Skip to main content

The AACL Tour presented by Esther Productions Inc. in partnership with The Black Student Fund and The Institute for African American Writing

The AACL Tour opened on March 16th and took place at Francis Gregory. The next AACL Tour is scheduled to take place on April 20, 2024. Please see details below: 










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." 


Popular posts from this blog

Blended Serenity

  Blended Serenity. Digital art created on canvas. August 30, 2024. Afrika Abney “Blended Serenity represents a seamless integration of diverse components that collectively foster an atmosphere of tranquility and relaxation. This concept emphasizes the importance of combining different aspects—be it environmental, emotional, or sensory—that work together to create a soothing experience.”

Vibrant Intentions

Vibrant Intentions. Digital art created on canvas. September 18, 2024. Afrika Abney “The concept of prayer is often intertwined with a rich tapestry of colors, each hue symbolizing different aspects of spirituality and devotion. These colors can evoke a range of emotions and signify various intentions behind the act of praying. For instance, the color white is frequently associated with purity and peace. Similarly, blue can represent tranquility and divine connection, while red may symbolize passion and sacrifice.Yellow, on the other hand, is seen as a color of enlightenment and joy, embodying the uplifting spirit that prayer can inspire. Each color serves as a visual representation of the deeper meanings and feelings that accompany prayer.”

Colorful Symbolism

    Colorful Symbolism. Digital art created on canvas. October 9, 2024. Afrika Abney  Today is October 10, 2024 and I have no idea what discussions you are having because I am busy focusing on my branding, digital art and my services. The purpose of sharing my digital art that I have created has nothing to do with relationships nor friendships. It has to do with the experiences, symbolism behind the colors and the principles related to creating my digital art.  According to my research, “ deep dark red represents determination, warmth and depth, while crimson and red symbolizes courage and creativity.”

Stop the Rage

   Stop the rage. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney I strongly believe that so many of us are in rage. Rage with the fact that racism and discrimination still continues. Rage with the leadership. Rage with our communities and societies. That rage then continues to make someone else in more rage. That rage begins to destroy neighborhoods and other places. Please stop the rage!

Fragmented Palette

     Fragmented Palette. Digital art created on canvas. October 9, 2024. Afrika Abney  Fragmented Palette created using various colors. Some of them include blue, red, and purple. It focuses on the concept of division within the composition through the depiction of colors and brush techniques.  “In the realm of visual arts and art consultancy, the fragmented palette has become emblematic of a broader shift towards individuality and personal expression. Artists are increasingly drawn to this concept as a means of reflecting their unique perspectives and experiences. Art consultants play a crucial role in guiding collectors and institutions in understanding and appreciating the significance of fragmented palettes, helping to curate collections that celebrate this innovative approach. Ultimately, the fragmented palette not only enriches the artistic landscape but also fosters a deeper connection between art and its audience.”

Creative Catalyst

Creative Catalyst. Digital art created on canvas. August 22, 2024. Afrika Abney As a firm believer in the transformative power of art, I am passionate about integrating vibrant colors and artistic expression into every facet of my professional life. The fusion of red, blue, and yellow not only adds visual appeal but serves as a driving force for creativity “The presence of art in my professional environment serves as a “powerful catalyst for fostering human connections, encouraging the exchange of innovative ideas, diverse thoughts, and engaging conversations.”

Pink Radiance

  Pink Radiance.Digital art created on canvas. August 13, 2024. Afrika Abney  "Pink Radiance," a stunning abstract digital painting that captivates the viewer with its vibrant color palette and striking simplicity. The artwork features a bold yellow circle that stands out against a soft pink background, creating a visual harmony that is both eye-catching and soothing. The yellow circle at the center of "Pink Radiance" symbolizes warmth and positivity, evoking feelings of happiness and energy. Its smooth, rounded shape contrasts beautifully with the textured pink background, which adds depth and dimension to the overall composition. The choice of colors is intentional, as the bright yellow draws the eye, while the gentle pink envelops the viewer in a sense of calm. 

PresentPath

PresentPath. Digital art created on canvas. September 4, 2024. Afrika Abney “The power for creating a better future is contained in the present moment: You create a good future by creating a good present.” - Eckhart Tolle “ Tolle advocates for the idea that our thoughts and actions in the present are crucial in determining the trajectory of our future. By concentrating on the present, we can create a solid foundation that aligns with our goals and desires. This perspective encourages individuals to engage in activities that are not only fulfilling but also resonate with their core values, thereby ensuring that the future we envision is a natural extension of our current efforts and mindset.”

The concept of form

  Quote found on the Internet  “In the field of painting, the concept of form is a crucial component that delineates the tangible attributes of the subjects represented on the canvas. It involves the strategic organization and interplay of various shapes, lines, and colors, which collectively contribute to the formation of a unified visual story. This intricate relationship between these elements not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also guides the viewer's understanding of the artwork's intended message.”

Tranquility in Shades of Yellow

Tranquility in Shades of Yellow.Digital art created on canvas. October 9, 2024. Afrika Abney The essence of tranquility is captured through shades of yellow to evoke the importance of optimism, creativity and tranquility.