Passion for Painting and Poetry Events

Quote found on the Internet

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...

My Charter School Experiences

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Digital conversations

“A digital conversation is a scripted dialogue between a person and a computer through various digital mediums.” Quote found on the Internet A digital conversation is defined as a structured interaction that takes place between a user and a computer, utilizing various digital channels to facilitate communication. This type of dialogue is typically governed by pre-established scripts that dictate the exchange, ensuring that the conversation remains focused and pertinent to the user's questions or requirements. The platforms that support these interactions can include chatbots, social media messaging services, and other online tools designed to mimic human conversational patterns. The hallmark of a digital conversation lies in its use of scripted replies, which are meticulously crafted to respond to specific inquiries from the user. This structured approach streamlines the communication process, allowing the computer to efficiently access and deliver information based on the ...

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

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Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

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