Arizona Coffea Magazine Issue 16

ARIZONA COFFEA Issue 16

KRISTY ANGELEE Helping single mothers understand the purpose in their journey

The Importance of A Black Doula

Self Care Addition: Black men & yoga

Author Kristy Angelee Smith Photographer: Eric Coleman

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.

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

Sharing Our Stories and Positivity Arizona Coffea®

table of

contents: Kristy Angelee Helping single

mothers understand the purpose in their journey (pg. 9) Author and coach tells of her journey as a single mother and how she encourages other women to walk in their purpose through single motherhood.

Self-Care Awareness More

Black men are taking up yoga as a form of self-care (pg. 14) Yoga is no longer just for women. More Black men and taking on yoga to combat anxiety, stress, and mental health.

The Black Doula Why they're important in the Black community (pg. 35)

Focused on pregnancy and postpartum coaching and education to decrease postpartum depression and create realistic expectations during pregnancy and the first year after birth.

Sep/Oct 2022 Issue #16

Arizona Coffea

www.azcoffea.com info@azcoffea.com

Helping Single Mothers find the purpose in their journey

By NaTyshca Pickett

Multi-passionate entrepreneur Kristy Smith, also known as Kristy Angelee, is showing single mothers how to not only survive, but thrive in their singleness as they raise their families. She started the companies What's your I Can?, MEE Consultancy, the Andrew Way Mentoring Foundation, and Whimsical Events Galore. Through her podcasts and blogs, she fosters an environment where her audience can discover their own 'I Can' moments in life, work, and relationships.

"I started my businesses and wrote my book to encourage others that they too can find their 'I Can' in the midst of their storm."

Smith says she knows first hand the struggles single moms and single women go through and she wanted to

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“Build your foundation on something solid which is God. Foundation built on anything else is like building a house on sand.”

speak up for that demographic.

needed to change. This is when I

"Being a single woman and being a

knew I needed to show women that

single

different

they can be who they want to be

worlds that are often mistaken for

and do what God has called them to

the same. Learning to navigate both

do. So I started my businesses and

worlds can be difficult. So I want to

wrote my book to encourage others

be

that they too can find their 'I Can'

mom

able

to

are

two

help

women

first,

understand that both of those roles

during their storm," Smith stated.

are separate, and second, teach them to realize that they are just as

When Smith came up with the idea

important even if they carry those

for her book, "What's Your I Can"

roles," Smith said.

she was in a women's shelter with her

Being

a

single

mother

has

children.

"I

remember

my

its

children had gone off to school and

challenges. Smith spoke about her

I was in the middle of the f loor

own experience with things she's

praying to God because, at this

faced and the stigma of being a

point, I just needed answers and

single mom. "I feel that oftentimes

guidance as to why I was there and

we are overlooked. I have been told

the purpose in everything I was

plenty of times that I was unable to

going through. As I was crying my

perform certain roles in companies

eyes out and trying to make sense

due to me being a single mother. I

of everything, I heard a voice say, "I

have been passed over when it

can do all things through Christ

came to promotions or management

who strengthens me." At that time I

roles. We work so hard just to be

was not trying to hear that." Smith

told that we aren't good enough. I

laughed

got tired and knew that something

moment. After that Smith explained

thinking

back

on

that

that she had a profound moment

newfound unveiling, Smith knew that

that changed the direction of her

she needed to share this in a book.

life. "I continued to ask God what

She knew that she was not the only

was the purpose in this. I needed

person

clear answers, and then God came

moments and wanted to encourage

back and spoke to me and said,

everyone in how they too can find

'Kristy, what's your I can?' It was at

their "I Can."

who

had

these

types

of

that moment it all made sense and I had a clear understanding." Smith

"It took me a while to write this book,

went on to say that she began to

but I can say that this is a timeless

listen more and receive revelation.

book. It's something that you can hand to your children and your

"I had to listen, he asked me a

children's children. It's a book for

question because he knew that was

those that are going to go through it

the only way he could get my

in the future and they can have

attention. I listened and realized

something to grab hold of wherever

that I didn't have to be strong at

they are in life."

that moment. God began to break it down. I was in a place where I could

Smith's book "What's Your I Can" will

be vulnerable. God started showing

release on Friday, September 30,

me that I was in my Garden of Eden.

2022. To learn more be sure to go to

It wasn't a women's shelter for me

her website www.kristyangelee.com.

to feel hopeless and helpless, it was a place for me to be renewed refreshed, and to be able to cope until the next plan in my journey.

Ever since then, that's been my message. Understanding where I was, I realized that I had a choice. I can choose to waddle or I can choose to find the blessings. I can choose to allow this place to be my launching pad to get me to the next level. I realized that I can do these things. I don't have to look at everyone

else

handling

their

and

how

situation.

they're I

can

choose the path I want to go in my situation," Smith said. With this 11

Beauty from the Top of Her Fro to the Tip of Her Toe

JOURNEY TO SELF CARE - BLACK MEN AND YOGA

by NaTyshca Pickett

The following is not something you encounter frequently: A Black man with yoga equipment.

However, that is beginning to alter. The physical and mental health benefits of yoga have attracted Black men from all over the country to incorporate it into their personal care routine.

The number of Black people who practice yoga has skyrocketed in recent years, especially among women. So, it's understandable why a Black man might feel uneasy about entering a yoga studio for the first time. That's why a lot of people of color and men are looking for and starting yoga communities where they won't be the odd ones out but will be the norm. Researchers have found that yoga can help Black people deal with the stress that contributes to many of the health problems that have dogged their people for generations. For Black men, who have a higher mortality rate than White men due to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases, this is of paramount importance. The practice of yoga has also been shown to benefit mental health. Black people are 20% more likely to report serious psychological distress than White people, but they are also less likely to seek professional mental health care, according to data from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. Black people, Black men in particular

frequently facing unrecognized and unhealed

racial

trauma

is

not

mentioned. Increasingly, yoga classes for Black men are safe havens where men can go to release tension, expose

their

vulnerabilities,

and

escape the irrational pressures of being a Black man in America. For example,

consider

The

Healing

Chicago. The group was founded by Andrew Smith and Tristan Lewis to aid

Black

and

Brown

men

in

recovering from the traumas of 2020, including the pandemic, political upheaval,

racial

attacks,

and

extrajudicial killings of Black men and women. After the success of their weekly yoga class, Smith and Williams decided to establish a nonprofit organization so that they could continue to offer classes and other events on a more consistent basis. Jaron Davis, who is based in Connecticut says, "It's important to maintain a positive attitude and a good sense of self and happiness.

There's a misconception that Black people are irate and can't control our tempers. Although I don't do yoga for others, I do think it's important to note that we (Black men) are on a mission to take care of ourselves and maintain our emotional awareness.

In some cases, that's done through the practice of yoga."

Suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death for African American youths between the ages of 15 and 24 in 2019, as reported by the Office of Minority Health of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Black or African American men had four times the suicide rate of Black or African American women in 2018. If yoga is to be a restorative for the Black community, it is

essential that yoga instructors have empathy for the hardships their students face.

The vast majority of yoga instructors are white women, many of whom have little knowledge of trauma or racial dynamics. It is up to yoga teachers to educate themselves on how issues like trauma and oppression can affect their students' practices because this is not addressed in the typical yoga teacher training.

As teachers, they have power and privilege, so it's important that they watch what they say and how they treat all of their students. Recognizing their privilege and having more compassion for the problems that students may be facing at any given time is a good first step. It's even better to know about social injustice in the United States and understand the history of racism.

The goal of Litehouse, which was started to honor the owner's husband, who died of cancer at age 44, is to give men a place to heal. Even though her goal was to make a group of men who care about their own health, the benefits go far beyond each person.

Will yoga classes ever become as popular as other ways for men to get together, like watching the Super Bowl or the All-Star Game? Maybe not. But it's clear that yoga for brothers is here to stay because communities like these are springing up all over the country.

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Having Emotional Intelligence Staff Editorial

This October, devote some time to learning about Emotional Intelligence and raising your own awareness of it. Learn new methods of noticing, comprehending, and controlling your emotions, and put them to use in your life.

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The capacity to recognize, manage, and assess emotions is referred to as emotional intelligence (EI). While some believe that emotional intelligence is an inborn trait, others believe that it can be learned and increased.

Perceiving Emotions: Accurately perceiving emotions is the first step toward comprehending them. This frequently entails recognizing nonverbal cues like body language and facial expressions.

Reasoning with Emotions: The next phase is to utilize feelings in order to stimulate mental work.

Our emotional reactions are influenced by our attentional priorities, and our reactions are prioritized by the things that catch our attention.

Understanding Emotions: The meanings associated with the emotions we experience are extremely varied. The observer must determine the source of the person's anger and what it might signify if they are showing furious emotions.

If your employer, for instance, is acting irate, it could be a sign that they are not pleased with your job, that they received a speeding ticket on the way to work that morning, or that they have been arguing with their partner.

Managing Emotions: The highest level of emotional intelligence is having the capacity to successfully handle emotions.

Emotional management includes regulating emotions, acting appropriately when emotions arise, and responding to the emotions of others.

It's important to be emotionally intelligent, but how can you improve your own social and emotional skills?

Here are some tips.

This model's four branches are arranged in order of complexity, with the simpler processes located at the lower levels and the more complex ones located at the higher levels. The lowest levels, for instance, entail feeling and expressing emotions, but higher levels demand more conscious effort and involve controlling emotions.

Empathize - Understanding someone's point of view requires both recognizing their feelings and putting yourself in their shoes.

Listen - To comprehend how others feel, pay attention. Listen to verbal and nonverbal cues.

Reflect - Emotional intelligence involves reasoning with emotions.

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COFFEA r i a l F Fashion Blog & Magazine For all things in Black Fashion

Check Out Our Website www.coffeaflair.com

Model: Nafishatu Isha Turay Photographer: Brittany Woods

20 22

o i l o f t r o p e l y t s i a l F a e f f o C n o i h s a F r

~

We had the opportunity to attend New York Fashion Week and there were so many shows to attend. We wanted to share some of the looks that were heating up the runways across the city.

LOOKS FROM NYFW

NYFW STYLE

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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Coffea recipes Fall 2022 RECIPES FOR A HEALTHY DIET

Creamy Vegan Sweet Potato Soup The perfect bowl of comfort food, this vegan sweet potato soup is rich and velvety with a satisfyingly sweet finish.

It's simple to prepare and tasty enough to serve as the main course of a satisfying meal, so there's no reason not to.

HOW TO MAKE

Step 3 Add in the vegetable stock and

Creamy Vegan Sweet Potato Soup

coconut cream, bring to the boil and then reduce the heat, cover the pot and leave to simmer until the sweet potatoes are soft and cooked.

Ingredients Step 4 • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil • 1 Medium Onion

Add in the almond butter and stir it in.

• 1 Teaspoon Crushed Garlic • 1 Teaspoon Minced Ginger • 1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

Step 5

• 1/2 Teaspoon Nutmeg • 2 Large Carrots Chopped

Blend with an immersion blender or by transferring to your blender jug in

• 2 Large Sweet Potatoes

stages and then returning to the pot.

• 2 Cups Vegetable Stock • 14 Ounces Canned Coconut Cream (unsweetened) • 1/4 Cup Almond Butter • Sea Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Step 6 Add sea salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 1 Add olive oil to a large pot with

Step 7

chopped onion, crushed garlic and minced ginger and sauté until the onions are slightly softened. Add in the cayenne pepper and nutmeg and sauté.

Step 2 Then add in the chopped carrot and sweet potato and toss with the onions and spices.

Serve with a sprinkle of black pepper and some fresh cilantro.

Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies These vegan peanut butter cookies are smooth and chewy despite the absence of butter and eggs. The secret of their veganism will remain hidden! Use chunky peanut butter or 14 cup crushed peanuts to give the dough some crunch if you like.

Ingredients • Peanut butter – crunchy or creamy • Sugar – coconut or organic pure cane • Flour – light spelt, all-purpose, gluten free flour blend or chickpea flour • Almond milk • Baking soda • Vanilla • Mineral salt

Instructions Step 1 Preheat oven to 350 degree. In a large bowl, cream peanut butter, sugars and vanilla until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Beat in almond milk. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture.

Step 2 Roll heaping tablespoonfuls into balls.

Spread out with a fork and place 2 inches apart on baking pans lined with parchment paper. Put in the oven and wait 8-10 minutes. After 5 minutes, transfer to wire racks to finish cooling.

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THE HEALING POWER OF

THE BLACK DOULA

By NaTyshca Pickett

Black and Indigenous mothers in the United States are disproportionately affected by the current maternal and infant health crisis. Numerous studies have confirmed that racism plays a significant role in the high rate of maternal mortality. Maternal mortality rates are higher among Black women than among White women despite similarities in socioeconomic status, level of education, and availability of health insurance. Racism in society's systems, as well as implicit and explicit bias, are to blame for these glaring and unjust discrepancies. A doula, as defined by DONA international, is a non-medical professional who stays by a pregnant person's side throughout her entire pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period to offer continuous physical, emotional, and informational support. Researchers

have found that providing women with individualized and ongoing care has a beneficial effect on the health of the mother, the child, and the family as a whole.

Although having a doula present can be helpful, there may be financial obstacles that prevent you from hiring one. Although many expectant mothers would benefit from having a doula present during their birth, the high cost of hiring one (anywhere from $800 to over $2,000) puts this service out of reach for many.

Community-based Doula Doulas in the community are trained professionals who assist with childbirth.

They offer prenatal, postnatal, and postpartum emotional, physical, and informational support that is sensitive to cultural norms. Peer support is emphasized

and barriers to care are removed through community-based doula programs in areas with high rates of maternal and infant mortality. Doula services can be expensive, but these programs help find and train reliable women in the community. They are useful for enhancing the quality of prenatal care, increasing breastfeeding rates, reducing unnecessary medical interventions, expanding access to positive birth experiences, and enhancing parenting abilities.

Also, Black people who give birth frequently report experiencing discrimination, racism, and a loss of autonomy, all of which can be mitigated with the help of community-based doulas.

Doulas in the community are educated on how to make their clients feel strong and capable of speaking up for themselves during pregnancy and childbirth.

Evidence suggests that this type of continuous, one-on-one support can reduce total medical expenditure by reducing the likelihood of complications and increasing the likelihood of a healthy mother and baby.

Although some states (Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, and Indiana) have made doula services covered by Medicaid, the vast majority of doula programs (about 70%) that help communities with inequities in maternal newborn outcomes are funded by private foundation grants. However , more

households may soon have access to this service. There is currently a pilot program in New York, and at least 17 states have proposed legislation or other state action to support Medicaid reimbursement of doula services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data show that black women have a mortality rate from childbirth that is about three times that of white women. As people age, the severity of that statistic only increases. The risk of death during childbirth is four to five times higher for black women over the age of 30 compared to white women. There is a higher risk of complications during pregnancy for black women, and are less likely to have access to adequate care after giving birth. Black communities are plagued by preeclampsia, fibroids, poor nutrition, and

It's true that many of the causes of those numbers can be avoided. Despite significant medical advances and data highlighting the enormous gaps, little has changed over the past few decades. Center for American Progress reports that areas with a high concentration of black people continue to face challenges in gaining access to affordable health care, supermarkets, and other necessities like fresh produce. Those who don't know better might attribute the problem we face solely to financial factors. This is not the case. The CDC reports that black mothers with a college degree have a 52% greater risk of dying during childbirth than white mothers with the same level of education. All Black mothers, from Olympic gold medalist Serena Williams to the high school dropout giving

birth right now, are impacted by the lack of birth safety.

Life and death issues affect black women of all income levels. The only shared characteristic associated with a lower chance of a healthy pregnancy and delivery is being black. It could be a life-or-death struggle if she is African American and giving birth.

Zero infant and maternal deaths were reported, and 89% of women were able to start breastfeeding when they received family-centered care from a midwife, doula, and lactation specialist.

Providing prenatal and postnatal care to black women has been shown to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Black mothers with a college degree have a 52% greater risk of dying during childbirth than white mothers with the same level of education.

Pregnant and giving birth black women may benefit from increased access to doula care.

A 2015 study by Reliable Source found that compared to women of other races, black women are 36% more likely to have a C-section. A 2016 review by Trusted Source of studies found that having a doula during pregnancy decreased the need for cesarean sections by providing women with additional prenatal support and an advocate during the delivery process. In a recent article, the Center for American Progress highlighted the work of a DCbased nonprofit whose mission includes providing services to mothers of color.

The health of pregnant black women and their newborns is affected by a number of variables. It's crucial to have a solid birth support team that cares about the well-being of your family. Systemic racism and a lack of cultural understanding must be remedied. It is essential that women of all socioeconomic statuses have easy access to high-quality maternity care.

TIPS

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Clean out the fridge and pantry on shopping day.

Find a place for every item.

Coordinating the shopping with cleaning is a great idea. You will always have fresh products in your fridge and pantry and you will always have enough storage room for your purchases. This will also reduce overspending on products you already have in your kitchen.

Usually things pile up on counters, tables, chairs or on the floor is because they don’t officially belong anywhere.

Once you solve this issue, putting things away will be easy. Just make sure the designated place for your items isn’t the countertop in the first place. Think about storing items where you use them. Not having to walk to another room to put something away will increase the likelihood of putting it back in its place.

How You Love Yourself is How You Teach Others to Love You

MODEL: L AIL A B PHOTO: ANNEKE MARIE

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BLACK

LOVE

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month