Past Announcements
Ms. Afrika Abney previously posted announcements referencing various events.
DISCOVERING ME...WITHOUT YOU Personal Essay Contest for Teen Girls
If you know a young lady between the ages of 13 and 18, and who is dealing with the challenge of growing up in a home without the presence of their biological father, then the DISCOVERING ME...WITHOUT YOU Personal Essay Contest for Teen Girls is an excellent opportunity for them to share their story while instigating their own personal healing and fueling resilience.
4th Annual Essay Contest presented by Esther Productions, Inc in partnership with The Anacostia Coordinating Council and The Black Student Fund.
NOW EXTENDED THROUGH NOVEMBER 5TH!
If your essay is selected by the judges, you could receive a cash award
$1500 (for those between the age of 15 and 18)
OR
$500 (for those between the age of 13 and 14)
Anyone not selected for the top prizes will receive a $15 cash gift certificate
Email to estherproductionsinc@gmail.com
Info: estherproductionsinc.com/contest
"When I was a little younger; I was sad because I would see other girls with their dads and realize I didn't have that. On the TV when I see dads enjoying fun times with kids, I think, 'Wow I wish I had that with my dad." Y Gorham (a 2019 Discovering Me...contest winner.)https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/contest
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
CHANGE OF LOCATION: Discovering Me Summit and Awards Ceremony
https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/the-discovery-summit-and-scholarship-awards-ceremony
Dec 10, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST
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. Anita Josey-Herring, chief judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, will provide remarks and present awards to the top scholarship winners and honorable mentions. The summit will include mini-workshop presentations by television actor Addison Switzer, self-care guru Jennifer Okosun and therapist Dr. Tracie Robinson; they will focus on providing greater understanding of the impact of father absence while developing resilience and personal power.
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.
“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.”
featuring
Beverly Sims, Blanche Thomas, Betty Nyangoni, Rosalind Blunt, Kanimozhi MV, Sharon Burton, Lesa Warrick and jonetta rose barras
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
Me, Myself and Our Story: The Art of the Personal Essay, A Writing Workshop for Girls 14-17
Time & Location
Sep 23, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM EDT
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)
Here's what you can expect: Participants will review select essays by award-winning writers; identify the elements of a well-constructed essay; examine various traditional and non-traditional formats for a personal essay; discuss what topics are more conducive to a successful essay; choose a subject for development within the workshop; write a draft of a personal essay; and share that writing with the class.
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.
If you need more information write to us at: estherproductionsinc@gmail.com
The deadline for the contest which was presented by Esther Productions Inc and The Black Student Fund was October 31st. The essayists are sharing their personal stories during the summit on December 9th. The summit is presented by Esther Productions Inc and The Black Student Fund.Questions email to estherproductionsinc@gmail.com.
Please register at https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/the-discovery-summit-scholarship-awards-ceremony
DISCOVERING ME…WITHOUT PERSONAL ESSAY CONTEST
presented by Esther Productions Inc. & The Black Student Fund opened on September 1, 2023 for submissions.
If you know a young lady who is dealing with the challenge of growing up in a home without the presence of their biological father, then the DISCOVERING ME...WITHOUT YOU Personal Essay Contest for Teen Girls is an excellent opportunity for them to share their story while instigating their own personal healing and fueling resilience.
Submit your essay now through Oct. 31, 2023
WIN CASH AWARDS (Up TO $1500), GIFT CARDS, PUBLICATION
YOU CAN HAVE IT BUT YOU HAVE TO SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY FOR A CHANCE
SOMETIMES PERSONAL OR FAMILY CHALLENGES CAN GIVE US STRENGTH
Each year Esther Productions Inc. presents cash prizes for the best essay written by teen girls in grades 8th through 12th who are facing the challenge of father absence.
Write an essay of not less than 750 and not more than 1500 words telling us how you have faced that struggle while discovering yourself and your resilience.
Email to estherproductionsinc@gmail.com
Info: https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/copy-3-of-discovering-me-scholarship
Esther Productions Inc., a non-profit organization that empowers young women and girls to heal from past familial trauma and tension. www.estherproductionsinc.com/
"Black Student Fund is the best education equity organization in the Washington, DC area." - https://www.blackstudentfund.org/about-us
"When I was a little younger; I was sad because I would see other girls with their dads and realize I didn't have that. On the TV when I see dads enjoying fun times with kids, I think, 'Wow I wish I had that with my dad." Y Gorham (a 2019 Discovering Me...contest winner).
Join Esther Productions, Inc and Black Student Fund for the Discovering Me Summit and Awards Ceremony includes special appearance by The Honorable Anita Josey-Herring, chief judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, plus mini workshops, led by dynamic clinicians, wellness experts and healing artists including jonetta rose barras, Dr. Misty Freeman and Dr. Tracie Robinson, that are designed to educate, inspire and empower fatherless girls and women who are grappling with the adverse consequences of father absence.
The event also celebrates teen girls who entered the Discovering Me Without You Personal Essay Scholarship Contest which was presented by Esther Productions, Inc and the Black Student Fund. The top winners of that competition will be announced on December 9, 2023. The deadline for the contest was October 31st.
Register at https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/the-discovery-summit-scholarship-awards-ceremony
THE HONORABLE ANITA JOSEY-HERRING, chief judge, Superior Court of the District of Columbia, was appointed to the bench in November 1997 by President William Clinton. She was selected as chief judge on July 21, 2020 and was sworn in on Oct. 16, 2020. She has had a very distinguished career. As an Associate Judge, she served in the Family, Civil and Criminal Divisions of the court. In 2000, Judge Josey-Herring was appointed by the Chief Judge to serve as the Deputy Presiding Judge of the Family Court and later served as the Presiding Judge of the Family Court from 2006 through 2008. During her service in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Chief Judge Josey-Herring has led numerous initiatives to improve the quality of justice and service to litigants and attorneys alike. She led the highly regarded Family Treatment Court Initiative that provides drug treatment and social services to mothers charged with neglecting their children due to substance abuse. Additionally, Chief Judge Josey-Herring presided over the Family Treatment Court calendar from its inception and collaborated with District agencies to deliver services to parents and children in the neglect system. She also presided over the Juvenile Drug Court prior to the establishment of the Family Treatment Court. Chief Judge Josey-Herring alsoplayed a significant role in the development and implementation of the D.C. Family Court and implemented several programs, in her role as Deputy Presiding and later Presiding Judge of Family Court, to improve the quality of justice provided to District families. Chief Judge Josey-Herring has also served on numerous committees. She has received a host of awards in recognition of her service to citizens of the District of Columbia.
Ms. Jonetta Barras is an award-winning journalist and best-selling author. She has more than 20 years experience reporting and commenting on national social, political, and cultural trends, including as an opinion writer with The Washington Post, Washington Examiner and Washington City Paper.
Ms. Barras founded Esther Productions Inc. in 2004 after the publication of her Black Board bestseller Whatever Happened to Daddy's Little Girl: The Impact of Fatherlessness on Black Women (Ballantine 2000, hardcover—2001, paperback). She has spoken at more than two-dozen national and international conferences and symposia, and many consider her the foremost authority on the affects of father absence among girls and women.
Dr. Tracie Robinson, Ph. D, RP, CHT is a holistic artist healer and certified dance/movement therapist with more than 30 years of experience. She uses structure and/or authentic dance and movement to facilitate synergistic change. Her goal is to expose people to their predispositions by integrating movement, gestures, rhythms, breath, verbal and non-verbal communication with a less defended expression of the body. This also includes facilitating the revelation of repressed feelings, structured movement interventions, exploring alternative methods of resolving internal and interpersonal conflicts and supporting psychological growth in areas of self-empowerment, self-esteem and positive body image.
"Dr. Misty Freeman applies her expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. "
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/
Contact: Esther Productions, Inc at estherproductionsinc@gmail.com
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/discovering-me-summit-and-awards-ceremony-tickets-761538300557
https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/the-discovery-summit-scholarship-awards-ceremony
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. The city and its population will serve as the prime classroom. Participants during this first semester of the Institute will discover the poetry around them and the poet in them.
This six-week ART OF POETRY WRITING course is for individuals who want to learn the basics of formal poetry writing as well as those seeking to master their style and strengthen their voice.
The lead instructor is award-winning poet and author jonetta rose barras. She has published two collections of poetry and appears in numerous journals and anthologies.
The first session took place on February 10, 2024 via Zoom.
The second session scheduled for February 24, 2024.
https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/seating-added-african-americans-and-childrens-literature-a-symposium-and-exhibition
African Americans and Children's Literature: A Symposium and Exhibition
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.
COME MEET THE PEOPLE AND INSTITUTIONS THAT STOOD AGAINST RACISM AND INEQUALITY TO HELP ESTABLISH AN AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERARY CANON THAT BUILT AND FORTIFIED A COMMUNITY.
KICKING OFF THE DAY at 9 am: Sidney Clifton, daughter of Lucille Clifton and founder of Clifton House; Sidney Clifton is also a producer, director and creative executive overseeing animated, mixed-media and live-action content. She has produced hundreds of hours of episodic and longform content, and children’s and primetime content on Apple TV+, BET, NBC, Showtime, Paramount, and Hallmark Channel, and serves on the Board of Directors of The Academy of American Poets.
9:20 am: A SPECIAL EXHIBITION featuring historical information about Black writers who lived and/or worked in DC during the late 1960s through the present.
THEN GO INSIDE THE EFFORT TO BUILD AN AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN'S LITERARY CANON
9:30 am- REMOVING THE MASK, AMPLIFYING OUR VOICES: The Struggle of Black Authors to Get Their Stories For Children Depicting Authentic African American Life, History and Culture Published By Mainstream Companies PRESENTERS: Brian Gilmore, Carolivia Herron, Wynn Yarbrough, Bernard Demczuk and jonetta rose barras
11:30 am — IN CONVERSATION-- An exciting and provocative conversation between award-winning author and influencer Sharon Bell Mathis, a leader of the "Golden Age of Black Children’s Literature, and Grammy nominee, and literary activist and poet E. Ethelbert Miller.
12:45 pm SEEING OURSELVES IN THE RIVER, IN THE MIRROR, IN THE WORLD: Illustrators and Authors Talk About The Challenge of Creating Images That Bring Books Written by Black Authors Alive. PRESENTERS: Jennifer Lawson, Justin Johnson, Keesha Ceran and Sheila Crider
2:00 pm – TRUNKS, SATCHELS AND THE US POSTAL SERVICE: Book Distributors and Store Owners Tell Their Stories About Getting Black Books into the World By Any and All Means Necessary. PRESENTERS Courtland Cox, Paul Coates, Vanessa Williams, and Kojo Nnamdi
3:30 pm- UNFINISHED BUSINESS, UNTOLD STORIES: A Look Beyond the Immediate Horizon at The Future of Children’s Literature Written by African American Authors. PRESENTERS: Kwame Alexander, Tricia Elam Walker, David Miller, Tiffany Mitchell Patterson, Leroy Nesbitt and Joy Jones
OFFICIAL ONSITE BOOKSELLER: Sankofa: Video Books Cafe
Authors will sign books throughout the day
This event is curated by award-winning author and public scholar jonetta rose barras and historian and humanities scholar Bernard Demczuk Ph.D. in partnership with 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.
IT'S FREE. REGISTER IS REQUIRED. www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/african-americans-and-childrens-literature-a-symposium-and-exhibition
for more information write to aachildrenslit2023@gmail.com
African Americans and Children's Literature: A Symposium and Exhibition
SEEING OURSELVES IN THE RIVER, IN THE MIRROR, IN THE WORLD: DC'S AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERARY HISTORY ON TOUR
Apr 20, 2024, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Washington, 3310 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Esther Productions Inc., in partnership with The Black Student Fund and The Institute for African American Writing presents two authors Ms. Joy Jones and Mr. E.Ethelbert Miller on April 20th. Info: aachildrenslit2023@gmail.com.
" 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.”
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.
"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."
SEEING OURSELVES: DC'S AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERARY HISTORY ON TOUR