Arizona Coffea Magazine Issue 15

ARIZONA COFFEA Issue 15

THE JOURNEY TO SIGMA GAMMA RHO

The importance of the sorority's Centennial Year

The Power Within

One woman's journey to strength and courage

the overturn of Roe v. wade

Founder & Editor in Chief of Arizona Coffea Magazine. Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., NaTyshca Pickett Photographer: Timothy Newburn

Arizona Coffea Magazine Arizona Coffea Magazine® Copyright © 2022-2023 Arizona Coffea Magazine Published by Top Wire Editing & Publishing, LLC All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act of 1976. (For example, a fair dealing for the purpose of study, research, criticism or review). No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, communicated, or transmitted in any form or by means without written permission. All inquiries should be made to the publisher above.

Disclaimer: The advice provided in this publication is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regards to your own objections, financial situations, and needs.

If any products are detailed in this publication, you should obtain a Product Disclosure Statement relating to the products from the manufacturer and consider its contents before making any decision.

Arizona Coffea

®

Changing the narrative of the Black community in the media. www.azcoffea.com

Sharing Our Stories and Positivity Arizona Coffea®

table of

contents: Roe v. Wade Overturn What does this mean for the future of women? (pg.9)

As of June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States has declared that there is no constitutional right to an abortion in the United States.

The Power Within One

woman's journey to strength and courage (pg. 13) Aebony Mitchell shares her journey with breast cancer and a message that resonates with everyone.

The Journey to Sigma Gamma Rho The history of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and its Centennial Year (pg. 39)

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated celebrates 100 years of service.

Jul/Aug 2022 Issue #15

Arizona Coffea

www.azcoffea.com info@azcoffea.com

Roe V. Wade Overturn

By Crystal Onyema

The famous 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that allowed abortion to be legal and unrestricted in a woman's first trimester throughout the United States has been overturned.

What does this exactly mean? It means that abortion rights are no longer supported at the Federal level. It is now left up to states to decide if, when, and how abortions are legal.

According to Justice Samuel Alito, the rebuttal of the reversal of abortion rights is due to "Roe was egregiously wrong from the start. Its reasoning was feeble, and the decision has had damaging consequences. And far from bringing about a national settlement of the abortion issue, Roe and Casey have enflamed debate and deepened division."

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This quote is from the same person who wrote the draft opinion in May. This draft opened the door for other states to feel comfortable upping the restriction of access to abortion even before the official Supreme Court decision was made. According to NPR, Oklahoma's governor decided to sign the strictest law in the country, banning abortion starting at fertilization with very few exceptions. This new law allows citizens to report anyone who "aids or abets" an abortion.

Officials have been chomping at their paws for decades to have this happen, and a recent case allowed the opportunity to happen. Last year, the Supreme Court permitted a hearing in a case called Dobb v. Jackson Women's Health, which defies Mississippi's 15-week abortion ban. According to CNN, this hearing required the court to re-analyze the decision in Roe v. Wade.

Thirteen states have "trigger laws," meaning that the abortion restrictions went into effect immediately. Nine states, including Arizona, have pre-Roe abortion bans that previously were unenforced because they were unconstitutional. Now, these states have the right to review the new court order and possibly enforce it. Currently, 16 states are unaffected by this ruling and plan to continue abortion rights as usual.

Oh, and Plan B pills? There aren't any restrictions yet, but some states are considering reviewing it, according to Women's Health.

President Biden (at the very least) signed a bill for the government's health department to expand access to medication abortion pills and ensure women have access to emergency medical care, family planning services, and contraception. The bill also includes the protection of doctors, privacy rights, women who travel for abortions, and mobile abortion clinics at state borders. Although a step in the right direction, states still have complete jurisdiction over banning rights.

Every female is entitled to their feelings on this topic, whether religious, moral, or personal. You have a right to your stance and opinion on how you feel. No one, especially any male, can tell you what to feel otherwise.

Black women ages 15 to 49 are less likely than other racial groups to use birth control regularly. Women 18 to 24-year-old tend to prefer condoms, a less effective way to prevent pregnancy when they use contraception. There are numerous reasons, including lack of resources in some areas, mistrust of medical teams, and the resistance of hormones. According to Texas Tribune, over 40% of abortions performed were on Black women in Texas.

We must be mindful of our partners and ensure their stances on supporting and raising a child align with ours. We must continue protecting our bodies by learning self-defense and choosing the best birth control plan that works best. We must continue to educate ourselves on the everchanging current laws and protest what we disagree with. In the Black sisterhood, encouraging each other to honor their preferred birth control methods is essential. Let's be there for each other with resources and support if an unplanned pregnancy happens. Our alliance is going to be necessary more than ever.

If you need additional support, check out the National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda, Feminist Women's Health Center, and Black Mamas Matter sites.

We're in this together- no matter how you feel or believe. It is your God-given right as a woman—point blank.

THE JOURNAL ENTRY We Want to Hear From YOU!

This is an opportunity for you to write in and tell us what's on your mind. The Journal Entry allows our readers to engage with us. Do you have something you want to get off your chest? Do you want to respond to a previous article? Do you have suggestions on what you'd like to see in the magazine? We want to hear from you!

Please send your email to info@azcoffea.com.

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THE POWER WITHIN A journey to strength and courage

By NaTyshca Pickett

Model: Aebony Mitchell Photographer: Kayla Dewees

Currently, in the US there are 3.8 million women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. This number includes those receiving treatment and those who just finished with treatment. We connected with one our own who is in the fight of her life as she powers through this battle. Meet Aebony Mitchell, the breast cancer warrior.

AC: Tell us about yourself?

I moved to Arizona because I have a sister who is ill, and was sent from our family home in Okinawa, Japan to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. Many members of my family have moved here from all over to be a support system for her and my father's ministry Saint Haven COGIC. AC: What age were you when you were first diagnosed?

AM: I am a Chef and mommy of five, Selah Camille, Lawren Abraham, Rhema Barak, Aslan Shepard, and Jonas Coltrane. My angels. I was raised military so I grew up all over the world including Spain, Germany, Georgia, Florida (my birth state), California, Virginia, and Japan.

AM: I had a scare in 2014 but was diagnosed with breast cancer on December 4, 2018, at 38 years old.

Before becoming a chef, I attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, and UMASS Amherst. I studied and earned my degrees in Musical Theater and Arts Marketing.

AM: I found the lump on the left side of my chest during a self-exam. It was about the size of my thumbprint, but I'm glad my doctor took me seriously. My self-exam led to a biopsy and a mammogram that determined that I had stage 2 breast cancer, which was also in my lymph nodes. I had a double mastectomy and chemotherapy. By the Spring of 2022, I learned that cancer had metastasized to my liver, lungs, and lymph nodes throughout my body.

AC: Did you do a self-examination and found a lump? Or was it during an exam when you received your diagnosis?

AC: What were your first thoughts when you received your diagnosis?

AM: When I first discovered my breast cancer, I was all fight and ready to take this battle head-on.

But once it metastasized, I was devastated and became depressed. The doctor gave me three to four years, and my first thoughts went to my children. I can’t imagine not being here for all of their special moments.

AC: How are you mentally and emotionally? What has your spiritual journey been like during this?

I have a bit more fight in me now than I did when I learned cancer had metastasized but I still battle with moments of sadness and isolate myself. I sleep a lot but am beginning to challenge myself to get out of the house/my bed more. I trust God to work a miracle, I do but I’m human. Thankfully I am in therapy and unashamedly take medication for depression. With that and a good support system, I am able to get through the rough patches a little easier.

Photographer: Kayla Dewees

Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.

- Maya Angelou

Model and Breast Cancer Warrior: Aebony Mitchell Photographer: Kayla Dewees

AC: What do you want others to know about your journey? About going to the doctor?

AM: Trust.Your.Gut. This is especially for women.

We are programmed to know our bodies, yet it is so hard for doctors to believe our concerns. If you sense something is wrong, IT IS! Period. Even if you learn that nothing is physically wrong, the unwavering fear of SOMETHING being wrong could relate to mental health issues.

My health challenges began before cancer. When I was 22 years old, I became pregnant with my first child. I was sick the entire pregnancy and knew something was wrong, but no one including my family, believed me since this was my first child. Long story short, my child was born prematurely due to preeclampsia and remained in NICU for two months.

If one person believed me, things would have turned out differently.

Concerning cancer for women: PLEASE, make sure you do self-checks regularly and schedule and keep doctor's appointments. I also recommend the following: Photographer: Kayla Dewees

• Write all questions and concerns down before your doctor's appointments.

• Do not allow the doctor to rush you through your appointments. Voice all of your concerns.

• Take a friend to your appointments especially if you struggle with "white coat syndrome" which is the fear of or anxiety related to being at the doctor. If you can’t bring a friend have someone you love and trust on speaker phone.

• Lastly and again TRUST YOUR GUT!

AC: What support do you need?

AM: My main goal is to live and live well. I’m working on that every day. My big wish right now is to be able to get my teeth restored.

Unfortunately, my first round of chemotherapy deteriorated my teeth. They are chipping, cracking, and falling out. I desire to smile confidently again, so I am trying to find a dental team who is willing to take on my case. I believe it will happen for me and that God will give me healthy added days so I can laugh and smile from a pure place again. I trust that this will happen to me.

No one, including you, is to blame if you get breast cancer. It doesn't help to feel bad about yourself or tell yourself that you or someone else caused your breast cancer. It's also not good to go through this alone. For more information or resources, be sure to visit www.breastcancer.org.

Photographer: Kayla Dewees

Located in Peoria, AZ 6520 W Happy Valley Rd, Suite B-103, Glendale (623) 302-7256

Classy Luxurious®

I courageously pivoted to purpose and entrepreneurship.

Furthermore, with a remarkable vision inspired by the profound influence of women, I designed my first capsule collection, The Luxurious Tee Collection, which encapsulates transformational affirmations. The value of community for women motivates me to innovate solutions aligning my values with my company.

AC: Who or what inspires you?

Camry Brown Founder & CEO of Classy Luxurious®

One thing we love at Arizona Coffea is featuring up-and-coming businesses. For this spotlight, we feature Camry Brown, Founder, and CEO of Classy Luxurious®.

AC: We are so excited to share your story with our audience, so to get started can you tell us about yourself and why did you start your company?

CB: I AM Camry Brown, Founder & CEO of Classy Luxurious®, mentor, and speaker. In essence, a community leader and passionate about serving others for global impact. After nearly a decade of advancing Fortune 500 retail companies, including Retail Management, I enjoy uplifting women to thrive in life and style with my clothing company, Classy Luxurious, empowering women and women entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds and industries, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Following my fashion career as a Stylist and former Fashion & Entertainment Writer to clients, including The Oprah Winfrey Network, after earning my Bachelor's in Political Science at Georgia State University pursuing law school,

CB: My inspiration emanates from phenomenal women who sacrificed their ambitions for me and my appreciation for distinguished women transcending barriers in their respective professions. As a pillar of my community, I am privileged to lead and journey with young adults who are determined to shift their narratives amid adversities through mentorship and outreach. And their reminder of how worthy and deserving of greatness inspires me to improve aspects of the business. I am encouraged and one step ahead. Service is the foremost of my core values. Therefore, leading with integrity is the pinnacle of my inspiration and success.

AC: Knowing what you know now about business, is there anything you would have done differently than when you were first starting out?

CB: I can assure you I have acquired more lessons and am grateful. Despite the obstacles presented, my resilience transcends. And challenges to fuel hardships and drive for excellence. Reflecting on my errors, I would have hired a mentor or business coach sooner.

In the beginning, you can expect to wear many hats. However, prioritize resources and maximize what you have. For example, you may need to invest in marketing to sell current inventory before purchasing more.

Over the years, I have collaborated with women one-on-one as a stylist. Nonetheless, the learning curve for e-commerce requires an innovative method consistently. In an everchanging industry, focus on your bottom line and cultivate community.

As my company expands, I have discovered the sooner you

optimize customer experience, the more processes

will

be

transformative

and

profitable. More importantly, your business foundation should merit long-term impact.

AC: What is unique about your business?

CB: Classy Luxurious is a women's clothing company and movement of legacy women who

embrace

self-actualization

by

reclaiming their confidence and are affirmed by a thriving mindset. As a result of our clothing, we are empowering generations with

a

distinctive

mission

for

transformational impact and how femalefounded impacts society.

AC: How do you define success?

CB: There is no success worthwhile than your

stewardship.

I

believe

when

you

steward where you are, success is inevitable.

Continually develop your character and master your credibility to advance others.

Also, from humble beginnings, I consider success

synchronized

with

servant

leadership and work ethic.

AC: What advice do you have for someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?

Evolving as an entrepreneur, I have gained my greatest inspiration and most valuable knowledge from my setbacks. Once you desire to become an entrepreneur and execute ideas, initiate the necessary steps and invest in yourself--adventure strengths, challenges, and aspects of yourself you have

accomplishment is integrity when seemingly insurmountable

challenges

arise.

Pursue

excellence in everything you do. Be intentional about your “position in power” and the work for real progress. The most prominent piece of advice is not to compare yourself to others. Do not forfeit your destiny based on someone else’s destination.

AC: How can we get your products and stay in touch?

CB: Classy Luxurious: Website: www.ClassyLuxurious.com Social Media: @ClassyLuxurious Camry Brown: Facebook: @CamryBrownOfficial Instagram/Twitter: @CamryBrown_

yet discovered; these moments will anchor you. It is wise to know who you are when surpassing success goals and managing boundaries. Your most significant

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If you're hungry enough there is no such thing as imposter syndrome Sylvie McCracken

n o i h s aF r i a l F a e f f o C

p o r t f o l i o

~

s t y l e

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This is the look for folks who appreciate tailored clothing, clean lines, and neutral tones like black, white, and gray, among other things. Who has a traditional style like exquisite sobriety in the look and invests in textiles of good fit and quality looks great in the office but doesn't stay there.

CLASSIC STYLE

CREATIVE STYLE

In the eyes of a creative fashionista, fashion is all about originality, innovation, and individuality. When you go into a room, you give the image of being laid back, creative, and unconcerned with what you're wearing.

COFFEA r i a l F Fashion Magazine Releasing Fall 2022 Model: Nafishatu Isha Turay Photographer: Brittany Woods

Lower Learning:

Altering the Slavery Language in Classrooms

By Crystal Onyema

The current state of U.S. events keeps getting more...eerie.

Last month, a group of educators made a proposition to the Texas State Board of Education. Their wish is to update the second-grade social studies curriculum. The nine-member board fervently suggests changing the teaching curriculum's wording.

The most significant change would be how the language of slavery is discussed in the classroom, revising the term to "involuntary relocation."

Yes. Involuntary relocation.

Some board members say the goal is to make the curriculum in the classroom "less intense and more comfortable" for students, adjacent to the highly misconstrued and misunderstood critical race theory.

It's evident the proposed curriculum targets non-minority students.

The recently passed Senate bill covering critical race theory states, "slavery can't be taught as part of the true founding of the United States, and that slavery was nothing more than a deviation from American values."

In their recent suggestions, some board members used the bill as a shield of protection. They argue that changing the slavery wording will allow students to have the mindset to "compare journeys to America, including voluntary Irish immigration and involuntary relocation of African people during colonial times," according to the Texas Tribune.

Educators cannot compare the two historical journeys due to what happened blatantly.

There is an immense difference in coming to a foreign place because you feel welcomed and desired, as opposed to being stolen, controlled, and grossly mistreated in every unimaginable way.

Fortunately, not all the board members agree with this proposal. Fellow Board member Aicha Davis expressed concern, saying that the wording is not a fair representation of the historical fragility of the slave trade.

"I can't say what their intention was, but that's not going to be acceptable," Davis told The Texas Tribune."

History cannot be erased and remixed. And history certainly cannot be "watered down" to make children feel better about their ancestors' wrongdoing.

We are in a generation where children are more intelligent, aware, and intuitive than ever. They also have access to information at the tip of their fingers to find the truth on

their own. No amount of "shoveling dirt" on a shameful yet essential part of American history will help seven and eight-year-olds to become less well-rounded and informed individuals.

If anything, learning about past travesties can usher in a more hopeful, innovative, and equal world in the future. If this bill passes, it only opens doors to other opportunities for other proposals, such as the civil rights era and further misinformation about Native Americans.

A Harvard history professor, Annette Gordon-Reed had a simple yet sensible opinion of this proposal.

"Tell children the truth. They can handle it," Gordon-Reed stated.

Plenty of despicable changes are happening right now (hello, overturn of Roe vs. Wade).

So let's hope and pray for no additional trickle-down effects of buffoonery.

The State Board of Education will have a final vote on the curriculum at the end of the year.

Coffea recipes Summer 2022 RECIPES FOR A HEALTHY DIET

BLACK PEPPER TOFU AND ASPARAGUS

HOW TO MAKE

Step 3 Unwrap tofu and cut into 1" cubes.

Transfer tofu to a medium bowl. Add

Black Pepper Tofu and

cornstarch and salt and toss gently to coat tofu.

Asparagus Ingredients

Step 4 Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over

• 1, 14-oz. package firm or extra-firm

medium-high. Arrange tofu in skillet in

tofu, drained

a single layer and cook, turning

• 1 Tbsp. black peppercorns • 2 garlic cloves • 1 1½" piece ginger, peeled

occasionally, until golden brown and crisp all over, 6–8 minutes. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer to a large plate or baking sheet.

• 1 Tbsp. cornstarch • ½ tsp. kosher salt • 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Step 5

• 1 lb. asparagus, trimmed, cut into 1½" pieces •

⅓ cup soy sauce

• 1 Tbsp. sugar • 1 tsp. unseasoned rice vinegar

Reduce heat to medium and add reserved cracked pepper to skillet.

Cook, stirring often, until very fragrant, about 2 minutes, then add asparagus and cook, stirring often, until bright green, about 1 minute. Add reserved garlic and ginger and cook,

Step 1

stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Wrap tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place in a shallow baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Weigh

Step 6

down with a heavy object (a castiron skillet topped with a couple of heavy cans works well). Let sit at least 15 minutes and up to 1 hour (go the full time if you can).

Return tofu to pan and gently toss to combine. Increase heat to mediumhigh, add soy sauce and sugar, and cook, tossing occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.

Remove from heat and add vinegar.

Taste and add more salt and/or

Step 2

vinegar if needed.

Meanwhile, coarsely crack peppercorns in a spice mill or with a

Step 7

mortar and pestle (you can use a chef’s knife or a very heavy object,

To serve, divide rice among plates

although be prepared for some

and top with tofu mixture.

peppercorns to fly!); set aside. Finely grate garlic and ginger into a small bowl; set aside.

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Crumble &

Ingredients 1/2 ts cinnamon 1 x tbs coconut oil 150g plain yogurt 1/2 cup rolled oats 1 x tbs pistachio

}

Nuts

1 x tbs coconut sugar

Spread raspberries along bottom of baking dish. Top evenly with oat crumbs. Bake until topping is golden brown, about 45 minutes. Let raspberry crumble come to room temperature.

To serve, divide yogurt among six bowls. Preheat oven to 375° F. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and salt.

Add butter and using your hands or a pastry cutter, rub butter into sugar mixture until almost completely combined. Add oats and continue to blend.

Breakfast

Journey to Sigma Gamma Rho

NaTyshca Pickett - Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Arizona Coffea Magazine Photographer - Timothy Newburn

100 Years of Greater Service & Greater Progress

By Soror NaTyshca Pickett

Members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., world leaders, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) members, and national and worldwide media are invited to join in the largest Black cultural legacy event of 2022, the Centennial of Sigma Gamma Rho. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. (ΣΓP) was founded on November 12, 1922, by seven young educators at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana as a historically African American sorority and international collegiate and non-profit community service organization. When the Alpha chapter was granted a charter on December 30, 1929, the sorority officially became a national collegiate sorority. While the other three traditionally African American National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) sororities were founded at Howard University, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was established at a largely white university.

There are over 100,000 members in over 500 undergraduate and alumnae chapters in the United States, Bermuda, The Bahamas, Canada, Germany, South Korea, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the United Arab Emirates of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Upon graduation, women can join the organization as alumnae or through their college's undergraduate branch. The Philos Affiliates (sorority friends), the Rhoer Club Affiliates (teenage girls), and the Rhosebuds are all active affiliate groups within the organization dedicated to uplifting women at various points in their lives (elementary-age girls).

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