Providing professional, creative and innovative consulting services since 1992.


Welcome 

Some services provided by Ms. Afrika Abney ​


Thank you for visiting Ms. Afrika Abney's branding site. Should you have any questions, please send them to her at afrikamabney@gmail.com.  

Afrika Abney

202-384-5925

msafrikaa@gmail.com


PROFILE SUMMARY


Ms. Afrika Abney first became a consultant in 1992 when she was invited to participate in the Congresswoman's Art Competition.


Ms. Abney uses her formal training in the visual arts to provide services as a consultant  to artists, non profits, small businesses, community centers, churches, individuals, and schools. Some of them include Esther Productions, Inc, New Harlem Gallery, Wisteria ArtSpace, Emma Mae Gallery, Phillips Collection, The Corcoran Gallery of Art, Anacostia Art Gallery and Boutique, Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers.

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She has received numerous grants from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.  Ms. Abney  has been nominated several times for a “Mayor’s Arts Award.”


​PAST SELECTED ART EXHIBITIONS



​• Virtual Art Exhibition and Poetry Reading. February 19, 2023


​• The National Daughter Daddy Tour. National City Christian Church, Washington, D.C. 2004 - 2006 


• Every Picture Tells A Story. Moca DC, Washington, D.C. January 6, 2006 – January 27, 2006


• "Visions." Ellingtons on 8th, Washington, D.C. May 31 - June 28, 2006.Curated by Prelli Anthony Williams. Reception, May 31, 2006 from 6-8pm and Closing Reception, June 28, 2006


• "The Power Within." El Tamarindo, Washington, D.C. July 1 - 31, 2006. Curated by D.Edward Dyer, President of Art N Deed, LLC.


• "Images of Life." Phish Tea Cafe, Washington, D.C. July 31, 2005 - September 2005


• Norton Kirby Advertising, Washington, D.C. 2005​


• "Heritage Collections." Emma Mae Gallery, Washington, DC. 2005-2004


•"James McLaugin Memorial Staff Show." Phillips Collection, Washington, DC. 2000


•New Horizons Presents Tomorrow's World Art Center. "Celebrating Our Heritage Through The Arts." Atrium Gallery One, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC. 1999


•"Evolution of Historical Symbolisms." Corcoran Gallery of the Art, Hemicycle, Washington, DC. 1997


•"All Senior Summer Show." Corcoran School of the Art, White Walls Gallery, Washington, DC. 1997-1996  




SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS


SELECTED SKILLS



SELECTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES


PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers and Esther Productions, Inc, Washington, D.C.. Responsible for hosting, setting up tables, clean up, interior decorating, stage designing, and recruiting participants. Sounds of Hope at Potter's House (2012), The Gift (October 2015; October 2016, and October 21, 2017); Building Family in the 21st Century (June 2016); Painting Your Future Bright: A Sip and Paint for Girls Ages 13 - 17 (March 16, 2019); and PaintSpiration: An Interactive Workshop designed for girls ages 13 through 17 (May 4, 2019).



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.



AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM TEACHER. JEAP, Washington, D.C.. 2015. Responsible for preparing materials, organizing activities, helping students with assignments, and reporting to management.



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 ½ 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 ½ 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.



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 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.



STUDENT SUCCESS COACH. Center City Public Charter Schools, Washington, DC. October 2013-December 2013. Responsibilities included tutoring individuals or small group of students; uphold the school's behavior policy; and providing assistant with various extended learning program activities as needed.



READING TUTOR​. ​Reading Partners, Washington, D.C. January 2013 through May 2013.​Provided specialized instruction and academic assistance to students in 3rd through 5th grade, using the Reading Partners program and curriculum.



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.


Guest Host. Summer is Magic Artist's Reception. The Martin Luther King Memorial Library, Washington, DC. July 17, 2003


Guest Host. Word of Mouth. Bossa Bistro Lounge, Washington, DC. March 13, 2003


Guest Host for “Open Mic”. John Nelson Gallery, Maryland. November 8, 2003


Guest Host. A Night of Poetry. Trinity College, Cullivy Lounge, Washington, DC. February 19, 2004


Host. Youth Poetry Open Mic. Kick Off Youth Poetry Week. Saturday, April 10, 2004. Mt. Pleasant Library 3160 16th St NW (Corner of 16th and Lamont St. NW) Washington, DC(basement). 


PROGRAM COORDINATOR. Esther Productions, Inc., Washington D.C.. November 2004 - March 2006. Designed and implemented community outreach programs for Esther Productions, Inc.. This involved developing program objectives, identifying potential audience, and developing outreach campaigns for the targeted population. With Esther Productions, Inc also helped create in school - programs that focused on middle school girls growing without their fathers.


Guest Host. The Poets Den (Kaffa House), Washington, DC. July 26, 2001


Host. 1st Thursday Poetry Open Mic Fest sponsored by Cultural Development Corporation and Starbucks, managed by Desho Productions. 2001 - 2002


Coordinator. Open Mic.Islander Caribbean Restaurant & Lounge, Washington, DC. 2001


Co-coordinator. Provisions Poetry Fest and Free the Peace.Provisions Library, Washington, DC. 2002



PROJECT DIRECTOR. Jubilee Enterprise of Greater Washington, DC. August 2001 - August 2002. Supervised overall activities of after school program staff at three sites. Reviewed weekly plans of Academic Activity Coordinator. Also was responsible for hiring and assigning other employees who served as after school tutors; developed and implemented training program for project tutors; maintained program field; collected weekly timesheets for program staff and implemented cultural enrichment and parental involvement activities; developed and implemented special event honoring student achievers; recruited staff; coordinated and implemented activities for the Building Upon Principles Summer Enrichment and Cultural Program.



PROGRAM MONITOR/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. DC Department of Parks and Recreation, Washington, DC. 2001 - 2001. Responsible for oversight of the Summer Arts Program. Duties also included maintenance of the database and general administration.



GALLERY ASSISTANT. Phillips Collection. 2000. Responsible for monitoring and keeping artwork safe during gallery hours.



AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM TEACHER. Academy for Ideal Education, Washington, D.C. 1997. Responsible for preparing materials, organizing activities, helping students with assignments, and reporting to management.



ART CURATOR. New Harlem Gallery, New York City. 1992 - 1993. Installed art for some of the exhibitions held at the New Harlem Gallery.



CONSULTANT. Varies. Washington, DC. 1992 - present. Designed and implemented media campaigns for several individuals, small businesses and nonprofit organizations, including the Malcolm X Dancers and Drummers, Esther Productions, Inc., African American Women's Resource Center, and Adams Morgan Day Festival. This involved identifying media contacts; writing press releases and other publicity materials, including posters and flyers; disseminating press kits; and interfacing with reporters and other journalists. Disseminated flyers, press releases, designed and implemented media campaigns for Esther Productions, Inc and Mr. Ralph Nader. Provided research,fundraising and typing services for Kerry S. Pearson, LLC and DC Coalition for Housing and Justice.


EDUCATION





Corcoran School of the Arts - 1997





Bell Multicultural High School - 1993



REFERENCES FURNISHED UPON REQUEST 


"Your training style provided guidance for me when I started the Afrocentric Book Expos. Thank you for being a friend. " - Ms. Judine B. Slaughter, Takoma Park Library, 2003


"Ms. Abney always a pleasure to see and hear of your community great works. "- Mama Sandy Morgan - Poet, Writer & Storyteller


“....Ms. Afrika Abney was a very dedicated tutor to the fourth grade student with whom she was paired. She was always prompt, and in fact frequently came early in order to prepare for the lesson Ms. Abney was going to teach that day. She was very committed to building a relationship with her student and brought in materials that appealed directly to the student’s interests and worked to connect her lessons with these interests. Ms. Abney is passionate about children’s literacy and that passion was very evident in her work....”- Emily Gaynor, Regional Site Coordinator with Reading Partners


“ Thank you so much for your commitment and dedication to our students and their academic needs! Your work with our youth makes a huge impact on their lives inside and outside of the classroom and you serve as a great role model for each of them. “ – Ms. Martine Blake


“ Afrika Abney is diligent, committed, and positive person.” - Angela Jasper


​"I believe you subbed for me only once a couple of years ago during 2016 - 2017 for my ATL class. I was impressed with your diligent response and following up as soon as possible with how my class went. This was much appreciated. Most of my students usually don't remember the subs name who cover my classes, but they all remembered yours (and referred to you as "Mama Afrika" in an endearing way I believe)." - Aaron Stone, Reading Teacher at DCI with a Masters in Special Education


"From October 2012 -May 2013, Afrika Abney worked for Young Playwrights' Theatre (YPT) as an after-school visual arts teaching artist from at Harriet Tubman Elementary School. During this time, she has proven herself to be a loyal employee and a gifted teaching artist. Her presence in the classroom is strong, and her genuine caring for her students is obvious. She shows a clear understanding of the importance of arts education. She is also timely, hardworking and professional." - Laurie Ascoli


​"Afrika Abney was employed by Young Playwrights' Theater (YPT) from October 2012 - May 2013, when I was YPT's Artistic Director. Ms. Abney was placed at Harriet Tubman Elementary School, teaching visual arts to very young students. This was a pilot program, and Ms. Abney proved her skills especially in working with this age group. She was always professional and completed the residency to our satisfaction. "- Nicole Jost ​


"Afrika is dedicated to teaching art and dance to youth. She is very professional and super willing to go the extra mile to seek clarity and communicate effectively with other teachers." - Sylvana Juliet Christopher, Afrobeats Dance Instructor with Joy of Motion Dance Center


"Afrika served as my substitute dance instructor for Samba Fusions which took place at Joy of Motion Dance Center - Friendship Heights from 2013 - 2015 and was very professional. I was referred to her by Sylvana Juliet Christopher." - Tanya Nuchols, Dance Instructor with Joy of Motion Dance Center


" What is Light" written by Ms. Markette Sheppard, completely sold out of the books and had to take a dozen orders by hand on December 17, 2018 at the 28th Annual BZB Holiday Gift and Art Show that took place at Shiloh Baptist Church." - Markette Sheppard, Journalist (WUSA (9 News) )


​"A Single Suggestion appeared at the 28th Annual BZB Holiday Gift and Art Show and did very well with her sales on December 15, 2018." - Ms. Erika Burnett of A Single Suggestion


"Aaron Johnson has been doing Annual BZB Holiday Gift and Art Show since it started in 1990 at Shiloh Baptist Church. In 2018, the show was very successful much like the rest." - Aaron Johnson, President/CEO of Unitees Screenprints and Embroidery


​"Tonya Butler-Truesdale had a complete blast at the 27th and 28th Annual BZB Holiday Gift and Art Show." - Ms. Tonya Butler - Truesdale of Shea Butter Boy 


"Thank you, Afrika for an outstanding job as my consultant for The Kitchen Table Talks and for keeping me on task! " - Ms. Cassandra Burton, Founder of the African American Women's Resource Center 


"The event entitled: Cotton Field to Concert Hall held at the Kennedy Center on February 16, 2019 as I recall and heard from audience members was a standing room only event in terms of numbers of attendees." - Lester Green, Artistic Director of Coalition for African American in the Performing Arts

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"Afrika Abney has worked as an Arts and Marketing Consultant with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers for many years. She is a dedicated, devoted and innovative worker who has gotten results for us, as we offer performances in the community. " - Doc Powell, Founder of the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 


"Afrika Abney is an awesome marketing consultant. As president of Esther Productions Inc., I have worked with her for nearly a decade on various projects. She has helped us define and target our audiences for each event or program. She has helped us brainstorm effective and creative ways to audiences, and she has been one of the critical elements of our success. If you want marketing, promotions and all around hardworking consultant on your team who will care about your projects and the people you serve, then Afrika Abney is the person you will want to hire." - Jonetta Rose Barras, President and CEO of Esther Productions, Inc


"Afrika Abney is an experienced marketing professional who dedicates herself to all her projects. She enjoys doing promotional and public relations events and has been in this milieu for years." - Joy Jones, DC Public Library, Poet and Author