Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

 Info: estherproductionsinc@gmail.com 

  INSIDE JOB WRITING INSTITUTE: The Art of Personal Essay Writing WORKSHOP Oct 01, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM EDT CHANGE OF LOCATION  - 1629 K St NW Suite 300 About the event Everyone, even teen girls-- or maybe especially teen girls--have stories to tell. Esther Productions Inc. and The Black Student Fund, nonprofit organizations based in Washington, DC, are presenting a four-week writing institute designed to help each participant discover her inner story while learning how to present it using the personal essay. Award-winning journalist and author Jonetta Rose Barras will lead the workshop. She has expertly used the art of personal essay to take readers inside her world, helping them understand and assess important local and national issues. Her writings have appeared in the Washington Post, The Hillrag, The Washington City Paper, Essence Magazine, The DC Line. She has written three nonfiction books and two collections of poetry. Her fiction and essays  have appeared in numer...

To speak of the black experience is speak about racism, discrimination, stereotypes that I happened to experience as a black woman, biased opinions that I hear on daily basis about hair and shoes, and so much more. Too often am I being judged because of socio-economics, inflation, and recession has caused society and community to forget about things like humanity, ethics, values and morals. Instead people get caught up in who is doing what. Profiling someone because they are black and prefer to live a life that is different from yours is unwanted and unnecessary negative energy. Do you know the person? Clearly, you do not. Yet, you judge them because you get a thrill for harassing them. Do you know that harassment is a form of bullying? Needless to say, the black experience is not a seed that grows in light. Many experiences that black people have been faced with is like a tunnel. Looking for the light, but instead, only speaking about the past experiences that were dark, gloomy, and t...

Services provided by Ms. Afrika Abney   Esther Productions, Inc is hosting it's 4th Annual Discovering Me.. Without You Essay Contest.  Esther Productions, Inc. is a Washington, DC-based national nonprofit organization. Founded in 2004, is dedicated to using a variety of vehicles—traditional and nontraditional—to develop communities throughout the United States and Europe. It was created in 2004 by Jonetta Rose Barras, award-winning journalist and author of Whatever Happened to Daddy’s Little Girl? Accepting Submissions September 1, 2022-October 31, 2022 SOMETIMES PERSONAL OR FAMILY CHALLENGES CAN GIVE US STRENGTH Each year Esther Productions Inc. presents cash prizes for the best essay written by teen girls in grades 8th through 12th who are facing the challenge of father absence. Write an essay of not less than 750 and not more than 1500 words telling us how you have faced that struggle while discovering yourself and your resilience. If you...

  Growing up in the Northeast Neighborhood many years ago was not easy. As a child, I saw nothing but people that looked like me, black and beautiful, full of hope, questions, and strength.  Years later, I hear about the tragic news that has been occurring in the Northeast neighborhood and wonder where did all of this hatred, prejudice, biased opinions, and extreme violence begin? Did it begin during slavery? Did it begin within the walls of society covered with war, agony and suffering?  "Black Consciousness seeks to infuse the black community with a new-found pride in themselves, their efforts, their value systems, their culture, their religion and their outlook to life." Steven Biko "I've gotten nothing but warmth from the Black community and positive feedback. " Misty Copeland "The black community is broken up in general." Candace Owens "There are many positive things to say about the black community. No question about it." William Julius...

  I paint with either my hands or paint brush. Just ask questions if you do not know.  I paint because growing up in America as a black female was not easy for me. Therefore, I painted how I felt about my life, my experiences, and my world.  "The only thing I know is that I paint because I have the need to, I always paint what goes through my head without any other consideration. ” - Frida Kahlo        

I do not like the 4th of July because so many lives have been lost. So many people alarmed by the alarming loud sounds of Fireworks. So many people have been hurt simply by Fireworks. As for myself, year after year, I have become traumatized by Fireworks for various reasons. Yet, some people wonder why as a Black American, I do not like the 4th of July.  I do not like the 4th of July because there really is not anything to celebrate. Racism, corruption, brutality, hatred, discrimination and prejudice floods the streets and destroys society. You spend money on Fireworks to wish America, Happy Independence Day, and Birthday. Really? Is America really happy? The colors red, white, and blue are supposed to have a significant symbolization. Yet, to me, it symbolizes blood, disassociation, and anger.  “You have to find what sparks a light in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world.”- Oprah Winfrey "Celebrate the little things." – Author Unknown   "Our fl...

Why do people think abstract art is boring? First of all, are you speaking to children? Ofcourse, children are going to think abstract art is boring because they have no interest in art and because they are children.  Abstract art is not boring. It is essential for one's development. What do you see when you look at abstract art? Shapes, color, texture, technique and creativity. Right? All of these elements are crucial for survival and basic fundamentals in education. Without knowing about shapes, color, texture, technique, and creativity, how do you develop basic math and science skills? How do you know about fashion? How do you develop cognitive and fine motor skills? All of these questions and many other questions that I have as to why you think abstract art is boring can go on for an eternity.                                  Abstract art. Digit...