ESTHER PRODUCTIONS INC. ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF ITS FOURTH ANNUAL DISCOVERING ME…WITHOUT YOU SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST

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Esther Productions Inc
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ESTHER PRODUCTIONS INC. ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF ITS FOURTH ANNUAL
DISCOVERING ME…WITHOUT YOU SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST

Raea Jordan and Raine Badua were chosen by a distinguished panel of judges as Top Scholarship winners in Tier 1 (15-18) category and Tier 2 (13-14) category Esther Productions Inc.’s scholarship contest for 2022. Three other young ladies—Simaya Hammond, Dominique Barksdale and Rahel Belay- Tseganeh—were given Honorable Mention designation. Cash awards totaling $2,200 were distributed .

The winners were selected from a group of more than two-dozen teen girls between the ages of 13 and 18.

Those who did not receive cash prizes were each presented with $25 gift cards during an awards ceremony on Dec. 10 th held at The Woman’s National Democratic Club in Washington, DC. Esther Productions Inc., programco-sponsor The Black Student Fund along with members of the community, congratulated all the young ladies.

Anita Josey-Herring, chief judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, presented the awards. On the court, she has been extensively involved with family and children, including as the deputy presiding judge of the Family Court. She brought important insight and inspiration to the event during her remarks.

Discovering Me…Without You Scholarship essay contest was launched in 2019 by the Fatherless Daughter Empowerment Project, a division of Esther Productions Inc. The essay contest is designed to educate the public about the importance of fathers in the lives and development of girls and women. Nationally, more than 24 million children are growing up in homes without their fathers. In the Washington Metropolitan region at least 60 percent of homes are single-parent households, many of them headed by women. The contest is intended to provide a platform for some of those children, particularly fatherless girls, to explain the impact of father absence in their lives and their efforts to reach self-actualization and empowerment.

The entries were judged by a team of successful professional leaders and youth, including Ana Acevedo, co- chairperson of Esther Productions Inc.; Patricia Bitondo, Woman’s National Democratic Club; Dr. Misty Freeman, a local psychologist who works with students; Alycea Gayle, a senior at DC International Public Charter School; Ana R. Harvey, a former senior executive in President Barack Obama’s administration; Alicia Henry, a nonprofit and government expert; Shelly Livingston; Leroy Nesbitt, executive director of The Black Student Fund; Winfield Swanson with the Woman’s National Democratic Club; and Addison Switzer, co-chair of Esther Productions Inc. and CEO of BuckWild Media.

Winning essays will be featured on estherproductionsinc.com during the months of January and February. A book of essays will be released later in 2023.

Esther Productions, Inc. is a Washington, DC-based national nonprofit organization. Founded in 2004, it is dedicated to inspiring and empowering girls and women. The Discovering Me Summit and Awards Ceremony was supported through generous contributions from Kerry S. Pearson LLC, Emmanuel Bailey, Fort Myer Construction Corporation Charitable Foundation, the Cornelia Bailey Foundation through The Black Student Fund, David Jannarone, A. Scott Bolden, and Esther’s Friends, which including Melvin Mitchell, Ana R. Harvey, Lamont Mitchell, Philip Pannell, and Rosalind Blunt. Special Thanks to Afrika Abney, Arts and Marketing Consultant and The Woman’s National Democratic Club.

Photos: Chief Judge Anita Josey-Herring with Raea Jordan and jonetta rose barras; Raine Badua (Tier 2/ Middle School winner in center with Chief Judge Anita Josey-Herring to the left and jonetta rose barras on the right.

Multicultural Essence

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Sleepy Sky draws inspiration from the soothing hue of light blue, which is closely associated with the vastness of the sky. This particular shade is not merely a visual element; it embodies a psychological effect that has been the subject of various studies. Research indicates that “light blue can significantly enhance feelings of serenity and peace, creating an environment conducive to relaxation and restful sleep.” The choice of light blue in Sleepy Sky is intentional, as it reflects the natural beauty of the sky while also promoting a calming atmosphere. “The psychological impact of this color is profound, as it has been shown to lower stress levels and induce a sense of tranquility.”

March is Women's History Month -- Featured book

March is Women's History Month and I have had the opportunity to have one of my abstract paintings featured on a book cover. The book is entitled: Kaleidoscope: Women of Color Reflecting on Life. Summer Blossoms. Acrylic on Canvas. 14 * 18. Afrika Abney Summer Blossoms, abstract finger painting created on canvas using colors that represent the Summer. For more information about the book, contact Esther Productions, Inc at estherproductionsinc@gmail.com . https://www.estherproductionsinc.com/product-page/kaleidoscope-women-of-color-reflecting-on-life

Straightforward Interactions

I am not Christian. I was introduced to various religious practices when I was a student. I am not playing mind games and entertaining assumptions, gossip and rude jokes. To grab my attention, you must demonstrate respect, honest and trustworthy behavior. I am a straightforward, transparent and authentic human being who has had the opportunity to work at various settings from the 1980s - 2018. It is not the past. I have not scheduled any virtual meetings, video chats, nor interviews. Stop speaking to other people that do not know me at all. I am not interested in dating women nor boys. I am not interested in dating married men and senior citizens. I am not a senior citizen.I am a single straight female over the age of 30 who only has interest and attraction to single straight male over the age of 30. Stop trying to play matchmaker. Only I know what my tastes are. Stop having me spell things out. The only telephone number that I have is 202-384-5925. Contact - 202-384...

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Services and Commitment

Please be advised that the past is behind us. The years 2012 to 2013 were prior to the onset of the pandemic, and since 2018, I have not engaged in any professional services within the educational sector as a professional visual artist and art consultant. My attention is not directed towards my previous professional experiences. My focus is on my digital art and my branding blog. I am dedicated to enhancing my skills and expanding my creative portfolio in these areas. Additionally, since August 12, 2024, I have been working on my services for the event scheduled for September 14, 2024 and hosted by Esther Productions, Inc. As I move forward, I am committed to embracing the present and future of my artistic journey. The experiences I have accumulated over the years serve as a foundation, but my primary goal is to innovate and adapt in the ever-evolving landscape of digital art and branding.

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With a background in art education and a love for exploring different mediums, I have found oil pastels to be a versatile and vibrant addition to my creative toolkit. I am dedicated to pushing the boundaries of traditional art techniques and mediums, incorporating oil pastels into my artwork to create dynamic and visually striking pieces. Expertise in color theory, composition, and mixed media techniques I have honed my skills in utilizing oil pastels to their fullest potential, experimenting with different surfaces and applications to achieve desired effects. My dedication to exploring the possibilities of oil pastels has resulted in bold and expressive artwork that stands out in the art community. Accomplishments in showcasing the unique qualities of oil pastels I strive to showcase the unique qualities and vibrant colors of oil pastels in my work, captivating viewers and sparking inspiration. My artwork has received recognition for its creativity and innovation, highlighting the ver...

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Passion for Growth. Digital art created on canvas. August 19, 2024. Afrika Abney Throughout my career, I have continuously pushed myself to explore new avenues of creativity. Despite not delving into digital art until 2009, when I was 33 years old, I have since honed my skills to become a proficient and innovative digital artist. My mission is to use digital art as a means of self-expression and storytelling. I strive to push boundaries and challenge conventional norms to create visually captivating and thought-provoking pieces.

Ms. Afrika Abney, Professional Visual Artist and Art Consultant- Branding Blog

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