MidnightRose: A Reading Series of Poetry and Prose #3

Jan 11, 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST

Washington, 4450 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA

MIDNIGHTROSE: A Reading Series of Poetry and Prose continues featuring three exciting poets and short story writers whose words and presentations will inspire and regal. Presented by Esther Productions Inc., the Institute for African American Writing and The Black Student Fund in partnership with The Tenley-Friendship Library, this third program in the Series.

For those interested in learning more about this literary event, please feel free to reach out via email at midnightrosereadingseries@gmail.com.

https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/midnightrose-a-reading-series-of-poetry-and-prose-jan-11-from-2-4pm-est

DAVID NICHOLSON is the author of The Garretts of Columbia: A Black South Carolina Family from Slavery to the Dawn of Integration. His collection of short fiction, Flying Home: Seven Stories of the Secret City, was included on a Los Angeles Times list of books that "show us where to find the real America." A graduate of the University of the District of Columbia, Nicholson was a reporter in San Francisco; Milwaukee; and Dayton, Ohio, before coming home to work as an editor and book reviewer for the Washington Post Book World. He is writing a second family history that begins with his grandparents' courtship in South Carolina and continues with their move to Washington, D.C., during the Great Migration.

TERI ELLEN CROSS DAVIS is the author of a more perfect Union, awarded the 2019 Journal/Charles B. Wheeler of the Poetry Society of America’s Robert H. Winner Memorial Award and a Maryland State Arts Council award. Her work has appeared in print, online, and in many journals and anthologies including Harvard Review, [PANK], Poetry Ireland Review, and Kenyon Review. She is the O.B. Hardison Poetry Series curator and Poetry Programs manager for the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington DC.

AMUCHE The Poet (Amuchechukwu Nwafor) is an active local writer, performance artist, host, event curator, educator, teaching artist and figure model in the Washington, D.C metropolitan area. She is a first-generation born Black American whose poetry touches on the diaspora, sexual advocacy, mental health, and the female experience. Amuche considers her poems to be still life paintings of intimate experiences, emotions and observations. Her debut collection of poetry, Saltwater Roots, was published October 2024 in collaboration with the DC Poet Project and Day Eight Publishing. Through her writing she aspires to heal, grow and inspire people from all different walks of life.

MidnightRose: A Reading Series of Poetry and Prose is supported by Kerry S. Pearson LLC, the Norton and Rosalind Luger Charitable Trust (Ellen Pechman, Founder/Trustee) and Friends of Esther Productions Inc.

Warmth of Experience

“The intentional incorporation of orange-red in illustrating life experiences can significantly enrich the narrative journey, creating a vibrant canvas that accentuates both personal and professional achievements. This particular hue, with its energetic and warm qualities, invites contemplation and conversation, allowing for a more profound grasp of the various experiences that shape our lives. By using such a striking color, the storytelling becomes not just a recounting of events but an immersive exploration of emotions and insights. My own journey has been marked by a series of impactful experiences, including the persistent challenges posed by racism and discrimination, as well as the significant milestones of graduating from both high school and college. Each of these moments has contributed to my personal growth and understanding of the world around me. The struggles I faced with prejudice have not only shaped my identity but have also fueled my determination t...

Full Moon Essence

Full Moon Essence. Digital art created on canvas. October 19, 2024. Afrika Abney Where did you read that my digital abstract is about relationships or dates? Nowhere, when I create my digital abstract painting, I have composed something about the abstract digital painting. If I did not add anything, then, you should use logic to conclude what it is about. Full Moon Essence composed of shades of yellow and blue.

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...

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.

Warmth of the Season

Warmth of the Season. Digital art created on canvas. December 12, 2024. Afrika Abney I found various instrumental Christmas music on Youtube and television that creates a sense of warmth.

Ideal Conversations

Ideal Conversations. Digital art created on canvas. August 3, 2024. Afrika Abney The vibrant yellow hues used in this artwork evoke feelings of warmth, happiness, and creativity. The monochromatic color scheme adds a sense of unity and harmony to the piece. The artist's choice of yellow as the dominant color in this painting is no coincidence. Yellow is often associated with feelings of joy, optimism, and enlightenment. This yellow painting with a yellow background is not just a piece of art, but a symbol of hope and happiness. The use of vibrant yellow hues and the monochromatic color scheme create a sense of unity and harmony. Committed to fostering community engagement through the arts, I excel in facilitating discussions around art, dance, and poetry. My work not only showcases creativity but also serves as a platform for meaningful conversations that enrich the cultural fabric of the community. An ideal conversation at work can be effective and meaningful, and can help you le...

Brown Resilience

Brown Resilience. Digital art created on canvas. October 6, 2024. Afrika Abney According to my research, “ the color brown represents resilience encapsulating qualities such as bravery, perseverance, and hopefulness.”

Inaccurate information and Past professional experiences

I was 6 years old when the above photo was taken of me. At that time in 1982, I was a student at NationHouse. I have thrown the clothes away years later. Since many people obviously have inaccurate information and are under the impression that I am hiring people. Let me take a moment to offer some brief insight on my past professional experiences. Since my employment with Jubilee Enterprises in 2021, I have not engaged in any hiring activities. My last experience in recruiting was in 2016, when I facilitated a series of visual art workshops that took place in 2016, which were focused on skill development rather than recruitment. I urge those who may be attempting to tarnish my reputation or undermine my future prospects to reconsider their actions. Spreading inaccurate information is neither constructive nor justified, and it only serves to create unnecessary confusion and harm. It is essential to maintain a professional environment where facts are respected and communicated accuratel...

African - American Values

Quote found on the Internet “At the heart of African American values lies a profound respect for heritage and history. This respect manifests in the celebration of cultural milestones, such as Juneteenth and Black History Month, which serve as reminders of the struggles and triumphs of ancestors. The importance of storytelling is also significant, as it allows for the transmission of wisdom and experiences from one generation to the next. Through oral traditions, music, and art, African Americans express their identity and convey messages of hope, perseverance, and the pursuit of justice, reinforcing the idea that understanding one’s past is crucial for shaping a better future. Additionally, African American values often prioritize education and the pursuit of knowledge as essential tools for empowerment. The community has historically placed a high value on learning, recognizing that education can be a pathway to social mobility and equality. This commitment to education i...

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...

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