< PreviousIndiscernible: incapable of being discerned • not recognizable as distinct • The impact of The Great Migration in Arizona has had little acknowledgment, leaving African American residents and visitors locked into an “indiscernible status.” Systemic racism is rational- ized by the dismissive tone that emphasizes the small demographic percentage of Blacks that live (or stay) in the state compared to whites and His- panics, further relegating Black artists to the fringes. This Indiscernible-fringe existence while also strongly experienced in other areas of economic, social, civic and educational engage- ments is being examined through an array of interdisciplinary, ongoing arts and community engagements is being executed under the title “THE GREAT MIGRATION – INDISCER- NIBLES IN ARIZONA.” Just like American chattel slavery, the significance of The Great Migration also gets short shrift in required curric- ula, which undermines any endeavor to compre- hend America. The uncoordinated flow of six million southern Blacks within a short six decades to other parts of the country armed only with a determination to “do better” accelerated the pace and variations of oppressed people’s creativity. But you cannot tell that from the Arts in Arizona. “Where are all the Black people?” Without fail, when Black people arrive in the Valley from other parts of the country or other countries and look for embedded Black culture, the results are the same as they have been for decades. Perhaps they see Black pedestrians, students, shoppers, drivers, airport employees … where are the bookstores, museums, galleries, theatres, nightclubs, and Public Art that accom- pany thriving, striving communities? There are no newspapers or online tomes, like the revered Green Book to use as a guide, and the sense of not belonging and even danger in these dispa- rate days is still pervasive. The free entertainment guides distributed in coffee shops or public kiosks heighten the sense that Blacks are not a part of the cultural landscape. In this day of social media, newcomers will likely be disappointed (and perhaps a little socially awkward). Placing the focus on Public Art in Arizona, ask yourself if you can identify or recall five pieces that incorporate an Afro-centric theme created by Black artists. In a 2018 formal com- plaint about the Public Art selection process in the City of Phoenix, this writer stated: “… longstand- ing, systemic racism and inequities inherent in the Selection Process, Outcomes, Public Arts Events, and Public Art Commissions as administered by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture. The result has been an overall egregious, revenue stifling disservice to the residents and African American (Black) artists of Phoenix.” One of the solutions that I recommended was that Public Art is removed from the auspices of government: “I reiterate the suggestion that the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture be removed from the per view of City government (Commis- sion and City Council) and be replaced by pro- fessional public Arts firms contracted for set terms of service.” The City’s investigation results were predict- able: “POAC (Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture) adheres to the public art program policy, which does not address or require racial equity in the selection of panel members for procurements. Nothing came to our attention that would indi- cate inequity in the selection panel process.1 Cultural myopia does not end with visual Public Arts. It is impossible to talk about The Great Migration without a discussion of the music, a hallmark of the human movement from the South to the North, Midwest, and West. The stigma of the cotton fields has followed Blues music, resulting in the rejection of their birth- right music by many Black people. In local night- clubs, unabashed mimics of Black (speech and mannerisms) are not equivalent to the genre. This writer refers to it as vocal-blackface and finds it difficult to know if they are perpetuating a joke that I can neither understand nor appreciate. The protest here is not merely poor musician- ship but deception on the part of duplicitous nightclubs and media hacks that benefit from pro- moting a bastardized facsimile of a noble art form. Which has resulted in genuine, seasoned Blues musicians ultimately leaving the Valley or phased out of their livelihoods by posers. Hence, The Bona Fide Blues Review. The purpose of The Bona Fide Blues Review is to uphold and preserve original American Blues music (as opposed to blues-derivative rock or jazz); while making the performance of authentic, quality live Blues music and accom- plished musicians accessible to informed and new audiences. It is to preserve a birthright for descendants of The Great Migration in Arizona. When interviewed at the release celebration of The Bona Fide Blues Review CD, Arizona’s King of the Blues Big Pete Pearson, disclosed that when he first moved to Arizona in 1952, he chopped cotton in the field on the CD jacket cover; which is located at 98th Avenue and Camelback. Not only did that fact blow my mind, but it also strongly affirmed that I am on the right track in the mission to heighten the visibility and varied works of accomplished Black artists. Success is not just in achieving an exhibition, a performance, or even numbers in attendance. Cultural myopia needs a poke in the eye to be- come more accountable for how grant monies are distributed, commissions are filled, outreach is directed, and who is sitting on the board of direc- tors of organizations that funnel aesthetics and business to the public. Emancipation Arts have aggressively pursued reasons and relationships, building deep alliances along the way. There is still no Black cultural or business center in Phoenix, however “the times they are a’changing” and the necessary collaborations for change-making have been engaged and are committed to a dignified and functional presence for Arizona’s Indiscernibles. Clottee Hammons THE ARTISTS THE BUSINESS OWNERS THE LEADERS THE ORGANIZATIONS THE RISING 40 AZFOOTHILLS.COM Title: We Came From Somewhere … We Goin’ Somewhere Medium: Photocollage Artist: C. A. Hammons 1 Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture Distribution of Art Funds Integrity Line Case #837 March 8, 2019 Bona Fide Blues Review CD featuring Arizona’s King of the Blues Big Pete Pearson also featured Scotty Spenner and True Flavor Blues Band Recorded live at The Listening Room Phoenix May 19, 2018 CD Jacket Art by C. A. Hammons https://heritagesquarephx.org/visit/theheritagegallery Indiscer- nibles in ArizonaTHE ARTISTS THE BUSINESS OWNERS THE LEADERS THE ORGANIZATIONS THE RISING A self-taught photographer living in Phoenix focusing on landscape, portraiture and product photography. I picked up the camera over four and half years ago and have not put it down since. I look forward to continuing to improve upon my skills and look forward to where my journey with photography takes me next. Twitter: twitter.com/sheldeeen Facebook: www.facebook.com/eldeeenexploresphoto Instagram: www.instagram.com/eldeeen.explores Website: www.eldeeenexplores.com 42 AZFOOTHILLS.COM Elden Andrews@azfoothills #azfoothills 4344 AZFOOTHILLS.COM Ni k F ield s Chef CHEF NIK FIELDS , better and creatively known as “Nik the Chic Chef,” has mastered combining her culinary skills and vision to make food fashionable and fun with a purpose. Chef Nik Fields is a Culinary Arts graduate, and her passion for food, healthy eating, and humanity have led her to break barriers and build strong bonds through food in the industry. For centuries food has been used as a way to bridge cultures together; Chef Nik Fields also implements this tradition, and it is what has helped her become a major staple in the food industry. Chef Nik started a nonprofit dedicated to providing food and clean water to villages in the Dominican Republic, Waste Not Want Not Inc. The nonprofit encourages restaurants and households to limit food waste that could be used to feed low-income homes and the homeless. Chef Nik’s compassion, knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit make her one of the most sought-after chefs and brands today. As the CEO of Chic Chef Co., Chef Nik Fields provides her clients and customers with custom and creative experiences that you can enjoy at home through her cookbook series. “A Culinary Vibe: Volume I” and “Aphrodisiacs: Volume ll” (an Amazon Best Seller) are available now where you can create your own dishes with the Chic Chef approach and also create some fun, new things to try with your partner. Chef Nik Fields will be releasing a third cookbook, “Love Food, Waste Not,” set to be released on 10/10/2020. Chef Nik Fields’ upcoming cookbook will provide daily recipes for pollotarians (those who eat poultry, not red meat) and pescatarians worldwide that are eco- friendly and waste conscious. Chic Chef Co. also offers a fantastic line of organic balsamic vinegars, olive oils, simple syrups, spices, tea blends, and essential kitchen tools. Which you will be able to enjoy via her online marketplace and soon to open brick and mortar marketplace and cafe located in downtown Phoenix in fall 2020. Chef Nik Fields provides her clients and customers with a custom experience crafted from a genuine and organic love of food. Nik Fields has gained national recognition for her amazing culinary art skills. She has prepared cuisine for celebrities such as Jess Hilarious, Vivica Fox, Tisha Campbell, Snoop Dog, Sharon Stone, Tony Goldwyn, and Famke Janssen, Shar Jackson, and Pittsburg Steelers linebacker Vincenzo Williams to name a few. Chef Nik is also the personal chef to several Arizona Cardinals football players and many others. Her fantastic cooking skills have also landed her in People Magazine, “The Doctors” on NBC, HGTV, Bravo, and VH1. Chances are you’ve seen a “Nik the Chic Chef” creation before! The way our food looks is almost as meaningful as it tastes, and with Chef Nik Fields’ vision, skills, and genuine love for food, she has created an empire that people genuinely enjoy watching her cook up. Earning the name Nik the Chic Chef, she is known to slay looks while serving the cookbooks, Chef Nik Fields is very aware of her unique position in the food industry and is truly one of a kind! THE ARTISTSTHE BUSINESS OWNERSTHE LEADERSTHE ORGANIZATIONSTHE RISINGDonate Today A R I Z O N A A S S I S T A N C E I N H E A L T H C A R E "Some days it feels like yesterday, other days it feels like a distant memory, but three years ago I was declared cancer free. I have made it my life's mission to give back to the cancer community. Fighting cancer is hard enough without having to worry about how you are going to pay your bills. I want to use this opportunity to contribute in an even greater way and show others there is life after cancer!" Arpi Hamilton Mrs. Arizona America 2020 " V I S I T A Z A I H . O R G T O L E A R N M O R E P.O. Box 5157 | Goodyear, AZ 85338 | 623-207-3009 | instagram.com/azassistanceinhealthcare46 AZFOOTHILLS.COM WHY IS THERE STILL INEQUALITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS? IT’S 2020 PEOPLE! America is a country built by cross-cultural con- tributions of Blacks, immigrants and Native Amer- icans, all of which suffered from historical treachery, some cultures worse than others. You would think at this point we’d all want the same thing “peace, unity, equality and justice’’ for all! Our history is to be remembered and not for- gotten; We all need to learn and grow from what happened in the past so that we do not keep re- peating the wrongs. But somehow, even in our current times, we are experiencing a new resur- gence of civil unrest due to the injustice plaguing the African American community. We are more socially aware and con- nected than ever before through global media outlets, which allow us to see social injustices, acts of systemic racism and racial ignorance through millions of polarizing lenses. The repet- itive racial injustices have reignited worldwide movements; nationally “Black Lives Matter” is an outcry for equality. At this point in our trajectory, it is time to have an uncomfortable dialogue so that issues can be put on the table and addressed. It’s time for our country to reject the notion that it’s ok to have disenfranchisement, that it’s ok that we shape intolerable perceptions of a race of people, without any understanding, just because they are Black or Brown. “Whoever controls the images, controls your self-esteem, self- respect and self-development. Whoever controls the history, controls the wisdom”. DR. LEONARD JEFFRIES African Americans throughout the decades have achieved such great- ness. Our culture is built on a legacy of self-resilient leg- acy! Hailing from among our ranks are brilliant Black Scientists, Politicians, Doc- tors, Civil Rights Leaders, Accountants, Nurses, CEO’s, Entrepreneurs, Athletes, Inventors, Dancers, Models, Singers, Musicians, Pastors, Preachers, Blue Collar Workers and so much more. We have a rich history of developing our own infrastructure due to not being accepted by the mainstream, (i.e. Black Wall Street, Tulsa OK; Rosewood, FL just name a few) and from the depths of racism and jealousy, the black com- munity was bombed, tortured, lynched, murdered and raped of its very powerful existence. We need to bridge the gap of the Black plight! African Americans need to be readily rec- ognized for their continuous contributions to this country. Every race has bad apples, but we should not portray a generalization of a whole race based upon a few bad apples! We need to remove the oppressive ideologies that still plague America and create a positive vision to have a safe, non-judgmental world for future generations to prosper in a level playing field. We need to change the “Old” rules that are antiquated and only favor the perceived dominant race. As we look at America today, we are becoming Browner and Blacker and mixes of this or that – which is great! It incorporates the understanding of other cultures. All races in America are witnessing a re- birth. An awakening. An awakening where so- cially just and unbiased white people are standing tall denouncing racism and inequalities. They have taken heed to their histories turbulent past and have made apologies to their ancestors. To make a change they are putting in work to help support the Civil movements currently hap- pening. Together we can build programs to tear down the walls of disenfranchisement for all races who feel those effects. We can have con- versations to discuss the beauty of color and cul- ture. Together we can destroy racial ignorance. Together we can be beacons of light for a new day of equality. Together we can build a new world where no persons of color should have to fear anyone put in a position to protect and serve. Remove the judgmental looks from wrong- ful stereotyping. We can create a world of which we can be proud of – a place that we can call HOME! I am a Daughter, Granddaughter, Niece, Mother, Wife, Friend and Restauranteur. My place that I have cultivated over the past 6 years – SugarJam Bake Shop & Bistro in North Scottsdale is a family run, mom and pop restau- rant and bakery. My customers have grown to become a part the SugarJam Family. I do not tol- erate any sense racial ignorance! SugarJam is in- clusive for ALL! It’s a safe place for all races and ages. SugarJam is a place of unity, family owned, community based and equal opportunity for all. I would never imagine anything else! Bridge Over Troubled Waters! Written By: DANA N. DUMAS Dana N. Dumas THE ARTISTS THE BUSINESS OWNERS THE LEADERS THE ORGANIZATIONS THE RISINGJoin Us for a Socially-Distant Social Hour Scan the QR-Code below for Bends & Brunch tickets & info. homewardboundaz.org PATHWAYS OUT OF POVERTYI started CONSTANTINE LLC during the Spring semester of my Sophomore year at American International College, located in Springfield, Massachusetts. With the encouragement from a schoolmate, whose family owns a significant wine vineyard in Italy, I started my company initially focusing on wine. While beginning this venture, I quickly discovered that the capital requirements for importing and distributing wine would be barriers for black women- owned businesses. After realizing my ramp up for my wine business would be delayed due to the lack of substantial capital, I started to consider other options. At first, searching related products was a challenge until I went to a modeling assignment for New York Fashion Week. On the way to my assignment, I stopped by a cigar lounge to purchase cigars for my father. The room was filled with amazing aromas coming from the cigar lounge. I watched a man hand-roll cigar that had been soaked in different alcoholic beverages (i.e., Cognac, Rum, Tequila, and more). I discovered that the cigar roller was visiting from Nicaragua, and I took his business card. After my dad received his cigars, he called me raving about the taste, aroma, and smooth pull of the hand-rolled cigars he smoked. My dad went on to suggest that I should consider adding flavored tobacco leaf to my wine business. I researched the different flavored tobacco distributors and suppliers and began acquiring inventory for cigars. While working on my undergraduate degree, my father contacted several venues in Phoenix and surrounding areas that did not want to carry cigar inventory. However, they tried to make cigars available for their customers. I came up with the solution of hosting pop-up hand-rolled cigar parties, featuring a cigar hand roller demonstrating how to roll cigars at the venues that Constantine partnered with. As a result, the sites increased in customer traffic, and I successfully introduced my Constantine flavored cigar brand. With assistance from my father as my sales manager, this allowed me to have an additional source of income during my undergraduate studies and while completing my master’s in business administration (MBA). Upon graduating from American International College in May 2020, the final semester of my graduate studies was rudely interrupted by the Coronavirus outbreak in Massachusetts. Besides, my cigar business was disrupted entirely in the state of Arizona. All of my pop-up venues were shut down, and I had to abruptly return to Arizona. Faced with the challenge of having a business based on social engagement and networking, I was forced to find ways to continue growing my business while COVID-19 took over the entire state of Arizona. Fortunately, I kept track of my customers through emails and Facebook using a secured database. I developed a contact system to stay in touch with regular buyers and began to make them aware of my available daily inventory. I introduced a new delivery service offered by Constantine LLC. I let my existing customers know that Constantine was offering same- day delivery, arriving in 60 minutes or less within the Phoenix Metropolitan area, delivering their favorite products for an additional fee. Constantine’s same-day delivery service multiplied with its existing customers, and word of mouth resulted in deliveries to business meetings, golf courses, small parties, wedding receptions, and other celebration events. With the addition of same-day delivery, I have been able to continue growing Constantine’s vision and adapt to the conditions related to COVID-19. 48 AZFOOTHILLS.COM THE ARTISTS THE BUSINESS OWNERS THE LEADERS THE ORGANIZATIONS THE RISING Constantine LLC Lauren Witherspoon@azfoothills #azfoothills 49 WELL HELLO THERE, Its time to talk about me for a minute and my life. I am newly single well the word “separated” and living my best life. I moved to the great state of Arizona in December 2009. I remember the 25- hour car ride from the south to the west coast, and I thought I am making moves. It is so beautiful, I thought to myself; I’d never seen so many clear skies, cacti, rolling mountains, and palm trees. Considering I moved from Atlanta at 23, to come to teach beauty school, and with hopes to move to Los Angeles to hit it big. I joined the Empire Beauty School team in Avondale, Arizona. This beauty school is where I learned to master the craft of cosmetology. It was one of the most challenging times of my life. I had to grow up, and I mean fast. My students were between the ages of 17-55. Can you imagine being the leader, the person in charge? I had no clue what I got myself into, but all I knew was that it was moving me one step closer to LA. I always knew that beauty school was not my end game. So, in my downtime, I applied as an educator for professional lines. Any line that I saw at the major hair shows. I was a young educator, always looking and searching for a reason to leave campus. I presented field trips after a field trip to my boss. Let us take the class out to learn how to approach a potential client (passing out a business card can be intimidating). Let’s tour the State Board of Arizona. Let’s visit different professional beauty suppliers. My director always gave me the go-ahead. The day we visited Cosmoprof Beauty, my life changed with a new brand PRAVANA and personal growth because I met the man I would call my husband. The night before I stayed up late to study the brands that we didn’t carry at the school to inform my class on other options, once they were licensed and in the workforce. We reach PRAVANA, and I was excited to discuss this line because it was a line that I used for my VIVIDS guest. A sweet angel by the name of Erica, “the store manager came and asked if I wanted a job with a brand.” I heard Chaka Khan singing, “I’m every woman all in me” this is my moment. I am going to be a star. As the weeks flew by, I called every day hoping that I would get the gig, but crickets. My relationship with my new man grew and low and beheld, we were dating. I like this guy, and we talk about random things, life, kids, family, parties, and my career. I find myself engaged, married, pregnant twice (my daughter is my rainbow baby), and separated. Let’s just say when it was good, it was good and when sh*t hit the fan. The fan never stopped. My pregnancy was nothing but the hardest thing I have ever done in my entire life. It went from oh my gosh we are pregnant, finding the perfect midwife planning my home birth too; this will be another miscarriage, and I am on bed rest for nine months. All in all, I would not trade it, but, in those moments, I was so upset you would not imagine. My birth was a planned home birth, and fourteen hours later, my princess arrives, I’la Kaylee Wilbeck. My midwife slipped away, and my doula took care of the last-minute things that go into home births—feeding you, bathing you, helping mom and dad care for your new bundle of joy. When you have a home birth, and all goes well, all your post opt appointments are made in-house. The morning comes, and my midwife is back to check on us and instructs me to call the pediatric doctor that I selected as soon as possible to get a newborn screening. She pulled me to the side and said, I think that your child has Down syndrome. I’la’s tiny nose without a bridge, her heart-shaped ears, and her eye placement were all signs. I had many thoughts about what I should do. Should I tell my family? Do I join a support group? Will I be able to go back to work? How long will my baby live? How do I save for her future? Six weeks came extremely fast, and we get her tested. The results came in, and she has Down syndrome. If you’re wondering what this means, it includes several doctor’s appointments, in-home state inspections, specialists, and learning sign language. There were many tears due to the uncertainty of her quality of life, but we are riding the wave. I’las diagnosis is not your typical down syndrome case. Her 12th chromosomes are slightly floating higher than the other and connect like a charm bracelet. The doctors told us she would be a vegetable. However, regardless of what the doctors told me. She crawled, walked, and was speaking her first words before anyone had expected. We started her therapies at nine weeks, and at almost five years old, she can do most things on her own. Speech is still an area that we are working very hard to master. So, if you are wondering how it is to parent a child on the spectrum? It is all the same and just takes patience, waiting for milestones, and staying on top of appointments. Sure, my career took a back seat while raising her, but I came back stronger than ever. I am incredibly passionate about the beauty world. My life is surrounded by making others feel amazing from the inside out. Since becoming a mother, I have opened Cosmoholic Salon LLC, and we are going on year three. I moved up the ladder for PRAVANA as Senior Artistic Educator, Brand Specialist, and now I am a Model Room Manager. I travel to Atlanta every six weeks to service my clients there. I have written my first E-workbook, 2020 Protecting YOU, Your STAFF, and CLIENTS, working on my second one, The Backroom: starting your business made easy. I have launched an athleisure line (subscribe without the subscription) Activatefit.ablous Apparel. All of which you can find in my online store. www.acitvateyourbackroom.com. Life as a mother, leader, and entrepreneur all go hand in hand. You make the sacrifices that you need to reach your goals. There are small steps that you take to paint your most exceptional picture. I am committed to providing my daughter with the best life that she can have. THE ARTISTS THE BUSINESS OWNERS THE LEADERS THE ORGANIZATIONS THE RISING C h a rd a i F is her Next >