Bringing Healing and Power, Opening Day

Bringing Healing and Power, Opening Day – June 6, 2022 at 12noon

EstherTalk with Ms. Yasmin Arrington – 12noon - 12:15pm;

Unmasking and Finding Myself with Mr. John Johnson and The Verbal Gymnastics Theater Company  – 12:15 – 1:15pm.

Janis F. Kearney at 12:15pm

Mr. John Johnson

“John A Johnson is a Poet/Playwright and native Washingtonian. He is the founder and creator of Verbal Gymnastics Theater Company. Mr. Johnson holds a B.A in Theater Arts from The University of the District of Columbia. He has worked as a drama therapist in partnership with the District's Youth Services Center.  Mr. Johnson is a published author, who  has written and produced six plays that reflect and celebrate the culture of his native city Washington DC. He is a three-time Artist Fellow of the DC Arts Commission.  His most recent contribution is to a radio project at American University WAMU 88.5 in conjunction with the Association of Independent Radio call “Anacostia Unmapped”, which captures the narratives of local residents in rapidly changing communities “East of the River” in Washington D.C. Mr. Johnson uses innovative forms of theater/storytelling to foster meaningful discussions about race, cultural preservation,  and the effects of economic development in Washington, D.C.”

Verbal Gymnastics is an interactive theater company where storytelling and art meet community.” - verbalgymnastics.com/

Janis F. Kearney is an author, book publisher, writing instructor and literary coach. She was born to southeast Arkansas cotton sharecroppers, attended Gould Public Schools, and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a B.A. in Journalism. She served nine years as a project manager and public affairs director in Arkansas state government. She served briefly as managing editor for civil rights legend Daisy L. Gatson Bates’ historic Arkansas State Press Newspaper, before purchasing and becoming publisher of the newspaper in 1988, upon Bates’ retirement. - https://www.janisfkearney.com/about-the-author

Ms. Yasmin Arrington

“The author of Daily Reflections for Social Entrepreneurs Journal, Arrington has been featured in Essence, Black Enterprise, Forbes Magazine, The Washington Post, and on ABC7 News WJLA and NBC4 for her community work with ScholarCHIPS.

While a high school junior, Arrington founded the non-profit organization that provides college scholarships, mentoring and a peer support network to children of incarcerated parents, inspiring them to complete their college education. To date, ScholarCHIPS has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to 76 scholars, with 30 graduates to date.

Arrington has received several awards including the Washington Business Journal Top 40 Under 40, the Linowes Leadership Award from the Greater Washington Community Foundation, the Peace First Prize, the DC Social Innovation Prize, Angel Among Us Award by the Negro Council of Women, the Samuel Huntington Public Service Award, and the Samuel Halperin Public Service Award.”

Register at https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/events-1/the-national-reconciliation-week-for-self-and-family

Curated by Parents Rise Network, Leap Learn Live, Esther Productions, Inc, The Spoken Word Ensemble, and Almaz Arts

Sponsored by Kerry S. Pearson, LLC, Fort Myer Construction Corporation Charitable Foundation, Emmanuel Bailey, and JRose Communications.

Should you have any questions, please contact thenationalreconciliationweek@gmail.com.