Kaleidoscope: Women of Color Reflecting Life

Summer Blossoms. Acrylic on Canvas. 14 * 18. Afrika Abney

Summer Blossoms, abstract finger painting created on canvas using colors that represent the Summer.

Featured on the cover of a book and the painting is entitled: Summer Blossoms. It is entitled: Kaleidoscope.

Kaleidoscope: Women of Color Reflecting Life

Feb 19, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST
virtual event

In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic a group of women gathered online to write and share poetry in a workshop launched by Esther Productions Inc. The event was titled Women are Poetry In Motion. Participants continued to meet and the group evolved into the Kaleidoscope Writing Collective--seven women writers in various stages of their development exploring their creativity and sharing their vision.

Come on February 19 at 3 pm come experience Kaleidoscope: Women of Color Reflecting Life.

Introduction to first book, Kaleidoscope by Joy Jones, director of the performance poetry group, The Spoken Word and founder of the multigenerational double Dutch team, DC Retro Jumpers.

featuring

Beverly Sims, Blanche Thomas, Betty Nyangoni, Rosalind Blunt, Kanimozhi MV, Sharon Burton, Lesa Warrick and jonetta rose barras

www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/kaleidoscope-women-of-color-reflecting-on-life-a-poetry-reading

It's Free. Registration is required.

For more information about Esther Productions, Inc, please visit estherproductionsinc.com.

Esther Productions, Inc. is a Washington, DC-based national nonprofit organization. Founded in 2004, it is dedicated to inspiring and empowering girls and women. It is supported through generous contributions from Kerry S. Pearson LLC, Emmanuel Bailey, Veterans Services Corp, Pepco, an Exelon Corporation, Fort Myer Construction Corporation Charitable Foundation and Esther’s Friends

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...

Canvas of Experiences

Canvas of Experiences. Digital art created on canvas. October 26, 2024. Afrika Abney I am a dedicated and passionate professional. In the 1990s up until 1996, I was a teenager. I chose brown ochre to represent the color of my skin. White and black to represent the racism and discrimination that I began to experience in the 1990s and continued beyond the 1990s. There is darkness within the experiences of racism and discrimination. However, the contrasting colors represent the persistence of overcoming the hardships of experiencing racism and discrimination. Selected 1992 - 1993 Experiences: Congressional Art Competition. 1992 - 1993 ART CURATOR. New Harlem Gallery, New York City. 1992 - 1993. Installed art for some of the exhibitions held at the New Harlem Gallery. Past 1995 - 1998 Workshops: KUUMBA ARTS AND CRAFTS PROGRAM. D.C. Department of Recreation (Emery Recreation Center, Parkview Recreation Center, Hamilton Recreation Center and Upshur Recreation Center) from 1997 - ...

Creative Chronicles

Creative Chronicles. Digital art created on canvas. October 26, 2024. Afrika Abney At the time when digital art began in the 1980s, I was 4 - 13 and a student at NationHouse. I did not start creating digital art until 2009. With over a decade of experience in digital art, I have honed my skills in various techniques and styles. I specialize in creating captivating and visually stunning digital artworks that evoke emotion and tell a story. Upon waking up from my restful sleep and unaware of the discussions taking place, I began to implement my routine and examine my digital art. Creative Chronicles using vibrant colors and varied brush techniques.

Silent Expressions

The act of conveying messages without the use of spoken words is a profound form of communication. This silent expression can manifest through various means, such as body language, facial expressions, and gestures. In many instances, the subtleties of silence can convey emotions, feelings, and thoughts more powerfully than verbal articulation. Silence is not merely the absence of sound but a rich tapestry of meaning that can enhance relationships and facilitate deeper connections. I have said many things in silence. However, I remain puzzled as to why so many single straight men over the age of 30 remain clueless. Real genuine love is an emotional expression built of genuine feelings and affection. Not personal agendas and manipulation. This post is inspired by the “Say it with Silence, “ by Hubert Laws, 1978 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ppl-lDRVUzo). In 1978, I was 2 years old and drew attraction to many things.

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...

The act of blogging

Blogging has been a crucial part of my career journey since I started as a consultant at 15. I realized the importance of sharing my insights with a wider audience, leading me to start my own blog in 2017. The act of blogging has significantly enriched my professional life and through this platform, I have the opportunity to explore various subjects related to consulting, while also receiving feedback and engaging in dialogue with my readers. This interaction not only enhances my understanding of the topics I cover but also inspires me to continue evolving as a consultant and a writer, ensuring that my contributions remain relevant and impactful.

Mary Evans, I am A Black Woman

"I am a Black Woman is a poem that highlights the unique struggles that African Americans have faced throughout history, specifically focusing on African American women, and how that shaped them today as strong and resilient people. With strong use of symbolism and allusions, Evans notes specific times throughout history that have played major roles in the suffering of African American women. The poem highlights how this history of suffering and pain have helped define the black woman today as strong, and this unwavering strength is what it means to be a black woman. " I Am a Black Woman by Mari Evans I am a black woman the music of my song some sweet arpeggio of tears is written in a minor key and I can be heard humming in the night Can be heard humming in the night I saw my mate leap screaming to the sea and I/with these hands/cupped the lifebreath from my issue in the canebrake I lost Nat’s swinging body in a rain of tears and...

THE HONORABLE ANITA JOSEY-HERRING - Special Guest for the Discovering Me Summit and Awards Ceremony

THE HONORABLE ANITA JOSEY-HERRING, chief judge, Superior Court of the District of Columbia, was appointed to the bench in November 1997 by President William Clinton. She was selected as chief judge on July 21, 2020 and was sworn in on Oct. 16, 2020. She has had a very distinguished career. As an Associate Judge, she served in the Family, Civil and Criminal Divisions of the court. In 2000, Judge Josey-Herring was appointed by the Chief Judge to serve as the Deputy Presiding Judge of the Family Court and later served as the Presiding Judge of the Family Court from 2006 through 2008. During her service in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Chief Judge Josey-Herring has led numerous initiatives to improve the quality of justice and service to litigants and attorneys alike. She led the highly regarded Family Treatment Court Initiative that provides drug treatment and social services to mothers charged with neglecting their children due to substanc...

UNFINISHED BUSINESS, UNTOLD STORIES

UNFINISHED BUSINESS, UNTOLD STORIES: A Look Beyond the Immediate Horizon at The Future of Children’s Literature Written by African American Authors is one of the panel discussions that is a part of the African Americans and Children's Literature: A Symposium and Exhibition which is scheduled to take place on March 2, 2024 at 3pm. The presenters include Kwame Alexander, Tricia Elam Walker, David Miller, Tiffany Mitchell Patterson, Leroy Nesbitt and Joy Jones. " Kwame Alexander has written 38 books, three of them in a chair next to a fireplace at his neighborhood Panera Bread. He now writes in a penthouse in London, where he lives. But, he misses the writing studio he built in Virginia a few years ago. It has huge windows, a large painting of John Coltrane, 3000 books, heated floors, a blue couch, and a loft which was Randy’s idea. When he’s not writing, Kwame’s playing Softball with his soon-to-be six feet tall middle school daughter, walking around London listening to au...

Why do I provide services as a consultant to Esther Productions,Inc?

My position as a consultant for Esther Productions, Inc. is rooted in a profound dedication to aiding a non-profit organization that is committed to empowering young women and girls. This organization serves a vital function in assisting these individuals as they navigate the complexities of healing from familial trauma and interpersonal conflicts. By equipping them with essential tools and resources, the organization fosters personal growth and resilience, enabling these young women to overcome their challenges and thrive. The importance of my engagement with Esther Productions, Inc. is significant, as my efforts are essential to the success of their diverse events and programs. In my role, I aim to craft visual narratives that reflect the lived experiences of young women and girls, thereby nurturing a sense of connection and empathy among them. This partnership not only provides me with an opportunity to channel my creative abilities but also allows me to contribu...

Ms. Afrika Abney - Consultant Branding Blog

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