“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” Annis Nin
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
2025 IS THE YEAR OF WOMEN & GIRLS: WATCH US!
THAT is not just for any women and girls however. This is the year for those of us who truly are determined not to go back.
We have fought hard and long for our meager progress. We enjoy our freedom, our independence, our ability to play a role in building a society that nourishes our dreams for our daughters and their dreams for themselves.
The fight through these next few years may be difficult. However, women, especially women of color, have the courage to persist, to stand toe to toe against those who would deny us our tomorrow. READ MORE
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JOIN US FOR AN EXCITING, INSPIRATIONAL AND EMPOWERING YEAR OF PROGRAMS
& EVENTS STARTING JANUARY 11 FOR MIDNIGHTROSE (Register now)
Black History Celebration of authors of children’s literature—FEBUARY 8
The Gift: An Interactive Arts Healing, Reconciliation and Resiliency Project--MARCH
The Poetry and Folklore of Sterling Brown: A Historical Examination and Celebration of a Cultural Legend--SEPTEMBER
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THE ESTHER REPORT: The Year That Was Absolutely Awesome
WITH support from several important organizations and individuals, including HumanitiesDC, Kerry S. Pearson LLC, Emmanuel Bailey, Busboys and Poets, A. Scott Bolden, David Jannarone, The Norman and Rosalind Luger Trust and Friends of Esther, Esther Productions Inc. had an exciting and successful year serving its target population of women and girls in the District of Columbia, particularly those challenged by unresolved trauma, along with families and institutions in the Washington Metropolitan Region. It continued presenting Kaleidoscope: A Women’s Writing Collective for women 18 and older and it also offered the Me, Myself and Our Story Creative Institute for a younger population.
Esther Productions Inc. believes that literature heals. Literature inspires. Literature Empowers. Consequently, it offers an array of literary programs.
In 2024, we emboldened our approach and expanded our offerings. We held on March 2, 2024, a groundbreaking symposium—African Americans and Children’s Literature: A Historical Examination of the Role of DC Writers from 1970 to the Present. That all-day event, which took place on the campus of Trinity Washington University, featured some of the country’s most celebrated African American writers of literature for children, producers and editors. It also included individuals who were the founders of DC’s first Black bookstore and publishing company and others, like Black Classic Press and Sankofa, who have kept that tradition alive, making it possible for African Americans creatives to find a home for their work. As part of that event, the sponsors, which included Esther Productions Inc., The Institute of African American Writing and The Black Student Fund presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to two important authors in DC’s literary community and literary history: Sharon Bell Mathis, considered a leader in the “Golden Age of Children’s Literature” and E. Ethelbert Miller, a literary activist and humanities scholar who has helped build and grow the careers of many notable writers.
Following that event, Esther Productions Inc. and The Black Student Fund, produced African American Children’s Literature on Tour, which highlighted select authors who had been featured in the visual exhibition that accompanied the March 2 project. We have received requests for similar programs. (Later in 2025, we aim to satisfy that demand).
In September, Esther Productions Inc. partnered with The Black Student Fund and later the Tenley-Friendship Library to launch MidnightRose: A Reading Series of Poetry and Prose. It has been a showcase of multigenerational and multiracial poets and prose writers. In the summer 2025, Esther Productions Inc. will offer MidnightRose as a member series with public readings but also private networking events. (Stay tuned.)
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IF YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT WHAT WE’RE DOING, JOIN US
VOLUNTEER! DONATE!
ESTHER PRODUCTIONS INC.
1629 K St. NW-Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006
202-363-4647
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