Afrika Midnight Asha Abney is a Native Washingtonian, freelance poet, freelance writer, former host and events coordinator, author of "Dancers In The Wind" (a re-released self publication poetry book), "Voices of Tomorrow" (a re-released self - published poetry publication that is divided into four sections, 9-11, Anthrax, Sniper Shooting and War),and "Balanced Heart" (a self published poetry book). She also is the author of "Momma's Journey" (a collection of short poems about motherhood).
Afrika is a member of International Library of Poetry, DC Poets Against the War, and Authorsden. She also is a member of several online groups such as The Black Writers' Guild, Authorzone, Book Lovers, The Authors Corner, Black Writers Network, Writer’s Café, Writers Promote, and many others.
Afrika's poetry is influenced by E.Ethelbert Miller, Eloise Greenfield, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes, Gil Scott - Heron and Lucille Clifton. Her poetic themes touches on various subjects such as politics, life, spirituality, war, revolution, culture, peace and freedom.
Afrika is known for her political and spiritual pieces such as 'When Freedom Comes', 'When Peace Comes', 'Peace', 'I pray', "I Dance,' and 'Pray America' are just to name a few.
She began writing poetry while in junior high school. During this period, Afrika has won several awards and accolades from DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (Young Artist Community Service Grant 2003), JMW Publishing (Poets of the Year 2002) and International Library of Poetry (Editor's Choice Award for Outstanding Achievement in Poetry 1999-1997).
She was nominated for best promoter 2004 for Marguerite Press Third Annual Small Press Awards.
Afrika's poetry has appeared various anthologies which were published by FamousPoets Society, The International Library of Poetry, Poetry Box, CERA, and JMW Publishing.
Her poetry has also been featured on various websites including April Encore of Open Mic, The Poet's Haven, Chicken Bones: A Journal, Poetically Speaking, I Love Poetry, Every Poet, Post Poetry Online, Your Poetry, Got Poetry, and Voices Network Poetry. Afrika's poetry also has been featured in the February 2007 Issue of the Free Fall Newsletter.
She has performed her original poetry at variety of open mic venues such as Metropolitan Baptist Church (Washington, DC), Cada Vez (Washington, DC), Greetings From Women Who Dare (Silver Spring, MD), Turntable Restaurant (Washington, DC), Bud's Nightclub and Restaurant (Washington, DC), Teaism (Washington, DC), Mangos (Washington, DC), Urban Energy (Washington, DC), Yogi Records (Washington, DC), Barnes and Noble (Washington, DC and Clarendon, VA),Bohemian Caverns (Washington, DC), Izora's Restaurant and Nite Club (Silver Spring, MD), Sankofa Books (Washington, DC), Washington Peace Cafe (Washington, DC), and The House of Good Success (Washington, DC).
Afrika has been a featured poet at such venues as Starbucks Chinatown (Washington, DC), Starbucks - Georgetown (Washington, DC), Franklyn's CoffeHouse (Washington, DC), Market 5 Gallery (Washington, DC), Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial Library (Washington, DC), Takoma Park (DC) Neigborhood Branch Library (Washington, DC) Washington Art O Matic 2002 (Washington, DC), Iverson Mall (Maryland) Capital Plaza Mall (Maryland), Provisions Library: The Resource Center for Activism and the Arts (Washington, DC), Plymouth Congregational Church (Washington, DC), St. Stephens Church (Washington, DC), Los Arrieros Restaurant and Night Club (Silver Spring, MD), SisterSpace and Books (Washington, DC), Euphoria Ackee Tree Restaurant (Washington, DC), UDC Main Auditorium BVFP (Washington, DC), Paul Robeson Study and Struggle Center (Washington, DC), Bossa Bistro (Washington, DC), National Christian City Church (Washington, DC), Joe's Movement (World Arts Focus) (Mt. Rainier, MD), Cafe Mawonaj (Washington, DC), Northminister Presbyterian Church (Washington, DC), Malcolm X Park (Washington, DC), Unity of Washington, DC (Washington, DC), and 26th Annual Adams Morgan Day Festival (Washington, DC).
Additionally, she has appeared on the air waves of WPFW 89.3 FM, WHUR 96. 3 FM and in several newspapers and community newsletters such as the Washington Post, DC North, The Corner Forum and Washington Informer.
Afrika has written several articles, poetry book reviews, and stories. In addition to writing articles, poetry book reviews, and stories, she also writes grant proposals, contracts, press releases, professional bios and resumes.
She can be reached at Aashawarrior@
