Values

This is a collage that I created many years ago and gave away. It was one of the pieces that I featured on my old greeting cards. I created this piece while I was a student at Bell from 1991 - 1993.

Values. Greeting card created and designed by Afrika Abney

I strive to demonstrate my levels of integrity, empathy, and compassion within my community. I chose the following colors: blue, pink, yellow, black, and purple because it each of those colors have a relationship to one another and meaning. For example, I am a black, so black represents my roots, heritage, culture, and skin color. Without my ancestors and cultural beliefs, I would not be able to have values. Values are apart of who I am. Colors are embedded within me.

"Blue symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth and heaven. It is the color of the sky. And it is the color of Compassion. Light blue is associated with health, healing, tranquility, understanding, and softness. Dark blue represents knowledge, power, integrity, and seriousness."

"The color pink represents compassion, nurturing and love. It relates to unconditional love and understanding, and the giving and receiving of nurturing.

A combination of red and white, pink contains the need for action of red, helping it to achieve the potential for success and insight offered by white. It is the passion and power of red softened with the purity, openness and completeness of white. The deeper the pink, the more passion and energy it exhibits.

Pink is feminine and romantic, affectionate, and intimate, thoughtful and caring. It tones down the physical passion of red replacing it with a gentle loving energy."

"Yellow is associated with the intellect, logic; it has the ability to improve analytical thinking. It is also linked with cheerfulness, happiness, optimism. It inspires hope, enthusiasm. Yellow fosters positive way of thinking, as well as a thirst for knowledge. Its creativeness focuses on mental aspects, it inspires new ways of thinking and acting." It is one of the primary colors and a bright color.

"The color black represents power, individuality, simplicity, mystery and an intense spirituality." I am a black. In fact, black is one of my favorite colors. It represents who I am.

"Black isn't a primary, secondary, or tertiary color. In fact, black isn't on the color wheel because it isn't considered a color. It's all colors. Or rather, the absorption of all colors. Black absorbs all light in the color spectrum."

"The color purple is a rare occurring color in nature and as a result is often seen as having sacred meaning. Lavender, orchid, lilac, and violet flowers are considered delicate and precious.

The color purple has a variety of effects on the mind and body, including uplifting spirits, calming the mind and nerves, enhancing the sacred, creating feelings of spirituality, increasing nurturing tendencies and sensitivity, and encouraging imagination and creativity.

Purple is associated spirituality, the sacred, higher self, passion, third eye, fulfillment, and vitality. Purple helps align oneself with the whole of the universe. Different shades, tints, and hues of purple have different meanings. Light purple hues represent feminine energy and delicacy, as well as romantic and nostalgic feelings. Dark purple hues evoke feelings of gloom, sadness, and frustration. Bright purple hues suggest riches and royalty."

The complexities of identity

“The complexities of identity are integrating one's past, present, and future into a cohesive, unified sense of self is a complex task that begins in adolescence and continues for a lifetime. Identity in the workplace can be complex and have significant implications for workplace culture. Here are some ways identity can impact the workplace: Intersectionality A person's identity can be a combination of overlapping identities, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, age, religion, and regional background. This can lead to a disconnect between how a person views themselves and how others view them. For example, someone may experience both privilege and oppression, or multiple forms of disadvantage. Unconscious bias Leaders bring their own worldviews, shaped by their identities, into the workplace, which can reflect their values and beliefs in the corporate culture.” The complexities of identity. Digital art created on canvas. August 9, 2024. Afr...

The intersection of poetry and prose within the D.C. art scene

“The intersection of poetry and prose within the D.C. art scene serves as a catalyst for cultural dialogue and social commentary. Writers often address pressing issues through their work, reflecting the complexities of urban life and the diverse experiences of the city's inhabitants. This literary engagement not only captivates audiences but also inspires action and awareness around various social topics. As the art scene continues to evolve, the integration of literary forms with other artistic expressions promises to further enrich the cultural landscape, making Washington, D.C. a significant hub for artistic innovation and collaboration.” Join Mr. Miller, Ms. Ayala and Mr. Gilmore at Tenley on September 14th. For those interested in learning more about this literary event, please feel free to reach out via email at midnightrosereadingseries@gmail.com. Additional details can also be found on the official website of Esther Productions, Inc. at the provided link - https://www.est...

Sidney Clifton - Opening speaker for African Americans and Children's Literature: A Symposium and Exhibition

Sidney Clifton is the opening speaker for African Americans and Children's Literature: A Symposium and Exhibition which is scheduled to take place on March 2nd at Trinity. "Emmy-nominated producer Sidney Clifton has over twenty years of experience as an executive producer, director and creative executive overseeing animated, mixed-media and live-action content. She has produced hundreds of hours of episodic and longform content, a partial list can be found at her imdb page here. She has produced children’s and primetime content on Apple TV+ , BET, NBC, Showtime, Paramount, and Hallmark Channel, and serves on the Board of Directors of The Academy of American Poets. In her role as mentor and recruiter, she has been a featured presenter, guest, and commencement speaker at colleges and universities across North America. "Ms. Clifton’s passion for developing and supporting the underserved community of writers, artists, storytellers and creators was the catalyst for her laun...

Transformative power of art

1996 Many years ago, I threw away the items shown in this photo. I attended Corcoran from 1993 - 1997. This photo was taken of me in 1996 when I was still at the Corcoran. I studied fine arts at the Corcoran in the 1980s as well. The Corcoran Gallery of Art was formally founded as a public institution in 1869 at the intersection of Seventeenth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. When the Gallery opened its doors in 1874, art students immediately flocked to the museum to observe, sketch, and paint copies of the collection's famous works. In 1878, William Wilson Corcoran donated additional funding to establish a school associated with the Gallery. When Corcoran passed away in 1888, a small building was built for the purpose of the gallery's burgeoning identity as a place for education in the arts. In 1890, the school officially opened as Corcoran School of Art.By 1897, the flourishing institution had outgrown its original home and moved to its present Downtown campus ...

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...

Radiant Passage

The past is now behind me, and since my enrollment at NationHouse in 1978, I have had the opportunity to explore numerous locations within my hometown. This journey has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the community and its rich history. Each place I visited has contributed to my personal growth and appreciation for the environment that shaped my early years. Reflecting on my experiences, I realize that the time I spent at NationHouse starting in 1978 opened doors to various adventures throughout my hometown. These explorations have not only enriched my knowledge of local culture but have also fostered a sense of connection to the people and places that define my roots. The memories created during these travels are invaluable, as they have helped me forge a stronger identity. As I look back, I acknowledge that my journey since joining NationHouse in 1978 has been transformative. The many places I have visited in my hometown have left a lasting impression on me, shaping my ...

Come Immerse Yourself in Afternoon of Poetry and Baseball with Mr. Miller

Join Esther Productions, Inc, The Institute for African American Writing, and The Black Student Fund for an enriching afternoon of poetry and baseball with Mr. Miller. This event, titled MidnightRose, is a celebration of the diverse voices from the Washington Metropolitan Region and beyond. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the vibrant literary community through the works of award-winning poets and authors, allowing their words to inspire and uplift. MidnightRose is a showcase of the multigenerational, multicultural writers in the Washington Metropolitan Region and beyond presented by Esther Productions Inc., The Institute for African American Writing & The Black Student Fund. Experience the richness of the community through the presentations of award-winning poets and authors. Come allow the words to inspire and empower you. E. ETHELBERT MILLER is a literary activist and author of two memoirs and several poetry collections including his baseball trilogy: If God I...

Yellow Tranquility

Good morning, I woke up from my restful sleep a couple hours ago and began selecting solid colors on my digital palette using paint app. I have no idea what discussions are taking place because I tend to keep to myself while I am working from home and remaining focused on my well established routine that involves my branding and digital art. I hope that you have a safe day on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. When incorporating soft yellow which evokes feelings of tranquility and comfort. “To cultivate a tranquil mindset, many people engage in various practices that support their emotional and spiritual well-being. Mindfulness and meditation are particularly effective, serving as vital tools for enhancing self-awareness and promoting inner peace. By dedicating time to these practices, individuals can learn to navigate their thoughts and feelings more effectively, leading to improved mental clarity and emotional strength. Even simple actions, such as foc...

Radiant Red Flow

Radiant Red Flow. Digital art created on canvas. 2022. Afrika Abney The striking red color palette used in this painting evokes a sense of intensity and vitality, drawing the viewer's attention to the rich and vibrant hues. The brush strokes are skillfully applied, creating a sense of movement and fluidity that gives the impression of the red paint flowing across the canvas. "Radiant Red Flow" holds deep symbolic significance, representing a wide spectrum of emotions and qualities. Red is often associated with passion, love, and desire, as well as strength, courage, and determination. “Determination in the workplace can help employees achieve their goals, advance their careers, and make meaningful decisions. It involves having a clear objective and not giving up in pursuit of it. Determined people are resilient in the face of obstacles and can use their determination to transform their talents into success.”

DC Black School Leaders

“Nearly 70% of DC principals are black. A majority of those leaders are black women. Over the next few weeks, months, and even years, there will be much questioning about the capabilities and values of a Black and Indian woman on an international stage. This will inevitably be challenging for many people, particularly black women, who are disproportionately subjected to such critique and skepticism. Black women have a vital role in education and, as demonstrated time and again, in our political landscape. If our students are going to experience the consistency, justice and academic experience we know they deserve, taking care of ourselves is not a luxury—it's imperative.” NationHouse Anniversary 1980s I gave away this outfit many years ago. I am a proud alum of NationHouse Positive Action Center, a private African-American school that played a significant role in shaping my identity and instilling a deep sense of cultural pride. From the dedicated guidance of Baba Agyei Ak...

Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

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