Skip to main content

SEEING OURSELVES IN THE RIVER, IN THE MIRROR, IN THE WORLD: African Americans and Children's Literature On Tour




(Photo credit from Esther Productions, Inc's programs)- https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/aachildrensliterature ​




Ms. Joy Jones will talk about her journey becoming a children's author at Cleveland Park Library (3310 Connecticut Ave. NW-DC 20008) for the event entitled: SEEING OURSELVES IN THE RIVER, IN THE MIRROR, IN THE WORLD: African Americans and Children's Literature On Tour on April 20th.

" Joy Jones has taught creative writing and public speaking to middle school students and coached poetry slam teams. Her children’s book Tambourine Moon (Simon & Schuster) was chosen in 2000 as a Kid’s Pick of the Lists by the American Booksellers Association, selected as one of the best books for children by the black caucus of the ALA, and seen on Fox TV’s hit show The Bernie Mac Show. She is also the author of Private Lessons:A Book of Meditations for Teachers (Andrews McMeel), Fearless Public Speaking (SparkNotes), Jayla Jumps In (Albert Whitman & Company, 2020 and Black Caucus of the American Library Association BCALA, 2020 Best of the Best Booklist), Between Black Women: Listening with the Third Ear (African American Images), and a contributor to the anthology Days I Moved Through Ordinary Sounds: The Teachers of WritersCorps in Poetry and Prose.

She has won awards for her writing from the D. C. Commission on the Arts & Humanities, and the Colonial Players Promising Playwrights Competition, plus awards from both the D. C. Department of Recreation & Parks and the D. C. Commission on National & Community Service for outstanding community service.

Joy Jones’ provocative op-ed on marriage trends for The Washington Post, “Marriage is for White People”, went viral. She is the director of the arts organization, The Spoken Word, and the founder of the Double Dutch team, DC Retro Jumpers, which has led exhibitions and classes throughout metropolitan Washington and abroad.”

"From the Diary of A Negro Volunteer: How Eugene E. Miller became E. Ethelbert Miller during the DC Years of our Lord 1968-1976.” This the title of E. Miller's presentation on April 20 at the Cleveland Park Library (3310 Connecticut Ave. NW-DC 20008). He is speaking at SEEING OURSELVES IN THE RIVER, IN THE MIRROR, IN THE WORLD: African Americans and Children's Literature On Tour.

Ethelbert Miller is a memoirist, award-winning poet and 2022 Grammy nominee for the Best Spoken Word Poetry Album--Black Men Are Precious. Mr. Miller is the author of two memoirs and several collections of poetry. He also is the editor of three anthologies of poetry. He is the editor of Poet Lore magazine and the host of the radio show "On the Margin," which airs Thursday mornings on WPFW-FM. He is the former director of Howard University's African American Resource Center, and has taught at several universities and colleges including American University, Emory & Henry College, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Register at https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/seeing-ourselves-in-the-river-in-the-mirror-in-the-world-dcs-african-american-literary-history-on-tour.

Info: aachildrenslit2023@gmail.com.

"AFRICAN AMERICANS AND CHILDREN'S LITERATURE ON TOUR, presented by Esther Productions Inc. in partnership with The Black Student Fund and The Institute for African American Writing, is a humanities project that captures DC's rich literary history and the role played by Black writers in building canon and fortifying community. Supported, in part, by a grant from HumanitiesDC, the project includes a historical exhibition and conversations with some of the city's most acclaimed African American authors."

Popular posts from this blog

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 ...

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.

Empower Words

  Empower Words. Digital art created on canvas. December 27, 2024. Afrika Abney  Strive to inspire, create, build, empower and uplift through my work that is aimed to motivate and fill with colors within a society that lost its meaning and purpose. My duty is to choose words and be mindful of others. 

Vibrant Visions of Faith

  Vibrant Visions of Faith. Digital art created on canvas. November 26, 2024. Afrika Abney  With the principle of faith, I am fortunate that I graduated from Bell Multicultural High School in 1993 because I felt alone, depressed, traumatized, isolated and discriminated against every time that I stepped inside the school from 1991 - 1993. The colors gold and shades of yellow are deliberately selected to depict optimism, while black represents faith. 

Skyward Harmony

Skyward Harmony. Digital art created on canvas. August 15, 2024. Afrika Abney Looking out from my window, I was greeted by clouds drifting lazily across the sky, while a solitary bird soared gracefully above. The scene sparked a wave of inspiration within me, prompting me to reach for my digital palette. I carefully chose a variety of blue hues, blending them with soft whites to capture the essence of the sky and the fleeting beauty of the bird in flight. With each stroke of my virtual brush, I began to translate the atmospheric beauty before me onto my digital canvas. The cool blues danced harmoniously with the gentle whites, creating a sense of depth and movement that mirrored the clouds and the bird's elegant trajectory.

Wellspring of Inspiration

  Wellspring of Inspiration. Digital art created on canvas. August 15, 2024. Afrika Abney My home workspace serves as a wellspring of inspiration, fueling my artistic endeavors. Surrounded by the familiar comforts of my environment, I immerse myself in the creative process, allowing the world outside to influence my work. The beauty of the sky, particularly the enchanting phases of the Waxing Gibbous moon, captivates my imagination and often finds its way into my art. Each glance out the window reveals a canvas of shifting colors and textures that spark new ideas and concepts. The symphony of nature plays a crucial role in my creative journey. As I sit at my desk, the gentle sounds of birds chirping and crickets create a soothing backdrop that enhances my focus. These natural melodies not only provide a sense of tranquility but also inspire me to explore themes of harmony and connection in my artwork. The interplay of light and sound outside my window becomes a source of motivation...

Overall Background

My overall background consists of the following: art, consulting, dance, and literature which began when I was a student. I have not provided in person flyer dissemination services for BZB International since 2019 and for Esther Productions, Inc since October 2023. Furthermore, I have not returned back to many venues since I left. Should you have any questions, please put them in writing. Thank you Art:  https://afrikaabneyconsult.blogspot.com/2024/07/art.html Consultant:  https://afrikaabneyconsult.blogspot.com/2024/07/consultant.html Dance:  Dance Literary:  https://afrikaabneyconsult.blogspot.com/2024/07/literary.html Actively seeking paid work only - afrikamabney@gmail.com 

Experience Essence

A highly experienced consultant with a remarkable track record of delivering exceptional results across various industries, she is adept at providing strategic guidance and effective solutions to complex challenges. Her specialization involves the creation and implementation of innovative strategies that drive business growth and improve operational performance. With a strong foundation in communication and analytical skills, she has a deep understanding of market trends and industry standards, which empowers her to craft customized solutions that address the specific requirements of each client. Currently, she is collaborating with MidnightRose, where Ms. Abney is fulfilling her role as a consultant by disseminating information about an upcoming event scheduled for September 14, 2024, at Tenley Library. Her responsibilities include utilizing email and social media platforms to promote the event, ensuring that the relevant audience is informed and engaged. Through her efforts, she ai...

Faithful Expression

  I celebrated Kwanzaa growing up from the late 1970s - 2015 with strong values in empathy, compassion, faith, affection, loyalty, commitment, trust, passion, respect, honor, resilience, and determination.  “Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African and African-American culture that takes place from December 26 to January 1:  Purpose Kwanzaa's purpose is to:  Celebrate African-American history, values, family, community, and culture  Reaffirm traditional communal values of African culture  Foster a sense of unity between Africans and people of African descent  Origin Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, rapist, an activist and professor of Africana Studies.  Name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, which means "first fruits."  Principles Kwanzaa's seven guiding principles are:  Umoja (Unity)  Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)  Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)  Ujamaa (Coope...

Active Listening

“The best listeners convey their confidence in the other person.” Being quiet and listening fully to what the other person is saying without any judgment, bias and prejudice. Quote found on the Internet The best listeners convey their confidence in the other person by truly focusing on what is being said, rather than thinking about their own response or interjecting with their own opinions. This level of attentiveness shows respect for the speaker, validating their thoughts and feelings. It also fosters a sense of trust, as the listener demonstrates that they are fully engaged and invested in the conversation. By maintaining eye contact, nodding in agreement, and using body language that shows openness and receptivity, the listener communicates that they value the speaker's perspective. This kind of active listening allows the speaker to feel heard and understood, leading to more meaningful and productive discussions. Ultimately, conveying confidence in the other person through att...