 2002

Host. Youth Poetry Open Mic. Kick Off Youth Poetry Week. Saturday, April 10, 2004. Mt. Pleasant Library 3160 16th St NW (Corner of 16th and Lamont St. NW) Washington, DC(basement).

SELECTED LITERARY EVENTS:

The Spirit Through Us, Poetry Fest, Night of Poetry, Mothers Day Celebration, Cultural Fair, Women's History Month Poetry Seminar, Poetry and Music Open Mic, Summer Festival and Fundraiser, A Family Affair, Celebration of Love and History, Poetry for Peace, Ancestral Celebration and Building Self - Esteem Through Self Awareness, Royal Words Poetry Lounge and Poetic Beats

About The Literary Events:

Literary events such as The Spirit Through Us, Poetry Fest, Night of Poetry, Mother's Day Celebration, Cultural Fair, Women's History Month Poetry Seminar, and more offer a variety of opportunities to engage in poetry readings and open mic sessions. Hosted and coordinated by an experienced and versatile poet, these events aim to promote the art of poetry and create a supportive creative community.

Highlighted events include the Poetic Beats featuring poets such as Asantewaa Henry, Eric L. Farrell, Lady Di, and others at Dar Es Salaam Bookstore. A Night of Poetry in celebration of Black History Month at Trinity College, Kerby Lounge, saw the vibrant sounds of "Yamama N'ym" performing live. Other events like Royal Words Poetry Lounge at DC Sanctuary and various poetry fests like the 1st Thursday Poetry Fest at Starbucks Chinatown showcase a range of talented poets and special guest appearances. Additionally, youth poetry events and open mic sessions provide a platform for emerging voices in the poetry community. These events offer a chance to celebrate diversity, history, and culture through the power of poetry.

PAST LITERARY WORKSHOPS

Mt. Pleasant Library, Washington, DC. 2013 - 2014. Designed to assist children ages 6 -12 to expand their literary skills.

Takoma Park Library, Washington,DC. 2003. Enhancing Our Imaginations was funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. The workshop was geared towards young adults. Invited many poets and literary artists to be a part of the workshop. Some of them include Rebecca Bishophall, Judine Slaughter, Hank Okoro and many others.

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...

Nature’s Radiant Palette

Nature’s Radiant Palette. Digital art created on canvas. October 3, 2024. Afrika Abney Dark green symbolizes tranquility, while yellow symbolizes optimism. The depth and fluidity between the contrasting colors and brushstrokes adds volume to Nature’s Radiant Palette.

Green Essence

“Green is a color that resonates deeply with themes of prosperity and accomplishment. It represents not only the physical aspects of growth and renewal but also the emotional and spiritual vitality that comes from achieving goals. The presence of this color can serve as an inspiring reminder of the fruitful results that often follow diligent work and unwavering dedication.” I have successfully cultivated a portfolio of artwork sales to prestigious clients, including Esther Productions, Inc., which has allowed me to forge robust relationships grounded in trust and the delivery of high-quality work. My overarching goal is to produce artwork that captivates and engages diverse audiences, while simultaneously fostering enduring connections within the art community. This commitment to excellence not only enhances my reputation but also contributes to a vibrant artistic dialogue. With a solid history of building a dedicated client base, I have consistently generated repeat business and...

ESTHERTALK WITH JONETTA BARRAS

THE NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK June 6-10,2022 12:00PM - 1:30PM ONLINE EVENT ESTHER TALK WITH JONETTA BARRAS ON JUNE 8, 2022 AT 12PM Jonetta Rose Barras is a national leader in the women’s fatherhood movement, has been a keynote speaker or workshop presenter at dozens of national and international conferences. She is also the founder of Esther Productions Inc. and chief visionary of The National Reconciliation Week. Barras is the author of the groundbreaking book” Whatever Happened to Daddy’s Little Girl? The Impact of Fatherlessness on Black Women,” a Blackboard bestseller. She is also the author of “Bridges: Reuniting Daughters and Daddies.” Barras is an award-winning journalist whose writings have appeared in The Washington Post, The Washington Times, the Washington Examiner, USA Today, the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Essence magazine, the New Republic, the Washingtonian, and Crisis magazine. She has been quoted in several notable publ...

Advocate Against Abuse

Advocate Against Abuse. Digital art created on canvas. September 9, 2024. Afrika Abney Initially, I had no intention of creating a digital art piece that addresses the issue of verbal abuse in the workplace. However, I have come to realize that it is crucial to confront this topic, especially considering that some individuals may believe it is acceptable to raise their voices and make unfounded accusations. This behavior is absolutely unacceptable and must be challenged. Verbal abuse in any professional setting is intolerable. If you choose to communicate in a manner that disregards my worth and contributions, it is no surprise that I have chosen to distance myself from certain environments. For over three decades, I have been an advocate against verbal abuse in workplaces, consistently raising my voice to highlight the detrimental effects it has on individuals and organizational culture. Reflecting on my experiences, I remember being just 14 years old in 1991, a time when I was still ...

The act of blogging

Blogging has been a crucial part of my career journey since I started as a consultant at 15. I realized the importance of sharing my insights with a wider audience, leading me to start my own blog in 2021. The act of blogging has significantly enriched my professional life and through this platform, I have the opportunity to explore various subjects related to consulting, while also receiving feedback and engaging in dialogue with my readers. This interaction not only enhances my understanding of the topics I cover but also inspires me to continue evolving as a consultant and a writer, ensuring that my contributions remain relevant and impactful.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR POETRY - DECEMBER 1, 2024

MIDNIGHTROSE: A SERIES DEDICATED TO THE ART OF POETRY AND PROSE is an initiative brought to you by Esther Productions Inc., in collaboration with The Institute for African American Writing and The Black Student Fund. This event aims to provide a platform for young voices in the literary community, specifically targeting aspiring poets aged 14 to 18. If you are a young poet eager to share your work with a live audience, this is an excellent opportunity for you to shine. Submissions from high school students within the DMV area. Up to ten talented young poets will be selected to present their work during this special reading series. If you are interested in participating, you may submit up to eight poems for consideration, ensuring that each poem is presented on a separate page in 12-point font. Alternatively, you can submit two short stories, each not exceeding 2,000 words, formatted in 12-point font and double-spaced. To submit your poetry or prose, please send your work to Inesb...

Digital Harmony

Digital Harmony. Digital art created on canvas. September 9, 2024. Afrika Abney When I create my abstract digital art, I think of colors and how they impact my potential viewers. The colors that I have selected for my work include blue, dark green, yellow, black and red. The act of producing digital art transcends mere creation; it encompasses the vital aspect of sharing my work with a broader audience. I believe that art should not only be an individual expression but also a means of connection with others. To facilitate this, I utilize my blog as a platform to showcase my digital art, allowing me to reach and engage with those who appreciate the nuances of abstract expression. Through my blog posts, I aim to provide insights into my artistic process and the thoughts behind each piece. This not only serves to inform my audience about the intricacies of my work but also fosters a dialogue around the themes and emotions that my art seeks to convey. By sharing my digital creations ...

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...

Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

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