Past Programming Services

Since 2019, I have not engaged in any programming services.

Selected Accomplishments

* Designed, directed and coordinated successful educational and arts programs for adults and children.

* Researched and wrote successful grant proposals.

* Managed several popular arts events, community festivals, workshops and conferences.

Professional Experiences

Program Administration. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers and Esther Productions, Inc, Washington, D.C.. Responsible for hosting, setting up tables, cleaning up, interior decorating, stage designing, and recruiting participants. Sounds of Hope at Potter's House (2012), The Gift (October 2015; October 2016, and October 21, 2017); Building Family in the 21st Century (June 2016); Painting Your Future Bright: A Sip and Paint for Girls Ages 13 - 17 (March 16, 2019); and PaintSpiration: An Interactive Workshop designed for girls ages 13 through 17 (May 4, 2019).

After School Program Teacher. JEAP, Washington, D.C.. 2015.

Organized engaging activities, prepared materials, and assisted students with assignments, enhancing learning.
Reported to management, ensuring clear communication and smooth operations within the program.
Helped students with assignments, leading to improved academic performance and confidence.
Collaborated with the team to create a supportive learning environment, fostering student development.

Program Coordinator. Esther Productions, Inc., Washington D.C.. November 2004 - March 2006.

Designed and implemented community outreach programs, achieving measurable engagement growth.
Developed objectives and identified audiences, leading to successful outreach campaigns.
Created in-school programs for middle school girls without fathers, fostering significant support.
Collaborated with educators to tailor programs, ensuring maximum impact and participation.
Analyzed program effectiveness, continuously improving strategies for better outcomes.

Project Director. Jubilee Enterprise of Greater Washington, DC. August 2001 - August 2002.

Directed afterschool program staff across three sites, ensuring smooth operations and adherence to goals.
Reviewed and approved weekly academic plans, enhancing educational outcomes.
Hired, trained, and assigned tutors, fostering a skilled and effective team.
Organized cultural enrichment and parental involvement activities, boosting community engagement.
Coordinated summer enrichment program, significantly improving student participation and achievement.

Program Monitor/Administrative Assistant. DC Department of Parks and Recreation, Washington, DC. 2001 - 2001. Oversaw Summer Arts Program, managed database, and handled administrative tasks, ensuring smooth operations.

After School Program Teacher. Academy for Ideal Education, Washington, D.C. 1997. Responsible for preparing materials, organizing activities, helping students with assignments, and reporting to management.

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...

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

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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