Performance Chronicles

“Research indicates that the color blue is linked to enhanced performance levels.The findings highlight the significance of color in various contexts, particularly in environments where performance is critical, such as in the arts and other creative fields.

Performance Chronicles adopts a narrative framework to explore and reflect on past experiences related to performance. This approach encompasses a wide range of artistic expressions, including both literary works and dance performances.”

Literary Performance Experiences (Partial Listing)

Apr 14, 2001 and April 16, 2001. Islander Caribbean Restaurant & Lounge, 1201 U St. NW Washington, DC

April 6, 2002. Black Voices for Peace. Faith in Action Ministries. Plymouth Congregational Church, Washington DC

April 6, 2002. Homegoing Ceremony. Tree of Life PCS, Washington, DC

April 7, 2002. Kokayi Winston Patterson 50th Earthday Celebration. Cada Vez, Washington DC

April 18, 2002. Bintumani Restaurant and Club, Washington, DC. Hosted by Abena Disroe

June 6, 2002. Starbucks 1st Thursday Poetry Fest. Starbucks Chinatown, Washington, DC. Sponsored by Cultural DC and Desho Productions

Dance Performance Experiences (partial listing)

June 2, 1996. Africare Family Festival. SAMBAFRICA. Soul In Motion Players.

February 1, 1997. NationHouse, Washington, DC

June 13, 1997. Marcus Garvey PCS, Washington, DC

October 1999. Balafon Women’s Ensemble. Lincoln Theatre, Washington, DC

November 2, 1999. Balafon Women’s Ensemble. Georgetown University Law School, Washington, DC

November 4, 1999. African American Heritage Celebration. Soul in Motion Players featuring Balafon Women’s Ensemble. Bowie State University, Bowie MD

April 7, 2001. Celebrate the Rites of Spring. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Market 5 Gallery, Washington DC

May 20, 2001. Unity Rally in honor of Malcolm X. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Ideal PCS, Washington DC

June 2, 2001. Beyond the Monuments Neighborhood Day. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Market 5 Gallery, Washington DC

June 15, 2001. Friends of Brother Ah. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Market 5 Gallery, Washington DC

June 19, 2001. Citywide Juneteenth Celebration. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, MLK Library, Washington DC

September 28, 2001. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Josephine Butler Parks Center, Washington DC

December 1, 2001. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, St, Marks Church, Washington DC

December 8, 2001. 50th Birthday Celebration of Damu Smith. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Josephine Butler Parks Center, Washington DC

December 15, 2001. Cultural Cafe, Washington, DC. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

February 17, 2002. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Metropolitan AME Church, Washington DC

February 19, 2002. Black History Month Celebration. Cada Vez. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC

February 24, 2002. Black History Month Celebration. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC. Sponsored by Riverside Baptist Church and Collective Voices of DC.

February 26, 2002. Celebration of the History of Black Music. Fairmont Heights Municipal Building. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Fairmont Heights, MD. Sponsored by the Town of Fairmont Heights.

May 19, 2002. A Tribute to Malcolm X. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers. Malcolm X Day, Malcolm X Park, Washington DC

April 6, 2002. Black Voices for Peace. Faith in Action Ministries. Plymouth Congregational Church. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC

April 6, 2002. Homegoing Ceremony. Tree of Life PCS. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC

April 7, 2002. Kokayi Winston Patterson 50th Earthday Celebration. Cada Vez. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC

April 20, 2002. Rites of Spring. Market 5 Gallery. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC

June 6, 2009. DanceAfrica 2009. Dance Place, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

August 13, 2009. Malcolm X Park, Washington, DC

August 16, 2009. NationHouse, Washington, DC with Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

September 4, 2009. Potter’s House, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

September 27, 2009. Fiesta DC 2009, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

December 4, 2009. Potter’s House, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

December 27,2009. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers Kujichagulia Celebration hosted by UNIA-ACL Division 332. Zanzibar on the Waterfront, Washington, DC.

January 1, 2010. Kwanzaa Celebration. Plymouth Congregational Church, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

May 28, 2010. SHAWARMAKING, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

June 11, 2010 and July 18,2011. Potter’s House, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

August 14, 2011. NationHouse, Washington, DC with Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

August 27, 2011 and October 15, 2011. DC History Center, Washington, DC

April 12, 2011, September 14, 2011, and September 17, 2011. Festival Center, Washington, D.C. with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

May 21, 2011. Malcolm X Park. African Liberation Day with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

May 28, 2011. The Fusion Grill, Washington D.C. with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

December 3, 2011. Unity Rally, Washington, D.C. Umoja House with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

January 1, 2012. Kwanzaa Celebration. Plymouth Congregational Church, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

April 9, 2012. Howard Theatre Re-Opening. Howard Theatre, Washington, DC. with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

April 29, 2012. Natural Health Festival, Washington, DC

May 18, 2012. African Liberation Day 2012, Howard University Blackburn Center, Washington, DC. 5pm (open to the public) with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

May 20, 2012. Malcolm X Park, Washington, DC. 3pm. (open to the public) with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

June 8, 2012. Potter’s House, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

September 8, 2012. Lincoln Theatre, Washington, DC.

September 9, 2012. 34th Annual Adams Morgan Day Festival, Washington, DC.

October 19, 2012. Potter's House, Washington, DC

August 25, 2013. Malcolm X Park, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

May 3, 2014. Funk Parade. U Street NW, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

May 12, 2014. Greenbelt Green Man Festival. Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt MD with Bele Bele Rhythm Collective

May 17, 2014. Lotus Festival. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Washington, DC

July 2, 2015. World Children’s Festival, National Mall, Washington, DC.

September 27, 2015. Hyattsville Festival with Bele Bele Rhythm Collective

October 10, 2015. Greenbelt Rhythm and Drum Festival. Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt MD with Bele Bele Rhythm Collective

December 19, 2015 and January 2, 2016. Hands on Drums, Ivy City, Washington, DC with Bele Bele Rhythm Collective

January 4, 2016. Akoma Drummers, All Souls Church Washington, DC

I have not provided any performance services since I was last hired.

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 - ...

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...

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...

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...

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.

Past work experiences

Ms. Afrika Abney is a versatile and experienced professional within the arts and education industries, with a proven track record of designing, coordinating, and producing a wide array of creative events and workshops. With a background in hosting numerous poetry and literary events, as well as managing and conducting visual art workshops at various community centers and organizations, Ms. Abney has showcased her expertise in both event management and arts instruction. She has provided visual arts instruction to a diverse range of institutions, including Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington, DC (2018), and Mundo Verde Public Charter Schools (2013 - 2014), among others. In addition to her visual arts expertise, Ms. Abney has also provided dance instruction at esteemed institutions such as Joy of Motion Dance Center (2013 - 2015) and M.O.M.I.E.S. TLC's Summer camp (2015), demonstrating her commitment to the art of dance. With a proven ability to lead and inspire individual...

Me, Myself and Our Story

Me, Myself and Our Story was launched in 2023 by Esther Productions, Inc and The Institute for African American Writing and is designed for teen girls who have an interest in creative writing. It is a professional creative writing institute providing instruction in poetry fiction and memoir writing. Course of study will provide six weeks of focus and instruction on each topic. That is six weeks of poetry, six weeks of fiction and six weeks of memoir writing. The Institute is for young ladies 15-19 years old who have an interest in creative writing. The first session will be in poetry. Students should be prepared to attend all six sessions. The next session is scheduled to take place on February 24, 2024 at Trinity. Feb 24, 2024, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST Washington, 125 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017, USA--Room 230 Me, Myself and Our Story: Creative Writing Institute for Young Ladies Aged 15 through 19 is a free course led by professional and published writers. Th...

The presence of inaccuracies and misleading information

The existence of inaccuracies and misleading information poses a significant barrier to my ability to effectively market myself and my body of work. This persistent examination of past occurrences diverts my attention from seizing current and future opportunities that could propel my career forward. It is crucial to tackle these challenges head-on to preserve my professional reputation and to foster meaningful engagement with my audience. I invite everyone to take a moment to delve into the thought-provoking and motivational content that I am curating on my blog. The insights shared there are designed to inspire and encourage readers, providing them with valuable perspectives that can enrich their own experiences. Engaging with this material not only supports my endeavors but also contributes to a broader dialogue within our community. Since 2016, I have not offered any dance performance services, and since 2018, I have not provided any educational services. Addition...

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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