Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

Since the pandemic mask mandates have been issued on March 9, 2020, I have been providing all of my services and work as a consultant online. As a result of the mask mandates, I have revamped all of my services and began branding my overall work and services in 2021.    Some of previous consultant projects since the pandemic began on March 9, 2020 include Annual Personal Essay Contest "Discovering Me..Without You", Inside Job: The Art of Personal Essay Writing (Workshop for Teens), Reconciliation Week, Joy Jones' Double Dutch, Writing Institute for Teens, Teens Authors Talk, Understanding and Overcoming Fatherless Daughter Syndrome, The Power of Poetry in You, Women Are Poetry in Motion Every Day in Every Way, and Kaleidoscope: A Writing Club were just to name a few.    The restraint of the pandemic mask mandates have allowed me to do more creative networking and cancel my meetings with any potential clients because of the risk factors revolved around the pand...

 The Essence of Self is a series of digital art pieces created on canvas. Each piece is created using rhythms brush strokes, creativity and vivid palette. Essence of Self #1. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney Essence of Self #2. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney Essence of Self #3. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney    “Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.”— Eleanor Roosevelt “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”— Maya Angelou “The most creative act you will ever undertake is the act of creating yourself.”— Deepak Chopra    

  BOOKS published by DC-area authors are a cultural highlight of each year yet many books by area authors don’t receive a single book review. DC-based arts nonprofit Day Eight is focusing on this “Crisis in Book Review” in its annual arts journalism conference to be held February 22-26. The conference consists of a series of workshops, panels, and keynote sessions. The conference is produced in partnership with The DC Line, The Washington Independent Review of Books, Alan Squire Publishing, Barrelhouse Press, Dryad Press, The Writer’s Center, Tagg Magazine, and through support from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and HumanitiesDC.   The Crisis in Book Review: an Arts Journalism Conference February 22-26, 2022      

 At a very early age, I was exposed to the African tradition of men and women. My former principal during my elementary school years was Baba Agyei Akoto. He was not my father. Baba means father in Swahili and that is how I had to address my former male teachers.  "Baba Agyei Akoto was a respected scholar, educator, institution builder and author. He was the principal of NationHouse Positive Action Center – which has provided a rigorous African-centered education to students ranging from pre-school through high school, for over thirty eight years." Baba Agyei recently passed on December 4, 2019.       Nation Building. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney

    Symbolism of Womanhood. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney

Women's History Month is approaching soon. As a black woman with over 25 years of professional experiences. I can say that being a black woman in America is not easy. I have experienced sexism, racism, discrimination, and prejudice. Labeling women and stating that women should not wear certain types of clothing is stereotype. Claiming that all women have to long hair and wear make up is sexist. Putting women in a box is just disrespectful. All of this must stop because without women, where will society be?  Respect women regardless of their race! Quotes found on the Internet

    Join the Soaring Sisters Circle Today! Soaring Sisters Circle is a membership group that advances the personal aspirations and goals of its members by providing unique, customized opportunities that include training workshops, small group coaching, and peer-to-peer networking. Additionally, social activities including special luncheons and spa days also are part of the membership offerings. Should you have any questions, please contact Esther Productions, Inc at estherproductionsinc@gmail.com . Register at Soaring Sisters Circle

I have crossed over many bridges. I have seen many bridges. I have been under many bridges and at the end of each bridge, there is hope and light.                                            Cross Bridges. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney    

  "We need joy as we need air. We need love as we need water. We need each other as we need the earth we share." Maya Angelou                                 Creative Expressions of Joy. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney

I grew up in America and in Ward 7 neighborhood. I grew up examining the colors, textures, and materials available to me searching for answers to the many questions floating within me. I grew up in a household without my siblings and father absence. Thus, I consider myself like an only child and alone in a world filled with racism, discrimination, prejudice, violence and corruption. I express my experiences that I have encountered through my visual artwork. Painting the world, society and community that I have witnessed as a black female in America using dull, vibrant, and dark colors.  You ask me time and time again, how was growing up in America for me? I say all the time, it was an experience filled with sorrow, trauma, grief, hope, and absence.  Growing Up in America.Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney     Quote found on the Internet "Lorraine Vivian Hansberry was a playwright and writer. She was the first African-American female author to hav...

 As racism still exists today, I continue to fight against racism. No one should be judged based on the color of their skin. Too many people judge one another because of their race. Many of my ancestors fought against racism. Racism is not a pleasant experience and many black people still experience racism in today's society? Why? Because refuse to recognize that there is only one human race and that is equality.                                                                       Quote found on the Internet                                                                    ...

  I met Mama Kadiatou Conte many years ago. I provide services for her company. November 4, 1999. Dance Performance. African American Heritage Celebration. Soul In Motion Players, Inc African Drummers featured Balafon Women's Ensemble. Bowie State University, Bowie MD https://www.facebook.com/balafondance/ "Kadiatou Conte Forte  (affectionately referred to as Mama Kadiatou) devotes her life and career to passing on her African dance mastery and creating authentic dance experiences. Whether experienced artists, young people, or members of the community of all ages, she encourages everyone to know and embrace their own style and challenge themselves. Her extensive career teaching and performing around the world has earned her respect and acknowledgment as a grand “Mama” of the African arts world. ​ Along with dance, Mama Kadiatou teaches the importance of mental and physical fortitude and the importance of loving and accepting ourselves and one another. Grounded in h...