Consultant

Ms. Afrika Abney

Providing professional, creative and innovative consulting services since 1992

Ms. Afrika Abney is a consultant with extensive experience in the arts, entertainment, media, and non-profit industries. She has provided services to artists, nonprofits, small businesses, community centers, churches, individuals, and schools. Some of them include Esther Productions, Inc, Cassandra Burton, The African American Women's Resource Center, Mr. Ralph Nader, Breaking through Power, Mr. Lester Cuffie, DC Coalition for Housing and Justice, Ms. Juanita Britton, BZB International, Doc Powell, Founder of the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Kerry S. Pearson, LLC, New Harlem Gallery, Wisteria ArtSpace, Emma Mae Gallery, Phillips Collection, The Corcoran Gallery of Art, Anacostia Art Gallery and Boutique, The Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington, D.C., Higher Achievement, Kingdom Kids Care, M.O.M.I.E.S TLC, Reading Partners, Center City PCS, DC International School - DCI, Joy of Motion Dance Center, Dance Institute of Washington (DIW), Roda Movements, Mundo Verde Public Charter School, Young Playwrights' Theatre(YPT), Young Women's Drumming Empowerment (YWDEP),Soul in Motion Players, Inc,Bele Bele Rhythm Collective, and Balafon Women’s Ensemble.

Her work includes art curation, gallery operations, social media marketing, graphic designing, and program administration. Ms. Abney has received numerous grants and awards for her contributions to the arts, and she has a background in dance instruction and arts education. With over 25 years of experience, she holds a high school diploma from Bell Multicultural High School and completed her education at the Corcoran School of the Arts in 1997. Ms. Abney has a proven track record of success in the arts and entertainment industry.

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

● Art featured on brochure and book cover.

● Designed, directed, and coordinated successful educational and arts programs for adults and children.

● Researched and wrote successful grant proposals.

● Managed several popular arts events, community festivals, workshops and conferences.

● Nominated for a variety of awards including the 2001 Mayor’s Arts Award in the category of Outstanding Emerging Artist.

● Recipient of multiple grants from the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities

● Participated in the Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton's Congressional Art Competition in 1992 and 1993.

SELECTED SKILLS

● Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Publisher, and Excel

● Gallery operations

● Curating art exhibitions

● Social media marketing

● Graphic designing

● Flyer dissemination

● Trained visual arts and dance professional

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 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 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. 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

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

"A Night of Poetry". The Market Five Gallery, Washington, D.C.. Oct 26, 2002 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. over 17 years of professional experience in designing and implementing media campaigns for individuals, small businesses, community centers, schools and nonprofit organizations. Some of them include Esther Productions, Inc, Cassandra Burton, The African American Women's Resource Center, Mr. Ralph Nader, Breaking through Power, Mr. Lester Cuffie, DC Coalition for Housing and Justice, Ms. Juanita Britton, BZB International, Doc Powell, Founder of the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Kerry S. Pearson, LLC, New Harlem Gallery, Wisteria ArtSpace, Emma Mae Gallery, Phillips Collection, The Corcoran Gallery of Art, Anacostia Art Gallery and Boutique, The Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington, D.C., Higher Achievement, Kingdom Kids Care, M.O.M.I.E.S TLC, Reading Partners, Center City PCS, DC International School - DCI, Joy of Motion Dance Center, Dance Institute of Washington (DIW), Roda Movements, Mundo Verde Public Charter School, Young Playwrights' Theatre(YPT), Young Women's Drumming Empowerment (YWDEP),Soul in Motion Players, Inc,Bele Bele Rhythm Collective, and Balafon Women’s Ensemble.

PAST VISUAL ART WORKSHOPS

KUUMBA ARTS AND CRAFTS PROGRAM. D.C. Department of Recreation (Emery Recreation Center, Parkview Recreation Center, Hamilton Recreation Center and Upshur Recreation Center) from 1997 - 1998 and A - T Seban Mesut (1995- 1998). conducted free fine arts workshop for children ages 7 — 10. Taught students ages 7 to 10 techniques of drawing, finger painting, sponge painting, abstract design, clay work, collage designing and monoprinting. Sponsored by Ms. Afrika Abney and funded by the D.C. Commission of the Arts, Arts Education Grant Program KUUMBA EXPRESSIONS, WASHINGTON, DC. Culture Coffee on January 31,2015 and Potter's House on May 16,2016 and May 23, 2016. They were sponsored by Culture Coffee, Potter's House and Esther Productions, Inc Art Enablers. Designed to serve youth between the ages of 6 through 12, including those with developmental disabilities. Participants were provided instruction in painting, using traditional and non-traditional materials, with the intent of enhancing their own natural artistic talent while expanding their fundamental information about compositional studies, light and shadow, and technique. Further, the workshop augments participants’ overall education, particularly their communication skills. Additionally, participants were introduced to many renaissance artists. Some of them include Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Polluck and Lois M. Jones.

PAST COMMUNITY CAREER DAY DANCE WORKSHOPS

2011 - 2016. H.D. Cooke Elementary School, Washington, DC. (invited by Ms. Olaminde Gbenro)

2016. Roots PCS, Washington, DC. (invited by Principal Bernida Thompson) COMMUNITY CAREER DAY VISUAL ART WORKSHOPS

2016. Eliot (invited by Ms. Ophelia Morgan).

1996. Calvin Coolidge High School (invited by Ms. Angela Cook) PAST LITERARY WORKSHOPS

Mt. Pleasant Library, Washington, DC. 2013 - 2014. Designed to assist children ages 6

-12 to expand their literary skills.

Takoma Park Library, Washington,DC. 2003. Enhancing Our Imaginations was funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. The workshop was geared towards young adults. Invited many poets and literary artists to bea part of the workshop. Some of them include Rebecca Bishophall, Judine Slaughter, Hank Okoro and many others. LITERARY PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCES (Partial Listing) Apr 14, 2001 and April 16, 2001. Islander Caribbean Restaurant & Lounge, 1201 U St. NW Washington, DC

April 6, 2002. Black Voices for Peace. Faith in Action Ministries. Plymouth Congregational Church, Washington DC

April 6, 2002. Homegoing Ceremony. Tree of Life PCS, Washington, DC April 7, 2002. Kokayi Winston Patterson 50th Earthday Celebration. Cada Vez, Washington DC

April 18, 2002. Bintumani Restaurant and Club, Washington, DC. Hosted by Abena Disroe

June 6, 2002. Starbucks 1st Thursday Poetry Fest. Starbucks Chinatown, Washington, DC. Sponsored by Cultural DC and Desho Productions DANCE PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCES (partial listing)

June 2, 1996. Africare Family Festival. SAMBAFRICA. Soul In Motion Players. February 1, 1997. NationHouse, Washington, DC

June 13, 1997. Marcus Garvey PCS, Washington, DC

October 1999. Balafon Women’s Ensemble. Lincoln Theatre, Washington, DC November 2, 1999. Balafon Women’s Ensemble. Georgetown University Law School, Washington, DC

November 4, 1999. African American Heritage Celebration. Soul in Motion Players featuring Balafon Women’s Ensemble. Bowie State University, Bowie MD 2000. Washington Terrace Hotel with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers April 7, 2001. Celebrate the Rites of Spring. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Market 5 Gallery, Washington DC

May 20, 2001. Unity Rally in honor of Malcolm X. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Ideal PCS, Washington DC

June 2, 2001. Beyond the Monuments Neighborhood Day. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Market 5 Gallery, Washington DC

June 15, 2001. Friends of Brother Ah. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Market 5 Gallery, Washington DC

June 19, 2001. Citywide Juneteenth Celebration. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, MLK Library, Washington DC

September 28, 2001. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Josephine Butler Parks Center, Washington DC

December 1, 2001. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, St, Marks Church, Washington DC

December 8, 2001. 50th Birthday Celebration of Damu Smith. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Josephine Butler Parks Center, Washington DC December 15, 2001. Cultural Cafe, Washington, DC. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers February 17, 2002. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Metropolitan AME Church, Washington DC

February 19, 2002. Black History Month Celebration. Cada Vez. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC

February 24, 2002. Black History Month Celebration. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC. Sponsored by Riverside Baptist Church and Collective Voices of DC.

February 26, 2002. Celebration of the History of Black Music. Fairmont Heights Municipal Building. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Fairmont Heights, MD. Sponsored by the Town of Fairmont Heights.

May 19, 2002. A Tribute to Malcolm X. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers. Malcolm X Day, Malcolm X Park, Washington DC

April 6, 2002. Black Voices for Peace. Faith in Action Ministries. Plymouth Congregational Church. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC April 6, 2002. Homegoing Ceremony. Tree of Life PCS. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC

April 7, 2002. Kokayi Winston Patterson 50th Earthday Celebration. Cada Vez. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC

April 20, 2002. Rites of Spring. Market 5 Gallery. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC

August 16, 2009. NationHouse, Washington, DC with Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

September 4, 2009. Potter’s House, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

June 11, 2010. Potter’s House, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

August 14, 2011. NationHouse, Washington, DC with Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

August 27, 2011 and October 15, 2011. DC History Center, Washington, DC April 12, 2011 and September 14, 2011. Festival Center, Washington, D.C. with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

May 21, 2011. Malcolm X Park. African Liberation Day with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

May 28, 2011. The Fusion Grill, Washington D.C. with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

December 3, 2011. Unity Rally, Washington, D.C. Umoja House with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

September 8, 2012. Lincoln Theatre, Washington, DC. September 9, 2012. 34th Annual Adams Morgan Day Festival, Washington, DC. October 19, 2012. Potter's House, Washington, DC

EDUCATION

Corcoran School of the Arts - 1997

Bell Multicultural High School - 1993

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