Why I taught the arts?

When I was a little girl, I wanted to pursue a career in the arts. I choose the arts as a vehicle and outlet for me to express myself through using the arts. If it was not for the love of the arts and I had the opportunity to teach visual arts, literary arts, and dance throughout my community in the past. It gave me the opportunity to express myself as it is related to bullying and culture, especially to minority race.

I taught various art forms such as collage design, abstract painting, drawing, poetry, and dance to children, youth and dance.

SELECTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES

ARTS SPECIALIST. Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington, DC, Washington, D.C. June 20, 2018 - July 25, 2018. Plan and present visual arts classes for students of varying backgrounds and abilities , create a safe, structured, and positive environment for each student; and prepare and disseminate a weekly report for the Program Manager, Justin Love.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER. DC International School, Washington, D.C. 2016 - 2017. Managed and co-managed select classrooms; provided instructions according to prepared lesson plans; ensure classroom environment that promoted active learning while working with students to reinforce learning objectives as defined by the school; and performed other assigned duties.

AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Roda Movements, Takoma Park, M.D.. 2015 - 2015. Taught a group of young children ages 7 - 9. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical context for each dance with a 1/2 hour warm-up, and energetic dance movements. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical within the context for each dance.

WEST AFRICAN DANCE INSTRUCTOR. M.O.M.I.E.S TLC and YWDEP, Washington, DC. SUMMER 2015 Kingdom Kids Care, Washington, DC. Provided West African dance instruction to a group of students for a Summer Camp program such as M.O.M.I.E.S. TLC and Y.W.D.E.P. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical context for each dance with a 1/2 hour warm-up, and energetic dance movements. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical within the context for each dance. Also provided instruction for students at several other organizations including Kingdom Kids Care, Washington, DC. (July 3, 2013 - July 17, 2013) Hyde Addison Elementary School (May 18, 2013)

SUBSTITUTE DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington, DC. August 2013. Provided dance instruction to students grades 9 -12 in the absence of the studio teacher for the World Intensive Summer Camp.

SUBSTITUTE DANCE INSTRUCTOR. Joy of Motion Dance Center, Washington, DC. 2013 - 2015. Provided dance instruction to children and adults in the absence of the studio teacher. Taught Samba Fusion - All Levels and Afro Beats - All Levels.

AFROBEAT, a dance class that includes a fusion of modern and African upbeat combinations to Nigerian music, inspired by FELA! the musical.

Samba Fusion, a dance workout that brings the benefits of basic samba/axe drills and steps to tone muscles.

SUMMER ACADEMY CAMP PART- TIME ELECTIVE ART TEACHER. Higher Achievement, Washington, DC - Metro. July 1, 2013 - August 1, 2013 (Center City PCS - Capitol Hill Campus); and 2003-2004 (Bruce Monroe Elementary School). Created and implemented a visual arts lesson plan for summer program, specific to 5th - 8th grade students of varying backgrounds and abilities. Students gained knowledge and dexterity in specific forms of visual arts, including abstract painting.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER. Mundo Verde Public Charter Schools, Washington, DC. December 2013 - 2014. Managed and co-managed select classrooms; provided instructions according to prepared lesson plans; ensure classroom environment that promoted active learning while working with students to reinforce learning objectives as defined by the school; and performed other assigned duties.

AFFILIATED TEACHING ARTIST. Young Playwrights' Theatre (YPT), Washington, DC. October 2012 - May 2013.Planned and presented visual arts classes for first and second grade students of varying backgrounds and abilities , integrating literacy fundamentals within the context of the classroom instruction; created a safe, structured, and positive environment for each student; established my own classroom rules for each student to follow; and prepared and disseminated a weekly report for the Program Manager, Laurie Ascoli.

SUBSTITUTE AFRICAN DANCE PRE - PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTOR. The Dance Institute of Washington (DIW), Washington, D.C. 2010 - 2012.Provided West African Dance Classes for the Pre-Professional Program targeted for ages 12-21 on Wednesdays.

PAST VISUAL ART WORKSHOPS

Kuumba Arts and Crafts Program (1995-1998). D.C. Department of Recreation (Emery Recreation Center, Parkview Recreation Center, Hamilton Recreation Center and Upshur Recreation Center) from 1997 - 1998 and A - T Seban Mesut (1995- 1998). Sponsored by Ms. Afrika Abney and funded by the D.C. Commission of the Arts, Arts Education Grant Program

Kuumba Expressions Visual Art Workshops (2015 and 2016).Culture Coffee on January 31, 2015 and Potter's House on May 16, 2016 and May 23, 2016. Sponsored by Culture Coffee, Potter's House and Esther Productions, Inc Art Enablers.

SELECTED LITERARY WORKSHOP

Enhancing Our Imaginations funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. Takoma Park Library, Washington, DC. 2003

COMMUNITY CAREER DAY VISUAL ART WORKSHOPS

2016. Eliot (invited by Ms. Ophelia Morgan).

1996. Calvin Coolidge High School (invited by Ms. Angela Cook)

COMMUNITY CAREER DAY DANCE WORKSHOP

2016. Roots Public Charter School

Bold Color Mix

Bold Color Mix. Digital art created on canvas. September 27, 2024. Afrika Abney Bold Color Mix focuses on the interplay between red, yellow and purple. Red represents determination, while yellow represents optimism. Lastly, purple represents creativity. Each of these colors creates contrast. With the main color being red to focus on the importance and significance of determination to strive towards achieving purpose behind each designated goal.

Crimson Blossom

Crimson Blossom. Digital art created on canvas. December 7, 2024. Afrika Abney

"Before We Go (2014)"

“While some audiences may view the film as a clichéd boy-meets-girl romance, it is more about two people helping each other to be better versions of themselves rather than just a love story. The film poignantly shows love and compromise in a realistic way, making it worth seeing.” From 1992 - 1993, I visited New York City. During these years, I was a high school student. In 2014, I provided numerous services.

East of the Anacostia River

““East of the River” was simply a geographical description without particular significance. But, it later became how some describe the neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River — often with a negative connotation. During the 1930s and 1940s, land development of the area continued alongside increased racial diversification of the region. At the end of World War II, white flight into suburban Maryland and Virginia resulted in a majority-Black Anacostia. The Anacostia River watershed in the District of Columbia and Maryland is home to more than 800,000 people, 43 species of fish and some 200 species of birds. The watershed has been heavily urbanized over time, losing 6,500 acres of wetlands and 70% of its forest cover. Over the past four centuries the Anacostia has been given many names: the Eastern Branch of the Potomac, the other national river, the dirtiest river in the nation, the forgotten river.” I am dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals and famil...

H Street Festival

On September 21, 2019, I created the below flyer for the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers who appeared at the H Street Festival in 2019. "The H Street Festival in Washington, DC began in 1985 as a small, unofficial block party that was originally planned by the Community-Business Action Coalition (COMBAC) to help revitalize the neighborhood after the 1968 riots. The festival has since grown into one of the city's largest annual events, with over 150,000 participants. The festival highlights the city's arts and humanities, and allows residents and visitors to explore the neighborhood's diverse food and cultural offerings." I have not provided services for the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers since the pandemic began in 2020.

Independent Consultant Services 2024

"Independent contractors, or freelancers, are self-employed people who work for themselves and provide services to clients as third parties. Independent contractors typically have specialized skills and can work on a temporary or contracted basis for multiple clients. An independent consultant is typically self-employed and works through a contract." Flyer created and designed by Ms. Afrika Abney - https://afrikaabneyconsultant.weebly.com/consultant.html From January 8, 2024 - June 4, 2024, I provided services solely online for the following events: Me, Myself and Our Story: A Creative Writing Institute—a nine-month, three semester writing course for girls 15 through 19; African Americans and Children’s Literature: A Symposium and Exhibition; KALEIDOSCOPE WOMEN’S WRITING COLLECTIVE; Me, Myself and Our Story - Second Session; AACL TOUR; and The Teach Truth Event. The events were hosted by Esther Productions, Inc along with its sponsors and partners....

Echoes of Affection

Echoes of Affection. Digital art created on canvas. December 29, 2024. Afrika Abney “Long nights, short mornings (2016 television movie) is about an examination of the romantic life of a young man in New York City and his sometimes fleeting, sometimes profound experiences with the women he encounters.” I visited New York City from 1992 - 1993 and was a high school student at that time. Yesterday, I watched this movie and am not an advocate of open relationships. I believe in long term commitment, respect, trust, honesty and candidness. In 2016, I provided numerous services and have not provided any dance services since 2016.

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.

Act of Kindness

Quote found on the Internet “It’s easy to overlook the struggles that others may be facing in their lives, as we often only see the surface of their experiences. Each person carries their own burdens, and these challenges can be invisible to those around them. This is why it becomes essential to approach others with a sense of empathy and kindness, recognizing that everyone has their own story and battles that may not be immediately apparent. Understanding that we cannot fully grasp the complexities of another person's situation is crucial. Life can be incredibly challenging, and many individuals are navigating difficulties that we might not even be aware of. By fostering an attitude of compassion and kindness, we create a supportive environment that encourages openness and connection, allowing people to feel seen and valued despite their struggles. When we choose to respond with empathy, we not only uplift those around us but also contribute to a culture of understan...

"Love by Chance (TV Movie 2016)"

“The point of the movie Love by Chance is that love can find its way into the lives of people in unexpected ways: Claire's story Claire is a pastry chef who is too busy running her restaurant to focus on relationships. Her mother sets out to find her the perfect man without telling her. When Claire discovers that it wasn't fate that brought them together, it could ruin their relationship. Pete and Ae's story Pete is a shy and rich university student who is trying to hide that he is gay. Ae is a kind and friendly boy who helps Pete up after he is hit by Ae's bicycle. Ae develops feelings for Pete that go beyond friendship, but Pete doesn't want Ae to know the pain of being ridiculed for dating a man. The overall message Love can find its way into the lives of people in unexpected ways, and that love is love.” I do not believe in relationships that involve matchmaking, manipulation and deception. As a straight African - American woman, I was introduced to many pe...

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