Discovering Me…Without You Essay Contest

Discovering Me…Without You Essay Contest was launched in 2019 by the Fatherless Daughter Empowerment Project, a division of Esther Productions Inc. The essay contest is designed to educate the public about the importance of fathers in the lives and development of girls and women. Nationally, more than 24 million children are growing up in homes without their fathers. In the Washington Metropolitan region at least 60 percent of homes are single parent households, many of them headed by women. The contest is intended to provide a platform for some of those children, particularly fatherless girls.

Most importantly, the teen girls are asked to reveal that story of self-discovery: how she has come to know her worth and value; how she has come to recognize her imperfections but also her strengths; and how she believes she can succeed in the world despite the challenge of fatherlessness.

If you know a teen girl that is interested in submitting their essay for the 4th Annual Essay Contest presented by Esther Productions, Inc in partnership with The Anacostia Coordinating Council and The Black Student Fund, please register at https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/discoverin-me-scholarship-award-essay-contest

If your essay is selected by the judges, you could receive a cash award

$1500 (for those between the age of 15 and 18)

OR

$500 (for those between the age of 13 and 14)

Anyone not selected for the top prizes will receive a $15 cash gift certificate

Info: estherproductionsinc.com/contest

"When I was a little younger; I was sad because I would see other girls with their dads and realize I didn't have that. On the TV when I see dads enjoying fun times with kids, I think, 'Wow I wish I had that with my dad." Y Gorham (a 2019 Discovering Me...contest winner.)https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/contest

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 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 your essay is selected by the judges, you could receive a cash award

$1500 (for those between the age of 15 and 18)

OR

$500 (for those between the age of 13 and 14)

Anyone not selected for the top prizes will receive a $15 cash gift certificate

REVISED ELIGIBILITY

YOU MAY SUBMIT AN ESSAY IF:

● you live in the District of Columbia;

● you are between the age of 13 and 18; AND

● you are growing up in a home without the daily presence or active

engagement of your biological father because your parents are divorced; or

are separated and no longer live together; or they have never lived together;

or your father is incarcerated.

Tell us how you have faced the challenge of father absence to achieve self-discovery, to

recognize your resilience and to attain self-empowerment.

SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED NOW THROUGH OCT. 31, 2022

(MIDNIGHT)

ESSAY SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

● Only one essay may be submitted per individual.

● The essay submission must include a cover page with the author’s name, age,

name of school, home address and email contact.

● The name of the author may not appear on any page of the essay OTHER THAN

THE COVER PAGE.

● The length of the essay must be not less than 750 words and not more than 1500

words.

● The essay submission must be written in 12-point font and must be double-

paced.

● The essay must be written in English.

● The essay should be free of typos and grammatical errors.

● The essay should be a word document or PDF.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

ORIGINALITY—Maximum 20 POINTS: The author demonstrates through her

writing that the essay is based on her original story.

POWER AND CONSISTENCY OF VOICE—Maximum 15 Points: The author’s

voice, as a storyteller, commands and sustains the reader’s/judge’s attention.

STRENGTH OF WRITING--Maximum 20 POINTS: The author has a mastery of

the personal essay as a literary genre; presents well-constructed sentences and

paragraphs; demonstrates a strong use of language; presents work that uses grammar

properly and is free of typos.

ARTICULATION OF ISSUES AND THE CHALLENGES RELATED TO

FATHER ABSENCE—Maximum 25 POINTS: The author explains in clear

coherent sentences and language the challenge she faced or is facing growing up in the

home where her father is absent.

EVIDENCE OF GROWTH AND RESILIENCE--Maximum 20 POINTS: The

author presents evidence within the essay that she has faced the challenge of father

absence, she has witnessed person growth and demonstrated resilience.

YOU MAY SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY FOR CONSIDERATION IN ONE OF TWO

WAYS

1. Regular Mail: Hard-copy or printed essays may be sent by regular United States Post

Service mail to Esther Productions Inc. at 1629 K St. NW—Suite 300, Washington, DC

20006

OR

2. Electronically: E-mail submissions may be sent to info@estherproductionsinc.com

Please write Discovering Me in the subject line.

MEMBERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT: KALEIDOSCOPE WOMEN'S WRITING COLLECTIVE

MEMBERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT: KALEIDOSCOPE WOMEN'S WRITING COLLECTIVE Mar 04, 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM VIRTUAL EVENT KALEIDOSCOPE WOMEN’S WRITING COLLECTIVE is a monthly writing club for women 18 and older. This is a multi-generational, multi-ethnic, multi-racial group of women who share their in-progress writings. Occasionally, the convenor, jonetta rose barras, or a guest author provides a writing prompt to instigate new creations. The group just published its first collection of poetry. More is expected as it grows. It’s all free and virtual! REGISTER NOW! for more information: estherproductions inc@gmail.com www.estherproductionsinc.com/ events-1/membership- announcement-kaleidoscope- womens-writing-collective- 2023-03-04-10-00

Warmth and Coolness in colors

Warmth and Coolness in colors. Digital art created on canvas. November 7, 2024. Afrika Abney

Bold Radiance

Bold Radiance. Digital art created on canvas. September 19, 2024. Afrika Abney Good morning, I trust that you enjoyed a peaceful evening and had a restorative night's sleep. Today is Thursday, September 19, 2024, I wish you a day filled with safety and vibrant experiences that bring joy and inspiration. My journey to Brightwood, Washington, DC, began during my college years. From 1995 - 1998, I conducted my visual arts workshops in numerous areas of the Brightwood community. In my artistic endeavors, I chose to work with vibrant shades of yellow for my digital abstract painting, utilizing the paintapp software. This color selection was intentional, as yellow often symbolizes positivity and energy, which I aimed to convey through my artwork. The process of creating this piece allowed me to explore the interplay of light and form. PAST VISUAL ARTS WORKSHOP held in the Brightwood Community KUUMBA ARTS AND CRAFTS PROGRAM. D.C. Department of Recrea...

Straightforward Interactions

I am not Christian. I was introduced to various religious practices when I was a student. I am not playing mind games and entertaining assumptions, gossip and rude jokes. To grab my attention, you must demonstrate respect, honest and trustworthy behavior. I am a straightforward, transparent and authentic human being who has had the opportunity to work at various settings from the 1980s - 2018. It is not the past. I have not scheduled any virtual meetings, video chats, nor interviews. Stop speaking to other people that do not know me at all. I am not interested in dating women nor boys. I am not interested in dating married men and senior citizens. I am not a senior citizen.I am a single straight female over the age of 30 who only has interest and attraction to single straight male over the age of 30. Stop trying to play matchmaker. Only I know what my tastes are. Stop having me spell things out. The only telephone number that I have is 202-384-5925. Contact - 202-384-5925 W...

Spectrum Serenity

Spectrum Serenity.Digital art created on canvas. August 12, 2024. Afrika Abney “The spectrum of blue hues presents a captivating array of colors that evoke a sense of calm and tranquility. From the soft, delicate whispers of baby blue to the deep, profound richness of navy, each shade carries its own unique emotional resonance. The lighter tones often remind one of clear skies and gentle waves, while the darker shades can evoke the depth of the ocean or the vastness of twilight, creating a visual experience that is both soothing and expansive. Exploring the various tones of blue reveals a world of possibilities, each shade telling its own story. Cerulean, with its bright and cheerful disposition, can instantly uplift the spirit, reminiscent of sunny days and open horizons. In contrast, the moody allure of cobalt blue can draw one into a more introspective state, inviting contemplation and reflection. This diversity within the blue palette allows for a rich interplay of emotions, mak...

Inequality

Inequality. Digital art created on canvas. August 2, 2024. Afrika Abney Red, brown and yellow represent inequality. The use of red in this piece serves as a powerful representation of passion and urgency, reflecting the emotional weight of inequality that affects countless individuals. In contrast, the warm tones of yellow evoke feelings of hope and optimism, suggesting that change is possible despite the challenges faced. The brown undertones ground the composition, symbolizing the historical context of inequality and the deep-rooted issues that continue to shape our society. "Inequality" is not just a painting; it is a call to action, urging viewers to reflect on their own perceptions of inequality and the role they play in addressing these issues. “Color inequality is a form of discrimination that involves treating someone differently because of their skin color, complexion, shade, or tone. It can also include treating someone unfavorably because of personal characteristic...

Autumnal Expressions

Autumnal Expressions. Digital art created on canvas. September 29, 2024. Afrika Abney “Autumnal Expressions encapsulate the essence of the fall season, a time when nature undergoes a remarkable transformation. As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, the landscape is painted in dark brown, deep dark brown, deep red and deep magenta.This seasonal shift not only affects the environment but also evokes a range of emotions and reflections. The beauty of autumnal expressions lies not only in the visual splendor of the season but also in the deeper meanings and emotions it inspires in creativity and productivity.”

What's Happening?

Quote from the Internet What is happening in a world filled with judgement, prejudice, gossip, deception, and discrimination? Well, some of those things have been depicted in Ms. Afrika Abney's art. However, from June 3 to July 2, 2024, she discarded several abstract collages and paintings as she felt they did not represent her best work. Ms. Abney is actively looking for paid opportunities and has posted her resume on platforms like Indeed and Creatively. Ms. Abney aims to showcase her services to a diverse range of clients. She has worked with clients like New Harlem Gallery, Wisteria Artspace, and Emma Mae Gallery. She has also served notable individuals such as Rev. Dr. Sandra Butler-Truesdale, Gloria Quirarte, and Doc Powell. These services have ranged from art exhibitions, dance performances, event management, event promotions, and social media marketing. Additionally, Ms. Abney has collaborated with institutions like The Phillips Collection and The Corcoran Gallery of Art. M...

Diverse collection of acrylic paintings on canvas board

On March 1, 2024, talented and innovative artist, Ms. Afrika Abney created a diverse collection of acrylic paintings on canvas board, each capturing the essence of movement, tranquility, and beauty through vibrant color palettes and dynamic compositions. Among them include Dynamic Movement, Tranquility, Serene Tranquility, Untitled and Beauty and Elegance. The artist's signature style reflects a mastery of brushwork and color theory, making each piece a perfect fit for modern and contemporary spaces. March 1, 2024 5”. Dynamic Movement Acrylic on canvas board Afrika Abney This stunning painting depicts a powerful green and blue wave, capturing the dynamic movement and energy of the ocean. March 1, 2024 5” Tranquility Acrylic on canvas board Afrika Abney This captivating abstract painting features a mesmerizing blue wave, evoking a sense of movement and tranquility. The varying shades of blue create a dynamic and calming visual experience, making it a perfect addition to any modern ...

Multiple Projects

Spectrum Serenity. Digital art created on canvas. August 12, 2024. Afrika Abney As a self-employed consultant and independent contractor, I find myself juggling various projects that serve as my primary source of income. Each endeavor I undertake not only showcases my skills and expertise but also acts as a vital channel through which I can secure paid work. This dynamic environment allows me to explore diverse opportunities while honing my craft in different areas. The nature of my work as an independent contractor means that I am constantly engaged in multiple projects simultaneously. These projects are not just tasks to complete; they are essential vehicles that facilitate my earning potential. By navigating through various assignments, I can adapt to the ever-changing demands of the market, ensuring that I remain competitive and relevant in my field. Embracing the role of a s...

Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

Search This Blog