PRESS RELEASES FOR THE FATHERLESS DAUGHTER RECONCILIATION PROJECT (FDJ)

The below press releases pertaining to the events were widely disseminated via email and limited social media postings by Ms. Afrika Abney.

The press releases were for services for The Fatherless Daughter Reconciliation Project "is a constellation of programs that include The Fatherless Daughters Speak Out, Discovering Me…Without You: An Annual Personal Essay Contest, Daughters Circle and Awakening: Women Power and Magic. Specifically designed for teen girls ages 13 through 17, The Fatherless Daughters SpeakOut guide participants to the path of self-actualization using fun arts-based interactive and intervention techniques. These sessions include PaintSpiration; MoveOver, and SayWhat!

Discovering Me...Without You: An Annual Personal Essay Contest is for teen girls 14-17 who live in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Region. It is designed to aid in the healing of fatherless girls by using the personal essay to help them discover their personal strengths and resilience. Cash prizes are presented to the winners and the writings of all finalists are published in a chapbook that is released in the spring of each year."

NATIONAL DADDY DAUGHTER REUNION TOUR

For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 2, 2006

The National Daughter-Daddy Reunion Tour is a new advocacy and service model that provides the first ever focus in the fatherhood movement on the plight of fatherless daughters.

It advocates on behalf of this population, which is estimated at over 30 million, by lobbying service providers and practitioners to design programs that respond to their needs. The Tour also advances a program that encourages the reconciliation of daughters and once-absent dads. And, the Tour seeks to inspire healthy, long lasting relationships and marriages for fatherless daughters by providing them the resources they need to overcome the adverse consequences of absence.

The National Daughter-Daddy Reunion Tour was founded in 2005 by Jonetta Rose Barras, author of “Whatever Happened to Daddy's Little Girl?” and “Bridges: Reuniting Daughters & Daddies.”

The National Daughter-Daddy Reunion Tour returns to Washington, DC on October 6, 2006 and October 7, 2006 at The National City Christian Church. This year’s event is sponsored by CIGNA Healthcare, MedStar Health, The D.C. Metropolitan Healthy Marriage and Relationship Coalition-Together is Better Campaign, The Summit Fund, The National City Christian Church. Additional support is provided by Verizon, Washington, PEPCO, EmergeDC, LLC, The Downtown Cluster of Congregations, Bill Regardie, Nigel Parkinson Sr. and The Friends of the National Daughter-Daddy Reunion Tour.

###

BUILDING FAMILY IN THE 21ST CENTURY

For Immediate Release

Contact Esther Productions, Inc

202-829-0591

BUILDING FAMILY IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Washington, D.C.—Traditional, blended, gay: How does family look today? Is it possible to build a cohesive unit despite divorce, incarceration, and other general social dysfunction? Is family still relevant?Those and other questions are expected to be answered during Building Family in the 21st Century: A Moderated Conversation being held June 11, 2016 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Francis Gregory Neighborhood Library (3660 Alabama Ave. SE.)

Coming just one week before Father’s Day, the conversation about family will include interesting and provocative civic and thought leaders, including HyeSook Chung, executive director of DC Action for Children, Darryl Green, president of Baltimore-based Deep Forgiveness, Brittany Nicole Adams, MS Resident in Counseling and co-director of Esther Productions Inc.’s Fatherless Daughter Reconciliation Project, and Frank Love, radio host and relationship advisor. Brother Yao (Hoke) Glover, assistant professor at Bowie State, will moderate the discussion.

As communities grapple with youth violence, teen pregnancy, drug addiction, and education achievement gaps, should family be seen as a viable and potent antidote? When the family is strong, children and adults thrive. Equally important, neighborhoods become safe, healthy and economically solid.A coalition of nonprofit individuals and organizations—Jonetta Rose Barras, author of "Whatever Happened to Daddy’s Little Girl? The Impact of Fatherlessness on Black Women, the Francis Gregory Neighborhood Library, Esther Productions, Inc., The Spoken Word and Kuumba Expressions—has joined forces to present this very important program. It is free and open to the public. (The first 25 people to attend the event who also have a library card will receive signed copies of Ms. Barras’ book.)

For more information please call 202-829-0591 or write estherproductionsinc@gmail.com

Biography of Participants

Brittany Adams, MS Resident in Counseling, works with adolescents, service providers, and families. She is also co-director of Esther Productions Inc.’s Fatherless Daughter Reconciliation Project. An accomplished artist, and arts administrator, Ms. Adams graduated from Hampton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and minor in Criminology. She obtained her Masters of Science from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Art Therapy and Counseling. She also produced a mural for the Marriage and Family Thirty-Fourth Annual Conference, and an artwork for the Hampton University Institute Proton Therapy Center. Ms. Adams’ paintings and drawings have received critical acclaim including from the International African American Journal Reviews.

HyeSook Chung is the executive director of DC Action for Children, a child advocacy organization working to bring high impact outcomes to DC children. She serves on numerous advisory boards focused on social change, including the Annie E. Casey’s KIDS COUNT national steering committee, DataKind and Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. In addition to having expertise on issues that affect young children, Ms. Chung is a data and technology enthusiast whose innovative vision for data work has been highlighted at IMB Insight Data Conference, the list of Rockefeller Foundation’s Top 100 Innovative NGO’s, Unicef and SXSW Education.

Darryl C. Green is the president of Deep Forgiveness. As an advocate for the restoration of families and economic empowerment for the disenfranchised, he is a staunch proponent of reconciliation and forgiveness. Green has been characterized by industry professionals as an innovative change agent on mental health, healing, social welfare and social justice. He has served as program manager for a 60-bed facility for men transitioning from homelessness, incarceration and substance abuse under the auspices of Catholic Charities Baltimore, MD. He also was Male Service Facilitator for Casey Family Services, the direct service agency for the Annie Casey Foundation. Green was the lead consultant for Operation Safe Streets Southwest, an initiative by Mayor Rawlings Blake to combat shootings and murders in Baltimore, Maryland. He hold a master’s degree in Criminal Justice with special interest in Crime and Delinquency Prevention and Control from Coppin State University, a master’s in Social Work with special interest in Urban Children, Youth and Families from Morgan State University and a Bachelor’s Criminal Justice from Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, North Carolina.

Frank Love (Yao Tyus) is a father of five and author of "How to Gracefully Exit a Relationship." A native Washingtonian, he has degrees from both Howard and The George Washington Universities. He has spent years providing advice and guidance to others around relationship dynamics, including issues of loyalty, trust and partnership. He is the host of the Frank Love Relationships Radio Show.

Yao (Hoke) Glover is the former owner of Karibu Books and a poet whose poetry and essays have been published in African American Review, Obsidian III, Tidal Basin Review, Smartish Pace, Beltway Quarterly, Beltway, Spectre, Libations, Plougshares, and other journals and anthologies. Mr. Glover is also assistant professor of English at Bowie State University. Much of his work explores issues of inheritance and family. He and Karla Wilkerson-Glover have been married for twenty-four years; they have three children.

BUILDING FAMILY IN THE 21ST CENTURY is made possible through generous financial support from the DC Public Library, Francis Gregory Neighborhood Library; Fort Myer Construction Corporation Charitable Foundation,Inc.; Kerry S. Pearson LLC; and PEPCO.

RECOVERING FROM TRAUMATIC LOSS THE FOCUS OF POWERFUL WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN PRESENTED BY AUTHOR JONETTA ROSE BARRAS AND ESTHER PRODUCTIONS, INC

For Immediate Release

Contact Esther Productions, Inc 202-829-0591

RECOVERING FROM TRAUMATIC LOSS THE FOCUS OF POWERFUL WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN PRESENTED BY AUTHOR JONETTA ROSE BARRAS AND ESTHER PRODUCTIONS, INC

On October 15, 2016, Esther Productions, Inc will present “THE GIFT: An Interactive Arts Healing and Reconciliation Experience" from 9:30am through 2:00 pm at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1313 New York Avenue NW in Washington, DC. It is a powerful six-hour program designed by therapists, artists and grief specialists to help fatherless girls and women locate their pain, address its destructive expression, and set themselves on a path of healing and empowerment. Interested individuals may call 202-829-0591 or send an email to estherproductionsinc@gmail.com to register. Space is limited.

FATHERLESS DAUGHTERS’ VOICES FEATURED AT A SPECIAL SPEAK OUT

For Immediate Release

Contact: jonetta rose barras

202-829-0591

FATHERLESS DAUGHTERS’ VOICES FEATURED AT A SPECIAL SPEAK OUT

May 20, 2017-10 AM to Noon at 1658 Columbia Rd. NW

Please join Esther Productions Inc and Ms. Jonetta Rose Barras on May 20, 2017 at Potter's House for first in a series of Fatherless Daughters Speak Out providing an opportunity for girls between the ages of 13 and 17 to learn more about father absence and how they can overcome its negative consequences. They also will have the chance to tell their stories using expertly designed visual arts and performance poetry activities.

The event is free but registration is required. Interested people can register by sending an email to estherproductionsinc@gmail.com or call 202-829-0591.

Generous support provided by: Fort Myer Construction Corporation Charitable Foundation, Pepco, an Exelon Company and Kerry S. Pearson LLC.

www.estherproductionsinc.com --estherproductionsinc@gmail.com 202.829.0591

DAUGHTERLESS FATHERS SPEAK OUT

For Immediate Release

Contact: jonetta rose barras

202-829-0591

DAUGHTERLESS FATHERS SPEAK OUT

(Washington, DC) - DAUGHTERLESS FATHERS SPEAK OUT on Sept. 9, 2017 from 10 am to 12 pm at 1313 New York Ave. in Washington,DC. If you're a father who is separated from your daugther because of divorce or abandonment, then this session is for you. The event is hosted by Esther Productions, Inc.

Send and email to estherproductionsinc@gmail.com and REGISTER for the DAUGHTERLESS FATHERS SPEAK OUT.

Esther Productions, Inc. is a national nonprofit organization based in DC that is dedicated to inspiring and empowering fatherless girls and women. The organization is supported through generous donations from Kerry S. Pearson, LLC, Pepco, an Exelon Company, Fort Myer Construction Corporation Charitable Foundation, Emmanuel Bailey, Veterans Corp. and Esther’s Friends.

PAINTSPIRATION: REFLECT AND PAINT!

Esther Productions Inc.

and

jonetta rose barras

present

PaintSpiration: Reflect and Paint!

Saturday Feb.17, 2018

9:30 am to 12:30 pm

1313 New York Ave. NW.

Washington, D.C. 20005

Esther Productions, Inc., a national nonprofit organization, is presenting PaintSpiration: Reflect and Paint! on February 17, 2018 at 9:30am at New York Presbysterian Church.

Join award-winning visual artist Brittany N. Adams in a fun morning. She will guide you, brush stroke by brush stroke, through creation of your own masterpiece, while inspiring you to reflect on your goals and dreams for this New Year and beyond. It’s our version of paint and sip, but with equal focus on your empowerment.

$15.00 –All materials are provided, and refreshments will be served.

Registration is required: estherproductionsinc@gmail.com

Space is Limited. Don’t delay!

About Brittany Adams

An accomplished artist, arts administrator, and successful primary/clinical therapist, Ms. Adams graduated from Hampton University with a BA in Fine Arts and a minor in Criminology. She has produced paintings and other works for a variety of institutions and individuals, including celebrity Tom Joyner. Ms. Adams currently works for a behavioral health center in Hampton Roads,Va. as a primary/clinical therapist providing therapeutic services through integrative counseling approaches to adolescents and families.

About Jonetta Rose Barras - President and C.E.O of Esther Productions, Inc

She is an award-wining 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.

She hosted her own weekly radio show on the 50,000-watt WPFW-FM radio in Washington, D.C. Following that stint, she served for more than six years as the political analyst for NPR affiliate WAMU-FM radio, where 75,000 individuals listened each week to her. She also has appeared on CBS (60 Minutes), C-SPAN, CNN, PBS (This is America with Dennis Wholey) and Fox News Channel’s The O’Reilly Factor.

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.

Understanding the need to offer solutions to Esther Productions Inc.’s target audience of fatherless girls and women, Ms. Barras wrote Bridges: Reuniting Daughters and Daddies (Bancroft Press 2005). That book is a step-by-step guide for girls and women hoping to reconcile with their fathers or simply to come to terms completely with the affects of father absence in their lives.

Esther Productions Inc. is a national nonprofit organization based in DC., dedicated to “inspiring girls and women, restoring families and building communities.”

BEATING FATHER ABSENCE BLUES AND EMPOWERING WOMEN TOP A SPECIAL EVENT PRESENTED BY ESTHER PRODUCTIONS IN ASSOCIATION WITH MY SISTER’S PLACE ON OCT. 21, 2017For Immediate Release

Contact Esther Productions, Inc

202-829-0591

BEATING FATHER ABSENCE BLUES AND EMPOWERING WOMEN TOP A SPECIAL EVENT PRESENTED BY ESTHER PRODUCTIONS IN ASSOCIATION WITH MY SISTER’S PLACE ON OCT. 21, 2017

Call it an insidious, silent destroyer. That is the most accurate description of father absence--although most people don't think of it that way. Truth be told, many people don't think of it at all. And yet, the negative affects of father absence are experienced by millions of girls and adult women.

Esther Productions Inc., a national nonprofit organization, My Sister’s Place, artist Brittany Nicole Adams and author Jonetta Rose Barras have joined forces to present THE GIFT: An Interactive Arts Healing and Reconciliation Experience on October 21, 2017 from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm at 1313 New York Ave. NW, in Washington, D.C.

A powerful interactive program, designed by therapists, artists and social service providers, THE GIFT promises to help girls and women struggling with the pain and adverse affects of father absence. It doesn’t matter whether their father left their lives because of divorce, was never a part of their lives, or died an untimely death. This program will bring relief and empowerment to girls and women from any circumstances.

The day begins with a special opening ceremony that helps individuals identify areas of emotional pain that may be affecting personal or professional lives. They are then moved through three intense and impactful arts healing sessions, created to help them better understand their situations and them to help them develop a plan for moving past the pain to empowerment. While the work is serious, it is fun and engaging.

A continental breakfast and light lunch also will be served. And door prizes will be awarded. The entire event is free but registration is required: estherproductionsinc@gmail.com.

This event is made possible by the generous contributions of Fort Myer Construction Corporation Charitable Foundation, Pepco, an Exelon Company, Kerry S. Pearson LLC, and Veterans Corp/Emmanuel S. Bailey

FATHERLESS TEEN GIRLS ARE INVITED TO SPEAK OUT ON APRIL 14, 2018 DURING A SPECIAL EVENT PRESENTED BY ESTHER PRODUCTIONS INC AND AUTHOR JONETTA BARRAS For Immediate Release

For more information: 202-829-0591

FATHERLESS TEEN GIRLS ARE INVITED TO SPEAK OUT ON APRIL 14, 2018 DURING A SPECIAL EVENT PRESENTED BY ESTHER PRODUCTIONS INC AND AUTHOR Jonetta Rose Barras

Esther Productions Inc., a 13-year-old, national nonprofit organization, and award-wining journalist Jonetta Rose Barras have joined forces to present THE FATHERLESS DAUGHTERS SPEAK OUT on April 14, 2018 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at 1313 New York Ave. NW, in Washington, D.C. The event aims to allow teen girls between the ages of 13 and 17 to discuss their struggle with father absence, including how it may be affecting their lives at school, in their homes and in their communities.

The day is filled with customized creative therapies, including games and special art projects. It begins with an opening ceremony that helps participants identify the key factors of the Fatherless Daughter/Woman Syndrome as codified by Jonetta Rose Barras in her best-selling book "Whatever Happened to daddy’s Little Girl?"

The entire event is free but registration is required: estherproductionsinc@gmail.com or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fatherless-daughters-speak-out-tickets-43485374927?aff=ehomecard

This event is made possible by the generous contributions of Kerry S. Pearson LLC, Fort Myer Construction Corporation Charitable Foundation, PEPCO, an Exelon Company, Duane and Sharon Gautier and Veterans Corp/Emmanuel S. Bailey.

www.estherproductionsinc.com --estherproductionsinc@gmail.com 202.829.0591

PAINTING YOUR FUTURE BRIGHT: A SIP AND PAINT FOR GIRLS AGES 13 - 17 HOSTED BY ESTHER PRODUCTIONS, INC

PRESENTED BY BRITTANY ADAMS

For Immediate Release

Contact: Jonetta Barras at estherproductionsinc@gmail.com

Painting Your Future Bright: A Sip and Paint for Girls Ages 13 - 17

Hosted by Esther Productions, Inc

Presented by Brittany Adams

Washington, D.C. - Please join Esther Productions Inc for Painting Your Future Bright: A Sip and Paint ages 13 - 17 on March 16, 2019 from 10:30am - 12:30pm at Trinity Washington University,125 Michigan Avenue NE., in Washington, D.C.

Are you a teen girl growing up without the active involvement of your father and you want to understand how his absence may be affecting your life? Do you want to learn how to heal from fatherlessness? Are you looking for tools and resources that will empower you?

Then, join us for this exciting workshop with nationally known artist/healer. A popular facilitator, she had conducted dozens of these kind of sessions, guiding fatherless girls and women in using the arts to discuss their confusion about father absence or their pain while having fun and meeting their inner artist.

Brittany Adams art works have been featured in International African American Journal reviews. Some of her art also has been included in the private collections of national celebrities, including radio talk show host Tom Joyner. Ms. Adams also has served as the Artistic Director of Young Audiences, providing art experiences for children, including those in underserved communities. She is also a highly sought illustrator of children and young adult books.

Participants are not required to have previous arts experience. All supplies will be provided. All that’s needed is you. LIGHT REFRESHMENTS. DOOR PRIZES. PLENTY OF FUN.

Esther Productions, Inc. is dedicated to using a variety of vehicles—traditional and nontraditional—to develop communities throughout the United States and Europe.

CHILDREN’S BOOK ILLUSTRATOR AND PAINTER BRITTANY N. ADAMS TO LEAD PAINT AND SIP FOR FATHERLESS TEEN GIRLS MAY 4, 2019 IN WASHINGTON, DCFor Immediate Release

Contact: jonetta rose barras

202-829-0591

info@estherproductionsinc.com

Children’s Book Illustrator and Painter Brittany N. Adams to Lead Paint and Sip for Fatherless Teen Girls May 4, 2019 in Washington, DC

Washington, D.C. – Esther Productions Inc. presents PaintSpiration: An Interactive Workshop designed for girls ages 13 through 17 on May 4, 2019 from 10:00am - 12:00pm at 1313 New York Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. featuring nationally known artist Brittany N. Adams, ATR, LPC.

Ms Adams art works have been featured in International African American Journal reviews. Some of her art also have been included in the private collections of national celebrities, including radio talk show host Tom Joyner. Ms. Adams also has served as the Artistic Director of Young Audiences, providing art experiences for children, including those in underserved communities. She is also a highly sought illustrator of children and young adult books.

During the workshop, Ms. Adams will guide participants to completing a work of art. Further, she will lead participants in discussing issues around father absence, including identifying its affects in their lives. She will help them understand how arts can heal the adverse consequences of fatherlessness and offer resources that will help empower them.

Participants are not required to have previous arts experiences and they do not have to bring any equipment. Light refreshments will be provided, and door prizes will be given out.

Registration is required. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paintspiration-an-interactive-workshop-for-fatherless-girls-13-through-17-tickets-59273255904?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete

ESTHER PRODUCTIONS INC LAUNCHES DISCOVERING ME…WITHOUT YOU

A PERSONAL ESSAY CONTEST FOR GIRLS BETWEEN AGES OF 14 AND 17 WITH A $500 1ST PLACE CASH PRIZE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Esther Productions Inc

202-829-0591-- estherproductionsinc@gmail.com

ESTHER PRODUCTIONS INC LAUNCHES DISCOVERING ME…WITHOUT YOU

A PERSONAL ESSAY CONTEST FOR GIRLS BETWEEN AGES OF 14 AND 17 with A $500 1ST PLACE CASH PRIZE

Sometimes personal or family challenges can give us strength. They can help us to become more resilience, confident in our abilities; they can help us achieve self-actualization. That is the philosophy that fuels Esther Productions Inc. First Annual Discovering Me…Without You: A Personal Essay Contest.

Girls between the ages of 14 and 17 are asked to tell their narrative of growing up without the daily presence of their fathers in their lives. Most important, each contestant is asked to reveal her story of self-discovery: how she has come to know her worth and value; how she has come to recognize her imperfections but also her strengths; and how she believes she can succeed in the world despite the challenge of fatherlessness.

Essays between 750 words and 2,000 words are being accepted from Sept 3, 2019 through Nov. 1, 2019. All essays must be original, written in English, typed with 12 point-font and doubled space. They may be submitted on paper--Esther Productions Inc. P.O. Box 21570, Washington, DC. 20009—or electronically –info@estherproductionsinc.com

The entries will be judged by a team of successful professional leaders including Ana Acevedo, Operations and Communications Manager at the Family Place Public Charter School; Patricia Bitondo, Woman’s National Democratic Club; Ana R. Harvey, a former senior executive in President Barack Obama’s administration; Brenda Miller, Executive Director of the DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy; Brandy Payne a nonprofit communications director; Carlyncia Peck, CEO of viaJ entertainment services, llc; Winfield Swanson; Woman’s National Democratic Club; and Addison Switzer, CEO of BuckWild Media.

The first-place winner will receive $500; second place will be given $300; third place will be given $100. Two honorable mention awards of $50 each will also be given out. The winners will be announced in January 2020 at a special reception. Further, the essays of all finalists will be published in a book.

There is no fee to participate in the contest. However, entrants must be between the ages of 14 and 17 and live and attend school in the Washington-Metropolitan Region.

For more details about the contest visit www.estherproductionsinc.com/contest.

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. Special Thanks: Afrika Abney, Arts and Marketing Consultant

ESTHER PRODUCTIONS INC PRESENTS INSIDE JOB: THE ART OF PERSONAL ESSAY WRITING WORKSHOP FOR TEEN GIRLS AGES 14 THROUGH 17

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Esther Productions Inc

202-829-0591-- estherproductionsinc@gmail.com

Esther Productions Inc presents

INSIDE JOB: THE ART OF PERSONAL ESSAY WRITING

WORKSHOP FOR TEEN GIRLS AGES 14 THROUGH 17

Everyone, even teen girls-- or maybe especially teen girls--have stories to tell. Esther Productions Inc., a nonprofit based in Washington, DC, is presenting a writing workshops designed to help each participant discover her inner story while presenting it for public appreciation.

INSIDE JOB: The Art of Personal Essay Writing will be held on Sept. 21 at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library—3310 Connecticut Ave. NW—10:30 am to 12:30

Award-winning journalist and author jonetta rose barras will lead the workshop. She has expertly used the art of personal essay to take readers inside her world, hoping to help them understand and assess important local and national issues. Her writings have appeared in the Washington Post, the Washington City Paper, the Washington Examiner, Essence Magazine and the New Republic. She has written three nonfiction books and two collections of poetry. Her fiction and essays have appeared in numerous anthologies and journals.

“The personal essay is not just a high school writing assignment or one more item for a college application. When executed with thoughtfulness, skill and passion, it can be a powerful work of literary art,” says barras, citing the works of Joan Didion, James Baldwin, Annie Dillard and Virginia Woolf as classic examples. More contemporary examples might include Mindy Kaling and Zadie Smith.

Participants in the INSIDE JOB: The Art of Personal Essay Writing may not be on the best-seller list yet, but the stories they tell can be just as compelling and engaging. No one will know for certain until they craft that first sentence, the first paragraph, the first essay.

INSIDE JOB: The Art of Personal Essay Writing is free, but registration is required, and seating is limited. (The workshops are being presented in conjunction with Esther Productions Inc. essay writing contest—DISCOVERING ME…WITH YOU)

To register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inside-jobthe-art-of-personal-essay-writing-for-teens-ages-14-through-17-tickets-69234978685

Esther Productions Inc presents INSIDE JOB: THE ART OF PERSONAL ESSAY WRITING WORKSHOP -- The Sequel FOR TEEN GIRLS AGES 14 THROUGH 17

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Esther Productions Inc

202-829-0591-- estherproductionsinc@gmail.com

Esther Productions Inc presents INSIDE JOB: THE ART OF PERSONAL ESSAY WRITING WORKSHOP -- The Sequel FOR TEEN GIRLS AGES 14 THROUGH 17

Everyone, especially teens--have stories to tell. Esther Productions Inc., a nonprofit based in Washington, DC, is presenting a writing workshop designed to help each teen participant discover her/his inner story while presenting it for public appreciation.

INSIDE JOB: The Art of Personal Essay Writing -- The Sequel will take place on October 19, 2019 from 12:30pm to 3:00pm at the Bellevue/William O. Lockridge Library 115 Atlantic St. SW. It's free. Light refreshments will be served.

A sequel to the successful session held last month, this workshop will be led by the award-winning and popular writer/performance artist Bomani Armah. Bomani Armah is "...not a rapper, but a poet with a hip-hop style". The DC area native is most known for his viral and BET music video hit "Read a Book". Bomani is currently a Kennedy Center Changing Education Through the Arts (CETA) program facilitator and an Arts Integration Specialist on the Young Audiences of Maryland roster. He is the former Director of Poetry Events (D.o.P.E.) for Busboys and Poets restaurant and performance venue chain and co-executive producer of Busboys and Poets first poetry album Ain’t U Heard. Bomani combines the poetic lyricism and social commentary in the tradition of Langston Hughes and KRS-ONE, with the soul stirring rhythm inspired by James Brown, Fela, Bob Marley, George Clinton, Chuck Brown and other purveyors of funk from throughout the African Diaspora . https://www.facebook.com/notarapper/

“The personal essay is not just a high school writing assignment or one more item for a college application. When executed with thoughtfulness, skill and passion, it can be a powerful work of literary art,” says Ms. Jonetta Barras, citing the works of Joan Didion, James Baldwin, Annie Dillard and Virginia Woolf as classic examples. More contemporary examples might include Mindy Kaling and Zadie Smith.

Participants will learn the difference between a personal essay and other forms of

writing. They will learn how to craft one, and will leave with either a finished essay or with the outline for a successful work of creative non-fiction.

INSIDE JOB: The Art of Personal Essay Writing -- The Sequel is free, but registration is required, and seating is limited. (The workshops are being presented in conjunction with Esther Productions Inc. essay writing contest—DISCOVERING ME…WITH YOU). Register at https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/inside-job-the-art-of-personal-essay-writing-the-sequel?fbclid=IwAR00mUVegaJyo0RbfXWzvw7nPbn4RuGq3sIH-_ILKB0ayQDOfpBJrqDriNY

FIRST ANNUAL DISCOVERING ME…WITHOUT YOU: A PERSONAL ESSAY CONTEST **WINNERS ANNOUNCED **

For Immediate Release

Contact: 202-829-0591

First Annual Discovering Me…Without You: A Personal Essay Contest **Winners Announced **

Washington, D.C. - Esther Productions Inc. is a Washington, DC-based national nonprofit organization and 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.

Esther Productions, Inc presented their First Annual Discovering Me…Without You: A Personal Essay Contest from September 3, 2019 - November 1, 2019. It was designed for girls between the ages of 14 and 17. Twenty-six girls entered the contest.

The entries for the contest was judged by a team of successful professional leaders. Among them included Ana Acevedo, Operations and Communications Manager at the Family Place Public Charter School; Patricia Bitondo, Woman’s National Democratic Club; Ana R. Harvey, a former senior executive in President Barack Obama’s administration; Brenda Miller, Executive Director of the DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy; Brandy Payne a nonprofit communications director; Carlyncia Peck, CEO of viaJ entertainment services, llc; Winfield Swanson; Woman’s National Democratic Club; and Addison Switzer, CEO of BuckWild Media.

On December 14, 2019, Esther Productions, Inc will announce the six prize winners at 1313 New York Avenue NW, in D.C. at 11am.

For more information about the event, please contact Esther Productions, Inc at 202-829-0591.

LOSS, LOVE, COVID-19 AND RECONCILIATION

A Week of Healing Self, Family and Community

THE NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK- JUNE 6-11

Presented by Esther Productions, Inc and Young Parents Elevation Network

For Immediate Release

Contact: jonetta rose barras

Esther Productions, Inc:

202-829-0591

LOSS, LOVE, COVID-19 AND RECONCILIATION

A Week of Healing Self, Family and Community

THE NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK- JUNE 6-11

Presented by Esther Productions, Inc and Young Parents Elevation Network

(Washington, D.C.) – The novel coronavirus has helped amplify the importance of family around the world, including in American society. People have lost loved ones at unprecedented rates, sometimes leaving the living without the opportunity to bury them and grief their loss. In far too many cases some of these family members had been estranged from one another. Fathers and daughters may not have seen each other for decades or friends, angry about some slight, had not spoken, sent an email or a text.

Esther Productions Inc. and Young Parents Elevation Network have joined forces to create NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK: FOR SELF & FAMILY from June 6 - 11, 2021. "The NRW is designed to help individuals and families heal from the emotional, mental and physical trauma of estrangement; to teach them effective methods of self and familial care, which would reduce the potential of recurrence of previous trauma; offer effective tools for developing and maintaining whole, healthy, stable relationships both personal and familial, including providing the framework for successful co-parenting; and to better equip them in creating a new post-pandemic normal.

The presenters believe reconciliation is a journey—not a destination. It requires a deliberate and purposeful effort to yield positive empowering results. "

The National Reconciliation Week 2021 includes panel discussions interviews with experts in the field workshops training sessions and tips featured in a customized tool kit. Confirmed speakers include USA TODAY writing and health expert Jayne O’Donnell relationship coach Paul Bashea Williams nonprofit executive Ana Acevedo author and fatherhood expert Darryl Green Certified Authentic Lifestyle Design coach and founder of Leap Learn Live Stacey Clark co-parenting guru Michael Smothers self-help expert and founder of Young Parent Elevation Network Jennifer Okosun and certified life coach and women's fatherhood pioneer Jonetta Rose Barras. Additionally, Dr. Tracie Robinson, Founder of Essence Wellness.

RECONCILIATION WEEK 2022 PRESS RELEASE