African Americans and Children's Literature: A Symposium and Exhibition presented by Esther Productions, Inc, The Black Student Fund, and The Institute for African American Writing

Mar 02, 2024, 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM EST 125 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017, USA

COME LEARN THE STORY AND LEGACY OF WASHINGTON, DC’S AFRICAN AMERICAN AUTHORS OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE—Past and Present, including May Miller Sullivan, Sterling Brown, Maxine Clair, Gwendolyn Brooks, Daphne Muse, Lucille Clifton, Eloise Greenfield, Jason Reynolds, Kwame Alexander, Jennifer Lawson, Courtland Cox, Adjoa Burrowes, E. Ethelbert Miller, Carolivia Herron, Aisha Rice, Tricia Elam Walker, jonetta rose barras, Sheila Crider, David Miller, Michelle Meadows, Leah Henderson , Michelle Green, Lakia Wilson and others.

Panel discussions topics include: REMOVING THE MASK, AMPLIFYING OUR VOICES: The Struggle of Black Authors To Publish Authentic Stories About African American People--Their Lives and Their Culture; SEEING OURSELVES IN THE RIVER, IN THE MIRROR, IN THE WORLD: Illustrators Talk About The Challenge of Creating Images That Bring Children’s Books Alive; TRUNKS, SATCHELS AND THE US POSTAL SERVICE: Book Distributors and Store Owners Tell Their Story About Getting Black Books into the World By All and Any Means Necessary; and UNFINISHED BUSINESS, UNTOLD STORIES: The Future of Black Children’s Literature.

DON'T MISS THE LUNCH TIME CONVERSATION BETWEEN SHARON BELL MATHIS AND E.ETHELBERT MILLER

This event is curated by award-winning author and public scholar jonetta rose barras in partnership with humanities scholar Bernard Demczuk Ph.D. ,The Black Student Fund, The Institute for African American Writing, Teaching for Change, Social Justice Books, Buck Wild Media, and Lesa Warrick.

Major funding has been provided by HumanitiesDC with additional support from Kerry S. Pearson LLC, The Robert Bobb Group, and BusBoys and Poets.

OFFICIAL ONSITE BOOKSELLER: Sankofa: Video Books and Cafe Authors will sign books throughout the day

IT'S FREE. REGISTER IS REQUIRED. -https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/new-details-african-americans-and-childrens-literature-a-symposium-and-exhibition

For more information write to [email protected] ​

jonetta rose barras will serve as the writing instructor. A bestselling author and award-winning journalist, she says she found her voice, experiencing life as a poet, fiction writer, performing artist, and community organizer. Along the way she became a magazine feature writer, investigative reporter, columnist and essayist. A member of the Society of Professional Journalists DC Pro Chapter Hall of Fame, her work has appeared in numerous publications including The Washington Post, Essence Magazine, The New Republic, USA Today, and Crisis Magazine. She currently writes a weekly column for The DC Line. Me, Myself and Our Story: A Creative Writing Institute

​Feb 10, 2024, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST

901 G St. NW, Washington, DC -Room 401-E

Esther Productions Inc. is presenting 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. Registration is required; seating is limited. So register now! ​www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/me-myself-and-our-story-a-creative-writing-institute-in-poetry-short-story-and-memoir-writing 

For more information: write to [email protected]

Please note these workshops are only for young ladies aged 15-19.

Esther Productions Inc. and The Institute for African American Writing are presenting Me, Myself and Our Story: The Art of the Personal Essay, A Writing Workshop for Girls which is scheduled for Sept. 23rd from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM EDT at Martin Luther King Jr. Library(Rm 401-G), 901 G St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA.About the event

Esther Productions Inc. and The Institute for African American Writing begin their much anticipated 2023-2024 workshops; this first event is focused on the personal essay. 

Whether you're preparing to submit that all important essay to secure your college admission, a college scholarship or you simply have something you want to say about your life and the world in which you live, the Me, Myself & Our Story workshop is right for you. It will be interesting and fun. 

There'll be light refreshments and a prize for the best draft essay as voted by participants.  SO, you won't want to miss this. REGISTER NOW. (Seating is limited to 20) Register at https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/me-myself-and-our-story-the-art-of-the-personal-essay-a-writing-workshop-for-girls-14-17 Questions: [email protected]

Discovering Me…Without You Personal Essay Contest and Scholarship is designed exclusively for girls 13 through 18 who are growing up with the presence and active involvement of their fathers in their lives.

Esther Productions, Inc presents Women Blossoming: A Traditional Tea & Celebration to Inspire and Empower

May 06, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT

Trinity Washington University, 125 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017, USA

Women Blossoming: A Traditional Tea & Celebration to Inspire and Empower is the event of the spring season that features fantastic speakers and creatives.

Light traditional tea refreshments will be served. IT'S ALL FREE REGISTER NOW!

COME CELEBRATE YOURSELF! YOU DESERVE IT!

Register at

www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/women-blossoming-a-traditional-tea-celebration-to-inspire-and-empower-girls-and-women-16-and-older

Pandemic. Abstract painting on canvas. Afrika Abney

The pandemic has changed the lives of many people and small businesses for the past two years. As a result of the pandemic, I have created numerous paintings revolved around the pandemic. When I created the abstract painting entitled: Pandemic, I thought about the colors and technique. One of the colors that I selected was salmon pink.

"Salmon pink color symbolizes: expression, fellowship, compassion, and individuality. The effects of salmon: stimulates, inspires, supports, and reassures. While salmon is sometimes used to refer to colors ranging from pale pinkish-orange to light pink, the true salmon color mixes pink with a touch of orange and is just on the lighter side of coral. With pink being the driving color behind salmon, it is considered a hopeful color and a signal of health and happiness."

https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/product-page/pandemic

Summer Blossoms. Acrylic on Canvas. 14 * 18. Afrika Abney ​ Summer Blossoms is featured on the cover of the book entitled: Kaleidoscope. For more information about the book, contact Esther Productions, Inc at [email protected]. www.estherproductionsinc.com/product-page/kaleidoscope-women-of-color-reflecting-on-life

https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/product-page/summer-blossoms

For Immediate Release

Contact: Esther Productions, Inc at [email protected]

Esther Productions Inc. is proud to be working in partnership with Afrika Abney

(Washington,DC) - Esther Productions Inc. is proud to be working in partnership with Afrika Abney in presenting select pieces of her work for public viewing and sale. Among them include Summer Blossoms, Pandemic, Isolation #1 and Isolation #2. Available now at https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/shop

About Ms. Afrika Abney

Ms. Afrika Abney has been a consultant to Esther Productions Inc from its inception in 2004. A native Washingtonian, she graduated from the prestigious Corcoran School of the Arts. For more than 20 years, Ms. Abney has used her formal training and background in the arts to successfully provide services to artists, nonprofits, corporations, small businesses, community centers, churches, individuals, and schools.

She is proud to be working with Esther Productions Inc in presenting select pieces of her work for public viewing and sale which were apart of the Kaleidoscope virtual event that took place on Feb. 19, 2023.

About Esther Productions, Inc

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

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

I studied visual art at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, Corcoran School of the Art (1980s and from 1993 - 1997) and Bell Multicultural High School (1991-1993). Additionally, I was nominated for a variety of awards including the 2001 Mayor’s Arts Award in the category of Outstanding Emerging Artist. I am a Recipient of the Arts in Education Grant from the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities. I participated in the Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton's Congressional Art Competition in 1992 and 1993. In 2004,I met Ms. Renee Winfield at the National City Christian Church and Ms. Winfield purchased two of my small abstract paintings on canvas during the event entitled: The National Daughter Daddy Tour which took place from 2004 - 2006. On February 19, 2023, I exhibited some of my abstract paintings which are currently on sale at https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/shop. Among them include Summer Blossoms, Pandemic, Isolation #1 and Isolation #2. If you are an art collector and have an interest in abstract art, please purchase some of my art. Thank you Learn more about me as a professional visual artist and art consultant, please go to abneyartist.weebly.com.

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.

"Is it exaggerating to say poetry saves lives?" asks award-winning author Joy Jones in the introduction of the group's first book: Kaleidoscope: Women of Color Reflection on Life.

“Kaleidoscope is a particularly accurate name for this group,” notes award-winning author Joy Jones. “A kaleidoscope is made of cracker and jagged pieces of glass…It is these broken edges that allow us to see something beautiful and new.” Performance poetry, training workshops, storytelling, classroom teaching - Joy Jones has addressed countless audiences. She is the director of the performance poetry group, The Spoken Word and founder of the multigenerational double Dutch team, DC Retro Jumpers. Jones is the author of several books including Private Lessons: A Book of Meditations for Teachers. and Tambourine Moon, which was selected as one of the best books for children by the black caucus of the ALA and featured on the Bernie Mac show. Fearless Public Speaking debuts Spring, 2019.

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

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. www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/kaleidoscope-women-of-color-reflecting-on-life-a-poetry-reading ​It's Free. Registration is required. Special showing of abstract paintings created by Ms. Afrika Abney

THE DISCOVERY SUMMIT AND SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY

For Immediate Release Contact : Esther Productions, Inc [email protected] THE DISCOVERY SUMMIT AND SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY (Washington, DC) -  Join Esther Productions, Inc and Black Student Fund for THE DISCOVERY SUMMIT AND SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY held on Dec 10, 2022 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST at The Woman's National Democratic Club, 1526 New Hampshire Ave. NW. ABOUT THE EVENT Each year since 2019, Esther Productions Inc. has presented a unique scholarship essay contest that invites young ladies aged 13 through 18 to submit essays that tell their stories about growing up without their fathers and building their resilience as they face that challenge. A group of accomplished artists, educators, clinicians, business and civic leaders serve as judges. Cash prizes ranging from $1500 to $500 are given to the top winners during the Discovery Summit and Scholarship Awards Ceremony. This year, the event is presented in cooperation with The Black Student Fund. The summit will include workshop presentations by therapists, coaches and healing artists that focus on providing greater understanding of the impact of father absence through the game charade, developing a robust self-care program, choreographing movements that minimize physical pain while allowing young ladies the opportunity to realize self-actualization and empowerment. REGISTER NOW www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/the-discovery-summit-and-scholarship-awards-ceremony Featuring: The Honorable Anita Josey-Herring, chief judge of the Superior Court of DC "ADDISON SWITZER has worked with The National Reconciliation Week since its founding in 2019. A proud dad and grandad, with two daughters and three granddaughters, Switzer is a native Washingtonian currently residing in Cheverly, MD. A professional actor who has been on most of the local stages, including Arena, Shakespeare Theatre, African Continuum Theatre and appeared on popular television programs like The Wire, Switzer is president of Buckwildmedia.com." "Jennifer Yolanda Okosun is a writer, speaker, and the founder of Parents Rise Network. Parents Rise is an uplifting and supportive community for young parents and organizations that help elevate parents and their children for optimal well-being through personal development education. Okosun has written an evidence-based personal development curriculum covering categories such as character, communication, self-care and community building. She also serves on the board of the Margie Mclean Foundation as a family advocate.Okosun is currently pursuing a degree in behavioral health with a focus on media psychology. She will release her book,“Raising Yourself to Raise the Next Generation,” later this year." "Tracie Robinson, Ph.D holds a doctorate in intrapersonal psychology and a master’s in dance/movement therapy. Dr. Tracie is the owner and founder of Emotions N Motion Healing Practices, a non-profit organization, and president of Essences of Wellness Authentic Transformations, LLC. She uses structure and/or authentic dance and movement to facilitate synergistic change. With the goal of exposing people to their predispositions by integrating movement, gestures, rhythms, breaths, verbal and non-verbal communication with a less defended expression of the body. The art of dance is used as a therapeutic tool to bring about holistic healing in clinical populations including, but not limited to physical, emotional and psychological trauma, depression, PTSD, substance abuse disorders, and body image/eating disorders. Dr. Tracie also holds certifications in Reiki, Reflexology, Hypnotherapy, Traditional & Kemetic Yoga, and Herbal Medicines. " Esther Productions, Inc. is dedicated to using a variety of vehicles—traditional and nontraditional—to develop communities throughout the United States and Europe. It was created in 2004 by Jonetta Rose Barras, award-winning journalist and author of Whatever Happened to Daddy’s Little Girl? - estherproductionsinc.com "The Black Student Fund (BSF) provides essential advocacy, academic and retention support to academically motivated African American and other underserved students to facilitate their access, admission and successful matriculation and graduation from member schools. BSF partners with member schools to provide financial assistance, as well as instruction, evaluations, feedback and monitoring necessary to facilitate the creation and maintenance of a supportive and responsive environment." - https://blackstudentfund.org/

THE DISCOVERY SUMMIT AND SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY TIME & LOCATION ​Dec 10, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST Cleveland Park Library, 3310 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA ABOUT THE EVENT ​Each year since 2019, Esther Productions Inc. has presented a unique scholarship essay contest that invites young ladies aged 13 through 18 to submit essays that tell their stories about growing up without their fathers and building their resilience as they face that challenge. A group of accomplished artists, educators, clinicians, business and civic leaders serve as judges. Cash prizes ranging from $1500 to $500 are given to the top winners during the Discovery Summit and Scholarship Awards Ceremony. ​ This year, the event is presented in cooperation with The Black Student Fund. The summit will included workshop presentations by therapists, coaches and healing artists that focus on providing greater understanding of the impact of father absence through the game charade, developing a robust self-care program, choreographing movements that minimize physical pain while allowing young ladies the opportunity to realize self-actualization and empowerment. REGISTER NOW www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/the-discovery-summit-and-scholarship-awards-ceremony

30th Annual BZB Shop til Ya Drop! NOV 25-26th Black Friday & Saturday SATURDAYS Dec 3rd Dec 10th Dec 17th Friday & Sat (Christmas Eve) Dec 23-24 Shiloh Baptist Church 1510 9th Street NW(9th & P Sts) Washington DC 20001 ​Annual BZB Holiday Gift and Art Show is produced by Juanita Britton, retail marketing specialist and entrepreneur. “Our goal is to attract customers to shop with businesses and artisans in their communities. People are having second thoughts about shopping in this economy along with the added stress and inconvenience of suburban malls”, says Ms. Britton. “Customers are also beginning to understand the connection between entrepreneurship, consumerism and the survival of the local boutiques and shops in our neighborhoods.” Ms. Britton who operates an art gallery and several retail businesses at National and Dulles airports, is regularly featured on national and local, television & radio programs and in community newspapers around issues of economic and small business development in urban communities. She has worked with over 400 businesses to in the areas of product development, marketing and distribution. "Once a year, shoppers from around the beltway, up and down the East Coast trek to this festive, holiday marketplace to find an enchanting holiday shopping atmosphere that features unique and ethnic gifts created and sold by local retailers and artisans that create. Specialties such as jewelry designed by local master goldsmith, Shukri; wood carvings from Ghana, local fine artists such as Larry “Poncho” Brown, with prints and originals for sale; new and collectible books; ethnic games and toys; men’s and women’s clothing from West Africa tailors and Washington based couture designer, DAMALI; glassware encrusted with 24 karat gold from Egypt; youth artisans and entrepreneurs, just to name a few." Ms. Juanita "Busy Bee" Britton is a partner in Paradies-BZB, DC, LLC, an enterprise that operates retail stores such as Brooks Brothers, CNBC and PGA stores in Washington metropolitan area airports. She is a consultant, motivational speaker and trainer who specializes in working with aspiring entrepreneurs. The popular East Coast, BZB Black Gift & Art Show is her brainchild. She has worked in both local and federal government agencies in communications and public relations fields. ​ Ms. Britton, a Detroit native and long time resident of Washington’s historic Anacostia, is a hands-on mentor for area youth and passionate about elevating the interest and image of her neighbors and community. Steadfastly, Ms. Britton has refused to abandon Southeast where she has resided for 13 years. A well known fixture in the nation’s capital, she is the force behind the BZB Gift & Art Show, The Largest African American Department Store on the East Coast. ​ Ms. Britton received a Masters in Public Affairs from Howard University, in Washington, D.C. and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She resides in Ward 8.