Issuu

9RO 1R

0$< )

) )

' ) ( ) "% ) " ") ' #) # ") ) ) ' $ ) ) & # ! )

Show the world

Your Best You! Give your skin and body a restorative, rejuvenating treatment that will leave you feeling and looking great! Your Best You Medical Spa is an appointment only Medical Spa providing specialized Skin Rejuvenation and Women's Wellness services utilizing FDA approved medical grade products and procedures to achieve the desired results. At Your Best You Medical Spa, we can assure you that you are in good hands. Alexis McRae MD is a Board Certified Emergency Medicine (ABEM) and Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM) Physician. Dr. McRae is committed to treating the entire person. Maintaining a balance between physical, mental and emotional heath is paramount. Together we will develop YOUR personal and individualized plan to help you become the BEST version of yourself.

Customized Skin Care Plans, ZO Skin Health Products, Laser Skin Care Services & Laser Tattoo Removal, Cosmetic Botox, Juvederm, Kybella, Latisse and Women’s Wellness

SalonLofts WindsorSquare 9949 E Independence Blvd | Loft 11 Matthews, NC 28105

Alexis Mc Rae, MD

Call 704-635-1229 for Appointment salonlofts.com/your_best_you_medical_spa

JOY OF WREATHS

Your Wreath Design BROUGHT TO LIFE!

www.JoyOfWreaths.com OR

Search "Joy of Wreaths" on ETSY

3 Use Code "CPINC" For 20% Off Your Purchase! Offer Valid Through June 30

Letter From the ¥ɓƨǹǠȽǚƷȵ Ce_ vlr gklt qd` laaeê[h Mlqdòӗp C[v Hlhe_[v t[p qd` o`prhq la àaloqp ]v jlqdӣò [k_ _[rcdqòҿ @kk R``s`p J[osep [k_ @kk[ J[osepӇ @kk[ R``s`p

qd` ^ljj`o^e[hex[qelk la qd` dlhe_[v [k_ qovekc ql d[s` eq o`jls`_ aolj qd` k[ӣ

J[osep la W`pq Veoceke[ d`hm`_ pq[oq ӓMlqd`opӗ C[v Wlog Bhr]pӔ ql q`[^d hl^[h tlj`k dlt ql molm`ohv ^[o` alo

Hò` t` [o` kltҿ jlo` qd[k v`[op h[qòҼ Td` ahltòҿ ^[o_ [k_ ^[k_v ^ljm[ӣ

qdèo ^deh_o`kҼ Elhhltekc qd` _`[qd la dò jlqdòҿ @kk[ J[osep ^lk^ès`_ la Mlqdòӗp C[v [p [ t[v la dlkloekc qd` p[ôeae^`p jlqdòp j[_` alo qdèo ^deh_o`kҼ Hò sòpelk la qd` _[v ekslhs`_ t`[oekc [ tdeq` ^[ok[qelk [p [ ][_c` [k_ sepeqekc lk`ӗp jlqdò lo [qӣq`k_ekc ^dro^d pòse^`pҼ Hò hl]]vekc àaloqp t`kq laa ek td`k Po`pe_`kq Wll_olt Wehplk `pӣq[]hepd`_ qd` p`^lk_ Srk_[v ek M[v [p Mlqdòӗp C[vҼ @kk[ pllk ]`^[j` _ep`kӣ^d[kq`_ teqd qd` ^`h`]o[qelk la Mlqdòӗp C[vҿ ]`he`sekc qd[q qd` dlhe_[v t[p deӣf[^g`_ ]v ahlo[hҿ ^[k_v [k_ ^[o_ ^ljm[ӣke`pҼ Sd` pm`kq qd` o`j[ek_ò la dò hea` [k_ aloqrk` hl]]vekc [c[ekpq the com-

qelk[h ^[h`k_[oҼ

ke`p pqehh d[s` [ hl^g lk qd` dlhe_[vҿ j[gӣekc eq qd` alroqd jlpq ùm`kpes` dlhe_[v ҫ]`dek_ҿ Bdoepqj[pҿ Td[kgpcesekc [k_ V[h`kqek` C[vҬҼ Mlqdòӗp C[v ep []lrq jlo` qd[k ahltòpҿ ^[k_e`pҿ ^[o_pҿ lo [kv lqdò ceaqҼ Iq ep []lrq o`^lckexekc qdlp` tdlӗs` mh[v`_ [ olh` ek kroqroekcҿ hlsekc [k_ cre_ekc rpҼ I dlklo p`sò[h tlj`kҿ ek^hr_ekc jv jlqdòҿ tdl mh[v`_ [ peckeaӣ e^[kq m[oq ek cre_ekc [k_ pd[mekc j` ekql qd` tlj[k [k_ jlqdò qd[q I [j ql_[vҼ @ aoe`k_ la jek`ҿ tdl hlpq dò jlqdò `[ohv lkҿ p`k_p ahltòp ql dò a[qdòҿ tdl aehhp qd` olh` la ]lqd jlqdò [k_ a[qdòҼ Slҿ td`qdò vlr tepd ql t`[o [ ^[ok[ӣ qelkҿ p`k_ [k `kqeo` ]lrnr`q la ahltòpҿ ^[k_v ^[o_p lo lqdò ceaqp la [mmo`ê[qelkҿ `kflvӂ

H[mmv Mlqd`op C[v /\QQ /HDU\

Table of Contents

. Celebrating Mothers Day as an Adoptive Mom

. 6 Last Minute Mothers Day Gifts from Amazon

. The Androgynous Model

1 . The Ebony Experience Culture Gallery

1 .

Charlotte SHOUT Arts and Music Festival

. Best Mom Ever Celebration

. Good Eats: Dine With Dynasty

2 . All in the Family: with Ebony Wines

Charlotte PinC Contributors Lynn Leary Editor

Paige Leary Assistant Editor

Corine Olarte Photographer

DeAndra Easter Editorial Assistant

Celebrating Mother’s Day as an Adoptive Mom By Nefertiti Austin Mother’s Day is exciting for moms and kids. Little ones make gifts and love notes for the woman who has been with them from their first breath. Moms look forward to being appreciated, or even catered to, by partners and their precious offspring. For adoptive moms, like me, Mother’s Day can bring with it the feeling that you have “arrived” – that you are officially part of a special club whose membership includes stepmoms, birth moms, and grandmoms. Your dream of receiving homemade clay trinkets or tiny handprints drawings has manifested, and you may be filled with strong emotions: elation, anticipation, satisfaction . . . and, yes, guilt. Some adoptive moms experience a restrained joy, knowing that there is a biological mother out there who is missing her child.

Ia vlr p`kp` qd[q vlro ^deh_ a``hp qlok lo [kuelrpҿ _l klq jekejex` qdèo a``hekcpҼ A` ô`[qes` [k_ ^lj` rm teqd vlro ltk pm`ê[h _[vҼ Ylr ^lrh_ ^`h`]o[q` qd` _[v ]àlo` lo qd` _[v [aqòҼ Leqqh` ge_p hls` ql olh` mh[vҿ [k_ vlr ^lrh_ mo`q`k_ ql ]` qd` ]eoqd mother and give your child a chance to express what’s on their mind. Or, you could ask your kids how they’d like to spend Mother’s Day. Remember, just as there is not one “right way” to be a mother, there’s no right way to do Mother’s Day, either.

In my house, as Mother’s Day approaches, I ask my kids if they would like to write a note or draw a picture for their birth mother. Their adoption is closed – so I do not know her whereabouts – but I offer to save whatever they’ve created. I promise that when the time is right, they can give it to her. So far, neither child has taken me up on the idea, but I continue to extend that invitation each year. It is important that they know that I know that I am not their only mother. Though I may be the only mother they’ve ever known, I do not want them to feel that I am trying to completely replace her. Mother’s Day for families with an open adoption may include a joint celebration or children splitting time between their biological and adoptive homes. That level of interaction takes a lot of maturity and may not be possible or even optimal. Decisions on how and who to celebrate should be determined thoughtfully and deliberately because Mother’s Day will forever be shared. By virtue of adoption, we agreed to love a child we did not birth or even know. We chose to soothe feelings of loss and abandonment and learned not to respond negatively – even if our child chooses Mother’s Day to react negatively toward us. Children, especially young ones, may not have language to express themselves and their big feelings at holiday times. They may feel sad or guilty for celebrating you and not their birth mom. Through it all, adoptive mothers must use the love that encouraged us to adopt in the first place to sustain us through Mother’s Day. Our job is to reassure our child that her heart is big enough for both of her mothers.

6 Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gifts From Amazon GIFTS SO SPECIAL SHE WON’T KNOW YOU FORGOT IT WAS THIS WEEKEND. By Paige Leary

Jewelry

Daniel Wellington Quadro Melrose Watch, Rose Gold Mesh Bracelet, 20x26mm $229

Lucky Brand Women’s Gold Large Tubular Hoop Earrings, One Size $35

Designed in Sweden, Daniel Wellington timepieces feature minimalist Scandinavian style and are the perfect gift or personal accessory for every occasion.

Lucky Brand elevates classic style with their signature vintageinspired flair in these versatile tubular gold-tone hoops.

Keq^d`k Fll_p

Large Coffee Mugs 16 oz Vivimme Coffee Mug Set with Spoons, 2-Pack

Cuisinart RHM-100 EvolutionX Cordless Hand Mixer, 5 Speeds, Gray/Black

The reactive glaze makes for stunning array of colors likely found on hand painted one of a kind ceramics. They’re fun and creative and an excellent kitchen talking point.

9he Cuisinart EvolutionX Cordless Rechargeable 5-Speed Hand Mixer is a handy and versatile kitchen or travel appliance, Compact yet mighty, it powers through any mixing task.

Self Care

Foot Spa Bath Massager with 6 Motorized Rollers, Foot Bath Massager with Heat $85 This foot bathing and massage can promote blood circulation, relieve pain in feet, ankles, and calves and thus improve sleep and overall health.

Personalized Wellness Journal (Mindfulness). $39.99 An undated daiily journal with plenty of space for setting and refelcting on your feel good goals.

THE ANDROGYNOUS MODEL On March 27th, Charlotte PinC attended The Androgynous Model Season 3 Live Finale at the Mint Museum in Uptown Charlotte. The evening was filled with fashion, performances, and even live audience interactions among participants, and spectators. The first of its kind in Charlotte, The Androgynous Model is exactly the kind of representation the Queen City has been looking for. Nikki Eason founded The Androgynous Model in 2013 because of obstacles she faced as an Androgynous model and person. Many timep Eason was overlooked for jobs and roles she was highly qualified for simply because of how she dressed. She noticed that there were rarely models who looked like and dressed like her and that there was no pre-existing entity made for androgynous people. Today, it is Eason’s mission to ensure that brands include androgynous models in campaigns, movies, and everything in between. ӓCesòpeqv [k_ ek^hrpelk d[s` j[kv a[^`p ]`vlk_ frpq o[^` [k_ c`k_òҼ Td` @k_olcvklrp Ml_`hҿ lo T@Mҿ al^rp`p lk [hh qdlp` [o`[p la [k ek_ese_r[h aolj qdèo a[pdelkҿ [mm`[o[k^`ҿ lo hea`pqvh`Ҽ W` mh[k ql ^d[kc` qd` ^lksòp[qelk ]v pdlt^[pekc td[q [k_olcvkv hllgp heg` [k_ dlt eq ^[k d`hm ]`kàeq loc[kex[qelkp td`k rqehexekc T@MҼӔ Eason says. Elo qd` m[pq qdo`` v`[opҿ D[plk d[p mol_r^`_ [k_ _eo`^q`_ Td` @k_olcvklrp Ml_`h YlrTr]` pdltҼ Td` ^ljm`qeqelk pòe`p alhhltp qd` flrok`v la jl_`hp aolj [ôlpp qd` ^lrkqov ^ljm`qekc alo qd` qeqh` la Td` @k_olcvklrp Ml_`hҼ ӓI p`h`^q jl_`hp aolj ekӣmòplk ^[pqekc ^[hhp [k_ ^ljmh`qelk la qd` ekeqe[h T@M Blkq`pq[kq @mmhe^[qelk qd[q ^lkpepqp la _ep^lsòv [k_ qdlrcdqӣmolslgekc nr`pqelkp ql rk_òpq[k_ tdl [k_ tdò` qd` [mmhe^[kq ep ^roo`kqhv ek qdèo hea`Ҽ I_`[hhvҿ qd` [mmhe^[kq jrpq mlpp`pp qd` pgehhp la ]èkc [k [_sl^[q` la [k_olcvkvҼ Td`v jrpq ]` []lrq plj`qdekcҿ [k_ d[s` [ tehhekck`pp ql ӓ]` qd` ^d[kc`ҿӔ p[vp D[plkҼ Td` p`[plk qdo``

C`peck`oҾ S[ekq M[og Vekq[c`

aek[h` d[_ qtl finalists, Antoinette Beeks and Daffne Cruz, competing against each other in three different challenges. For their first challenge, the pair had to recite a memorized PSA Commercial representing the TAM agency. After that, it’s time to rip the runway. The two strutted their stuff wearing outfits from several different designers who were also in attendance, and a part of the final voting process. The last phase of the competition was a live Q&A Interview. Both competitors put their best foot forward throughout the evening. Why? For the grand prize of course. Actually, it’s more like grand prize(s). All of which would certainly change the winner’s life, propelling them to the next level of their modeling career.

C`peck`oҾ Td` Hlrp` la M[kk

[rqd`kqeêqvҼ I t[kq qdlp` j[flo ]o[k_p ql ^d[kc` qd` a[^` la qdèo ]o[k_p ql ]`^lj` jlo` _esòp` [k_ ek^hrpes`Ҽ Tl klq frpq pdlt lk` _ej`kpelk la o`mo`p`kq[qelk ]rq ql pdlt [hh qd` j[kv a[^`p la qd` pm`^qorjҼӔ Watch the whole series and find out this season’s winner on YouTube by searching “The Androgynous Model.” Be sure to follow@Nikki_Eason on Instagram for more updates and show dates!

Nikki Esason Um alo co[]p ep [ ^ls`o pdllq alo Td` Ukh`[pd`_ Vle^` M[c[xek`ҿ [ mdlql pmo`[_ ek T[cc`_ M[c[xek`ҿ [ qoem ql L@ ql mlp` alo Sqrxxl Bhlqdekc Ao[k_ҿ [ ӣv`[o [j][pp[_lo [co``j`kq teqd preqlo @h[ke T[vhloҼҿ [k [^qekc olh` ek [k rm^ljekc aehj mol_r^`_ ]v M`h[kek A`dek_ qd` L`kp [k_ [ ^lkqo[^q teqd qd` T@M [c`k^vӂ

Pdlqlco[mdv ]v @vh[ Bovx Ԝ Qr``k Pdlqlp [k_ A`[rqv

Ok` la D[plkӗp a[sloeq` m[oqp []lrq dlpqekc qdep ^ljm`qeqelk ep [kklrkêkc qd` moex`p ql dò ^lkq`pq[kqpҼ ӓI []plhrq`hv hls` td`k I ^[k [kklrk^` moex`p [k_ lmmloqrkeqe`p alo qd` jl_`hpҼ Poej[oehvҿ ]`^[rp` ek_ese_r[hp heg` jvp`ha k`sò qdlrcdq qd[q t` ^lrh_ d[s` [ mh[^` ekpe_` la qd` a[pdelkҿ q`^dklhlcvҿ [k_ `kqòq[ekj`kq ek_rpqovҼ Tl p[vҿ vlr tehh tek [ ^lsò la [ j[c[xek` lo mdlql pdllq teqd [ ]ec ]o[k_ҿ ces`p dlm` qd[q ^d[kc` ep dò`ҼӔ D[plk gkltp qd[q qd`p` moex`p [o` k`^`pp[ov ql h[rk^d [k [k_olcvklrp jl_`hӗp ^[o`ò ]`^[rp` qo[_eqelk[hhvҿ [k_olcvklrp jl_`hp [o`kӗq ek^hr_`_ ek j[ekpqo`[j a[pdelkҼ ӓR`mo`p`kq[qelk ep g`v [k_ alo j` ql molse_` qd[q qvm` la mh[qaloj [k_ p[a` pm[^` alo [k_olcvklrp ek_ese_r[hp ql ]` [rqd`kqe^[hhv qd`jp`hs`p [p t`hh [p h`[okҿ coltҿ [k_ `slhs` ep mromlpàrh alo j` [k_ j[g`p j` a``h [^^ljmhepd`_ [k_ lk qd` oecdq qo[^g ql ]` [q qd` aloàolkq la ^d[kc`ҼӔ As for the future of The Androgynous Model, Eason is staying positive and dreaming big. She’s confident in the work she’s doing, and that TAM will spark interest, and hope, in people around the world. “For the future TAM shows, I want more mainstream recognition. I want people in the industry to see this show and provide opportunities and support to help evolve the brand. I t[kq T@M pdltp ql ]` lk OWN k`qtlog [k_ ]` [ chl][h p`kp[qelk qd[q d`hmp [hh ]` ]o[s` ek qdèo flrok`v ql 12

AMAZING EXPERIENCE. EVEN BETTER SMILES.

A List Smiles Orthodontics 2510 Vista Drive, Suite 103 Charlotte, NC 28215

myalistsmiles.com

704.665.7078 13

ART IN THE CITY THE EBONY EXPERIENCE

Pdlqlco[mdv ]v Bloek` Oh[oq`

Top left: ӓ@h`u[ ӣ Ph[v Slh[kc`Ӕ Teresa Hopson’s work focuses on the experiences and psyche of the African American woman. She aims to use her art to highlight the strength, stereotypes, mythology, and beauty that are all vital threads in the fabric of living life as a black woman. 2NIIQJ WNLMY Ѧ3TY &QQ <MT <FSIJW FWJ 1TXYѧ Tiffonye’ Wilkins ZYNQN_JX lustrous colors and unique concepts to highlight the beauty she sees around her. Her work emphasizes the power of healing through creativJ expression.

Pdlqlco[mdv ]v Bloek` Oh[oq`

Alqqlj h`aqҾ ӓӓSrkgepp`_ HloexlkpӔ Bottom right: ӓLlpq ek Td` Jrkch`Ӕ Artist Candous Creates work aims to tell a story through nature, emotions, and lifestyles of humans and [nimals. This vision is brought to life by contrasting black and white against boldly colored backgrounds.

Wine, art, fashion, community, and excellence. The Ebony Wines & spirits Ebony Experience Culture Gallery in Charlotte embodies all things Black Women excellence. On March 26th, Founder and CEO of Ebony Wines, Camillya Masunda, launched Charlotte’s first-ever Culture Gallery. This invite only immersive art experience welcomed guests of all ages to celebrate Black culture, art, and wine. Charlotte PinC magazine along with photographer Corine Olarte spent the evening chatting, and snapping photos of this diverse and inclusive artistic event. The evening featured undiscovered artists, and creatives, patron engagement, and of course, wine. Guests enjoyed tasty horp _Ӓl`rso`p, danced, and even enjoyed the various photo booths within the gallery. The fashion of the evening doubled also as a main event, creating an atmosphere as expressive as you’d imagine for a modern, young, art showing. For over a year now, Ebony Wine & Spirits has influenced the wine industry with its implementation of the culture and richness of the African Diaspora. Now, The Ebony Wines & Spirits Ebony Experience Culture Gallery will do the same thing within the art community, creating a space for marginalized artists to now be the star of the show. If this is your type of Friday night, you’re in luck. You now have the opportunity to take part in the Culture Gallery too! For upcoming events, be sure to follow @ebonywineandspirits on Instagram.

Book appointments at:

www.dbdsalon.com

440 E. McCullough Dr. Suite 215 Charlotte, NC 28262 980-224-7422

Charlotte SHOUT! Music

Charlotte SHOUT!, presented by Atrium Health and Bank of America, is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and resilience. Charlotte SHOUT! return`_ to Uptown Charlotte lk March 3 . The festival is an aspirational multi-week festival designed to showcase our community by celebrating Charlotte’s creativity and innovation through art, music, food, and ideas. Located in Uptown Charlotte, SHOUT! features exceptionally curated programming from around the corner and around the world. Charlotte SHOUT focuses on four key pillars: Art, Food, Music, and Ideas. The pillars highlight the extraordinary talents of internationally and locally acclaimed artists, dancers, musicians, poets, storytellers, photographers, chefs and thought leaders. Together, they are a feast for all one’s senses and all ages, serving up soulful music, tantalizing food, mind-blowing images, playful art installations, inspiring performances, and bold ideas. Some of Charlotte SHOUT’S featured activities included:

and ʴrts ʹestival

• Llp Toljmlp ӣ (“Spinning Tops” in Spanish) draws its inspiration from a toy that has been popular with children around the world since the dawn of time. This large scale, interactive artistic installation engages visitors in a way that is both meaningful and playful. • D[pq`o Dccp lk P[o[_` ӣ 12 giant eggs in Romare Bearden decorated by 12 different local artists. • Mrpe^ Sdlt^[p` Sq[c` ӣ More than 25 local artists from a variety of genres, including Americana, blues, country, folk, hip-hop, jazz, rock, and R & B.

BEST MOM EVER! Thank you, Mom! Every year, Mother’s Day is decked with extravagant bouquets of sundry flowers, cards, gifts, brunches, and balloons to pay homage to our mothers – both living and deceased. This year, we’re saying thank you to mom for the whole world to hear! Read why these Charlotteans have the best mom ever!

Tl Mljҿ Wd`k I qdekg []lrq jvp`ha [k_ qd` coltqd Iӗs` ùmòe`k^`_ qdolrcdlrq jv hea`ҿ I tlrh_ ]` o`jepp ea I _e_kӗq ces` [hh qd` mo[ep` ql jv jljҼ Sd` ep qd` `[pe`pq tlj[k ql ^`h`]o[q`Ҽ Dsòv_[v pd` j[k[c`p ql _`[h teqd qdo`` d[o_ d`[_`_ Mlkq[k`x j`k teqd `[p`ҿ aroqdò ^`j`kqekc dòp`ha [p qd` j[qoe[o^d la lro `kqeo` a[jehvҼ Hò c`krek` k[qro`ҿ plaq pmlg`k [_se^`ҿ [k_ ^lkpq[kq hls` d[p mrq j` ek [ mh[^` ql pr^^``_ [k_ Iӗj alo`sò co[qàrhҼ M[je qd[kg vlr alo ]èkc jv ]ecc`pq prmmloqòӀ `sòvqdekc I _l ep ql j[g` vlr molr_ [k_ ]èkc vlro plk ep lk` la qd` ]ecc`pq ]h`ppekcp la jv hea`Ҽ I hls` vlrҿ H[mmv Mlqdòӗp _[vҼ Lls`ҿ Jrhe[k

Tl Mljҿ Mv jlj ep mro` d`[oq`_Ҽ Sd` tehh _l [kvqdekc alo [kvlk` lk [ tdejҼ Sd` o`arp`p ql p`` lro qrjje`p cl drkcovҿ lo d`[oqp rkarhaehh`_Ҽ Sd` ep qd` _`aekeqelk la `h`c[k^` [k_ co[^`ҿ teqd [ tdlh`plj` d`[oq [k_ ]`[rqearh a[^`Ҽ Lls` T[he[

Tl Mljҿ Oro jlj ep [ tlj[k qd[q d[p pdlt`_ rp qd` ejmloq[k^` [k_ m[vlaa la d[o_ tlogҼ Sd`ӗp d[p [ht[vp ekpqehh`_ ek rp qd` _oes` ql pqoes` alo qd` ]`pq [k_ [ht[vp mrq lro ]`pq allq alot[o_Ҽ Wd`k pd`ӗp klq ek jlj jl_` pd`ӗp [hpl qd` hea` la qd` m[oqv [k_ `j]l_e`p ӓtlog d[o_ mh[v d[o_ҼӔ Td` ]`pq t[v ql _`pôe]` dò ep [p [ cre_ekc hecdqҿ [ hecdq tde^d d[p pdlk` []rk_[kqhv [k_ o[_e[kqhv [ôlpp lro hes`pҽ jehhelk d[mmv Mlqdòӗp C[v tepd`p ql vlr jlj [k_ j[kv jlo` ql ^lj`ӂ Lls`ҿ Tdlj[p [k_ B[jòlk

Tl Mljҿ I ]o[c _eaaò`kqhv gkltekc qd[q jv jlj ep [ tlj[k I [pmeo` ql ]` heg`Ҽ Ylro ^lkae_`k^`ҿ ^ljm[ppelkҿ tep_ljҿ [k_ arkӣhlsekc k[qro` d[s` `jmltò`_ j` ql ]` jvp`ha ^lkae_`kqhvҼ Nlq `sòvlk` ep hr^gv `klrcd ql d[s` [ aoe`k_ [k_ ]rpek`pp m[oqkò ek qdèo jlqdòҿ ]rq I pro` [j ch[_ I _l ҾҬ Td[kg vlr alo pdekekc vlro hecdq lk lro tdlh` a[jehvҿ [k_ ekpmeoekc rp [hh ql ]` qd` ]`pq sòpelkp la lrop`hs`pҼ Lls` P[ec` 19

To Mom, My wonderful mother’s name is Daphne. She’is the smartest, most hardworking, dedicated person that I know. Because of her example, I know that I can do anything I want to do, and my dreams have no limits. She loves deeply and passionately while showing up for people she cares about whenever she can. She has always encouraged my curiosity by exposing me to art, music, theatre, and traveling--shaping me into the person that I am today. I am so grateful that she is someone that I can trust and confide in. She is fierce. She is kind. She is passionate. She is my friend. She is my mother and I am a better person for it. Lls` H[h`v

Tl Mljҿ Td[kg vlr alo [hh la vlro ]h`ppekcpҼ @p [ pekch` m[o`kqҿ vlr co[^àrhhv o[ep`_ j` ql ]` qd` ekq`hhec`kqҿ _oes`k [k_ ek_`m`k_`kq tlj[k I [j ql_[vҼ Ylro [_s`kqrolrp pmeoeq [k_ tlog `qde^ [o` lkhv [ a`t la qd` j[kv ^d[o[^qòepqe^p I tehh [ht[vp [_jeo` []lrq vlrҼ I hls` vlr [k_ qorhv _lkӗq gklt tdò` I tlrh_ ]` teqdlrq vlro cre_[k^`Ҽ H[mmv Mlqdòp C[vӂ Lls` J[je` To Mom, You’re the best mom ever because I have watched you work so hard to support my brother and I. As a single mom, you’ve managed to work , care for us, and always make sure we had everything we needed. Mom, you’re like my best friend. A friend that I can ask questions to and learn from. You are my #1 supporter of all of the things I have done and plan to do, something I appreciate the most. Lls` C`]oè[

To Mom, I never believed there were enough words to ever express the gratitude my mom deserves. The 23 years I have spent earth side because of the life my mother has given me is a gift I will cherish forever. Her resilience, intelligence, guidance and love is why she is and always will be the matriarch of my family. I remember being a little girl and Always wanting to grow up to be a queen. Now that I’m older I know that I really want to be just like my mother. Happy Mother’s Day to my heart and soul. I love you!!!!!!! Lls`ҿ @krpd[

To Mom, My mothers name is Danielle. She’s the best in the whole world. She’s loving, understanding, and beautiful inside and out. I’ve always admired her mission to make sure my brothers and I always strive for greatness. She’s my biggest supporter and I love that the most about her. There’s never a time I can’t count on her. Lls` Jlo_vk

GOOD EATS DIne With Dynasty Success, royalty, and deliciousness. These are the promises that Dining With Dynasty upholds for every meal prepared by head chef, Enchantis Covington, more affectionately, Chef Sharee. Dynasty is the name Chef Sharee and her family created together. For her, it was important to create a name that reflects both the quality and care of the service Chef Sharee provides to each customer. Dine With Dynasty is a private chef and catering company here in Charlotte, North Carolina. Meal prep options are also available for customers. For over two years, Chef Sharee has been transforming intimate gatherings into unforgettable memories, by making great food the centerpiece. She’s also aided in her clients body goals. Working closely with her customers to create meals that fit into a range of diverse dietary needs. Chef Sharee believes that there’s nothing like enjoying delicious food with your loved ones. In fact, Chef Sharee used to prepare meals for elementary students, where she works. Her pupils encouraged Covington to take this fun and delicious hobby more seriously. And, for the past two years, she has. Chef Sharee is here to stay, making her presence known in the Charlotte culinary industry. Pictured is a Romance Meal for Two. To start, crab cake bites with a fresh B[`p[o salad topped with homemade B[`p[o dressing. The main course is a B[frk butter steak with a fresh Maine lobster tail, paired with lobster mac and cheese and sweet and savory green beans. The meal is concluded with an apple crumble sundae topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. To contact Chef Sharee, please send an email to DineWithDynasty@gmail.com

USE CODE “COUPLES25” FOR 25% OFF ALL COUPLES DINNERS. OFFER EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2022.

All In the Family An interview with a powerful mother daughter duo

QҾ Hlt _l`p vlro jlqdòԗ_[rcdqò o`h[qelkpdem ejm[^q vlro tlogekc o`h[qelkpdemӇ L[N[v[dҾ I rk_òpq[k_ jv jlqdòӗp sepelk pl eqӒp `[pv alo j` ql ^lks`v eq qdolrcd qd` plê[h ^lkq`kq [k_ ô`[qes` [pm`^q la qd` ]o[k_Ҽ QҾ Hlt _l`p vlro jlqdòԗ_[rcdqò

o`h[qelkpdem ejm[^q vlro tlogekc o`h[qelkpdemӇ Bd[ohlqq` PekB o`^`kqhv ^[rcdq rm teqd L[N[v[dҾ Wlogekc qlc`qdò ^[k ]` qd` _rl ]`dek_ D]lkv Wek` Ң Smeoeqpҿ ^d[hh`kc` ]`^[rp` t` [o` ]lqd pl B[jehhv[ M[prk_[ [k_ dò _[rcdqò m[ppelk[q` []lrq qd` ]rpek`ppҼ I rk_ò L[N[v[d MehhòҼ M[prk_[ [k_ Mehhò pq[k_ jv jlqdòӗp sepelk [k_ ^lks`v eq d[s` j[_` nreq` qd` ejmo`ppelk lk qdolrcd qd` plê[h ^lkq`kq [k_ ô`[qes` Bd[ohlqq`Ҽ L[rk^dekc klq lkhv lkhv qd` aeopq [pm`^q la qd` ]o[k_Ҽ Bljjrke^[qelk ep g`v Ah[^g tlj[k ltk`_ tekòv ek [k_ d`hmp g``m qd[q hek` la jlqdòԗ_[rcdqò Bd[ohlqq`ҿ D]lkv Wek`p Ң Smeoeqpҿ ]rq [k_ `jmhlv``ԗ]lpp sòv ^h`[oҼ Nl j[qqò lm`kekc qd` Brhqro` F[hhòvҿ [k [oq td[q tlog ep heg` pd` ep pqehh jlqdò [k_ I [j ùmòe`k^` lm`k ql qd` mr]he^Ҽ pqehh dò _[rcdqòҿ I [j pqehh [ pqr_`kq [q Nloqd B[olhek[ @ҢT [k_ jv jlqdò Hlt _e_ eq [hh c`q pq[oq`_Ӈ B[jehhv[ pq[oq`_ `k^lro[c`p j` ql d[s` [ arhh ^lhh`c` D]lkv Wek`p ek qd` ]rpek`pp ek ùmòe`k^`Ҽ Sd` _l`pkӒq mo`ppro` j` ql ]`^[rp` la dò hls` la tek`Ҽ Sd` gk`t alhhlt ek dò allqpq`mpҼ aolj d` ]`cekkekc pd` t[kq`_ ql ek^hr_` dò _[rcdqòҼ @q qd` qej`ҿ L[N[v[d t[p QҼ Cl`p Mlj `sò mrhh qd` ӓMlqdòӔ ^[o_Ӈ [k `kqo`mo`k`ro ek dò ltk oeq` t[p L[N[v[dҾ Okhv _roekc qd` j[kr[h h[]lo la [ho`[_v [ pr^^`pparh `kqo`mo`k`roҿ d[sekc [rqdlo`_ qtl ^deh_o`kӗp ]llgpҿ [k_ ltkekc qd` ]rpek`ppӂ Td` jlqdò ^[o_ ep mrhh`_ [ jl]eh` pm[ alo vlrkc ceohpҿ Sm[Ces[ Ke_pҼ _roekc p`qӣrm [k_ ^h`[k rm lo `s`k hrccekc tek` ^[p`p [olrk_Ҽ I _lkӒq jek_ qdlrcdҼ IӒj Slҿ t` [pg`_ plj` nr`pqelkp la B[jehhv[ m[ppelk[q` []lrq qd` ]rpek`pp [k_ `kflv [k_ L[N[vd[ ql c`q plj` ekpecdq ekql dlt p`èkc ^lkprjòp a[hh ek hls` teqd qd` qd`v qdèo jlqdò _[rcdqò o`h[qelkpdem [p [`pqd`qe^ [k_ ô`[qes` ]o[k_ekc la D]lkv qdèo ]rpek`pp m[oqkòpӇ Wek` Ң Smeoeqp ces`p dò moe_`Ҽ QҼҼ L[N[v[dҿҿ td[qq epp vlroo olh`ҿҿ [k_ _ dlt t _e_ _ vlr r ]`^lj` ` ekslhs`_ _ teqd d vlroo jljӗpp QҾ @o` qdò` [kv ^d[hh`kc`p ek ]èkc [ ]rpek`ppӇ jlqdòԗ_[rcdqò ]rpek`pp _rlӇ L[N[v[dҾҾ I gk`t I t[p clekc ql d[s` [ B[jehhv[Ҿ Tdò` ^[k ]`ҿ ]rq [c[ek mh[^` ek qdep k`t s`kqro`Ҽ I [pg`_ dòҿ ^ljjrke^[qelk ep g`vҼ @hplҿ o`j`j]òekc ӑWd[q _l vlr t[kq qd` ]o[k_ ql ]`ӑ [k_ ӑWdò` _l vlr t[kq ql cl teqd qdepӑӇSd` qd[q qd` jlqdòԗ_[rcdqò ]lk_ ^lj`p p[e_ pd` t[kq`_ qd` ]o[k_ ql o`mo`p`kq ]àlo` qd` ]rpek`ppҼ N`sò mo`pproekc Ah[^g Du^`hh`k^`ҿ [k_ qd[q ^[k q[g` lk L[N[v[d ql m[oqeêm[q` ek `s`kqpҿ k`sò j[kv alojpҼ I t[p qdekgekc []lrq qd` [pgekc dò ql ^dllp` ]`qt``k dò aoe`k_p lo ]o[k_ҿ [k_ I gk`t qd[q t[p jv mh[^`Ҽ mòplk[h hea` lsò qd` ]rpek`pp [k_ [hhltekc Td[qӗp o`[hhv dlt I qllg lk qd` olh` [p dò ql arhaehh dò ltk _o`[jp d`hmp g``m Bo`[qes` Ceo`^qloҼ qdlp` eppr`p [q ][vҼ Wd`k m[oqeêm[qelk ek

plj`qdekc ]`^lj`p [ ^dlo`ҿ lo plj`qdekc pd` jecdq a``h alo^`_ ekqlҿ eq ^[k h`[_ ql o`p`kqj`kqҼ I t[kq dò ql gklt qd[q `sòvqdekc I _l ep ql molse_` dò teqd [ p`^ro` arqro`Ҽ QҾ Wd[q ep qd` ]`pq m[oq la tlogekc teqd vlro jlqdòӇ L[N[v[dҾ Wlogekc jv jlqdò ep [ qor` ekpmeo[qelkҼ Eolj d`[oekc dò p[vҿ ӓIӗj clekc ql pq[oq [ tek` ]o[k_Ӕ [k_ klq lkhv _l eqҿ ]rq ]èkc pr^^`pparh [q eq ep [j[xekcҼ Mv jlqdò q[rcdq j` qd[q ea vlr d[s` [ _o`[j [k_ plj`qdekc vlr hls`ҿ k`sò ces` rm rkqeh vlr ^[k qrok vlro sepelk ekql [ o`[heqvҼ Iqӗp clekc ql ]` d[o_ [k_ o`nreo` rmp [k_ _ltkpҿ ]rq k`sò ces` rmҼ QҼ Wd[q ep qd` ]`pq m[oq la tlogekc teqd vlro _[rcdqòӇ B[jehhv[Ҿ W[q^dekc L[N[v[d q[g` pr^d [k [^qes` olh` ek D]lkv Wek` ces`p j` pl jr^d alo ar`h ql j[g` qdep tlogҼ Sd` d[p [ht[vp ]``k _`qòjek`_ [k_ mòpepq`kqҿ pl I gk`t pd` tlrh_ _l [k [j[xekc fl] ek td[q`sò olh` pd` qllgҿ ]rq pd` o`[hhv d`hm`_ j` j[g` jv sepelk ^lj` ql hea`Ҽ I `k^lro[c` L[N[v[d ql alhhlt dò ltk _o`[jp [k_ aek_ td[q j[g`p dò d[mmvҿ qdò` ep kl mo`ppro` ql ]` ek qd` tek` ]rpek`pp lo `s`k [k `kqo`mo`k`roҼ I frpq mrpd dò ql _l dò ]`pq [k_ ]` dòp`haҿ I gklt pd` tehh d[k_h` `sòvqdekc `hp` aolj dò`Ҽ 24

‫ژדאג׏‬ÞǠȄȄǠǑȵƷư‫ژ‬°ɋȵƷƷɋً‫ژ‬°ɓǠɋƷ‫ژז׎׏ژ‬۶‫ ژ‬ǚƌȵǹȏɋɋƷً‫ژ‬w ‫ב׎אזאژ‬ ¥ǚȏȄƷ‫גהד׎ٮבדחٮג׎וژي‬ ɬɬɬِƩǚƌȵǹȏɋɋƷȽȏɓɋǚƷȄư‫ۮ‬ǵǠǵƌȽɋȵƷɋƩǚȽɋɓưǠȏȽِƩȏȂ 25

Mothers Day ʺrief: What ˇhis ʷay ˀeans ˊhen ˌou’ve ʿost ˌour ˂wn ˀom By Darnise C. Martin The Mother’s Day season always greets me with angst and bits of unresolved grief. Some years are better than others. If you are dealing with grief from the loss of a mother and this is a difficult time for you, I have a word to share. My mother died in the winter of 1988. I was a 20-year-old college student, and I had just returned to school following our Christmas holiday break. My mother had recently had a hysterectomy and was having complications, none of which seemed serious. But when I got that phone call on a February morning at 5 a.m., I knew it was bad. My stepfather called and told me to get home as quickly as possible. In a frenzy, I got myself back to Dallas, TX where we had been living for the past few years. I was too late though. She had already passed away by the time I landed in the airport. The following week threw me into a state of shock and grief from which I would never fully recover. I have shared many of these details in a memoir called, “Mother Loss: Reflections On Grief,” which I began writing as a way to process my own heartbreak and confusion. In that book, I talk about the reverberations of my mother’s sudden death on my whole family. For a good while, we were all broken. Buying gifts for their mothers, making reservations for brunch or dinner. We hear our friends lamenting how their relationship with their mother is complicated or they express gratitude that they have a close and loving relationship, and how they don’t know what they would do without her. Some of them ask us, “How do you cope on Mother’s Day when your own mother has passed away?” Sometimes I reply, “Oh, is it Mother’s Day? I forgot.” Sometimes it’s that kind of year where I have ignored all the cues and marketing campaigns and busied myself with my work or personal projects, and so the day slipped into the back of my mind. Other times, I respond with, “It’s always hard and surreal not to have a mother, but especially so at this time. I just keep going.” Every Mother’s Day brings its own realizations, memories, melancholia and sometimes a surprising contentment. From the time my mother died, I have had a recurring dream/

kecdqj[o` ek tde^d I tlrh_ rkùm`^q`_hv p`` dò lrq ek [ mr]he^ mh[^`ҿ [k_ I tlrh_ ^d[p` [aqò dòҿ ^[hhekc alo dò ql qrok [olrk_ and tell me where she had been. I could never catch up to her and I never got an answer. After several years of this randomly occurring dream, I finally had one where I found her sitting on a couch in someone’s house, and I was able to talk to her. She answered my questions. She had not in fact left me, she said, she was always there. When I woke up, I knew that I had turned a corner in the grief of losing my mom. My intense longing had been quenched. I began to feel that I could make room for peace around her death, and maybe even let my emotional guard down. The grief from losing your mom is unique. The umbilical cord that we once shared with our biological mothers gave us more than nutrients, it also connected us to her heartbeat, her life’s blood, the marrow from her bones. She provides life from the moment of conception. Mothers who foster, adopt or otherwise care for children pour into them as well from their inner resources. After my mother’s funeral, I remember wondering how I could physically remain alive without her. I was in full-on grief mode, feeling the anguish of her absence, and I floundered. Part of the grief of losing your mother is the realization that we are not just without a mother in the physical sense, but also the feeling that we are unmothered as a state of being, bereft without ongoing maternal nurturance and support in a world where being mothered is the norm. My attempted remedy to that longing was to collect other people’s mothers. I felt fortunate that I had close friends who invited me to share their mothers, especially during holidays. Now, that doesn’t feel as necessary. Now, I am comforted by the presence of my own mother when I see our resemblance reflected in the mirror and by the similarities in our mannerisms. In this way, my grief from losing my mother feels less acute and more like a tender spot that marks the natural bumps, bruises and heartbreaks of life. My spirituality enables me to connect with her as an ancestor. By reconnecting in this way, I realize that I am not actually unmothered. I am the embodiment of her. I quite literally embody her existence and keep her in the present. I bring her with me into any space I enter. I find myself using her words and inflections when I speak to the college students I teach. I had always imagined that if I ever had a daughter, I would somehow download her maternal presence into the ways that I mother. My 26

Darnise C. Martin

_[rcdqòӗpp k[j` ` tlrh_ _ d[s` ` ]``k k B[qdòek`ҿҿ k[j`_ _ [aqòo dòo co[k_jlqdòҼҼ Being a mother without a mother must take on challenges when she is not here helping with the routine, mundane and joyful things of raising a child. I don’t have children of my own, and it seems to me that it offers a unique bittersweet opportunity to be able to pour into your own child what you received from your mother, grandmother and greatgrandmothers. Mother’s Day provides an opportunity to intentionally share your mother with your child. Mother’s Day can become the day that you serve as a bridge between your child and your mother. Ultimately, how we as motherless daughters navigate the Mother’s Day season is as individual as we each are, but my experience says that we can transform our grief into an empowering way of being. I offer these suggestions for the season: 1.) Recall and celebrate her traits that give you strength, courage, determination and compassion. 2.) Continue learning from her life experiences—Gather stories about who she was as a girl. How did she navigate early obstacles? Where are the similarities you share with her? 3.)What can you do in her honor? Do it on Mother’s Day. 4.) Create a home altar and place some of her favorite things there with a candle, glass of water and a picture. Recall fond memories there. I keep an altar with a couple of pieces of jewelry on it that reflect not only her love of jewelry, but also a way that we connect via the sharing of the pieces. Some days, I wear the rings that usually remain on the altar, taking her with me out into the world. From one motherless daughter to another, I encourage you to find ways to keep your best mama memories alive.

Elo`sò ]v P[qoeê[ @hù[k_o[ 27

The Harmful Effects of Overturning Roe v.

abortion demonstrators rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 1, 2021. | Drew Angerer/Getty Images

“Ending legal abortion will not end abortion,” said Cecile Richards, a former president of Planned Parenthood. “It simply will mean that women are no longer safe in this country.”

Abortion rights supporters and anti-

Wade

“We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled,” Justice Alito writes in an initial majority draft circulated inside the court.

The U.S. Supreme Court looks set to vote to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide, according to a leaked initial draft majority opinion published by Politico on Monday, May 2nd. The unprecedented leak from the conservative-majority Supreme Court sent shock waves through the United States, not least because the court prides itself on keeping its internal deliberations secret and leaks are extremely uncommon. Roe was egregiously wrong from the start,” conservative Justice Samuel Alito wrote in the draft opinion dated Feb. 10, according to PoliticoҼ Td` h`[g`_ _o[aq t[p ^lkaeoj`_ [p [rqd`kqe^ ]v Bdeà Jrpqe^` Rl]òqpҼ Based on Alito’s opinion, the court would find that the Roe v. Wade decision that allowed abortions performed before a fetus would be viable outside the womb - between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy was wrongly decided because the U.S. Constitution makes no specific mention of abortion rights. ӓ@]loqelk mo`p`kqp [ molalrk_ jlo[h nr`pqelkҼ Td` Blkpqeqrqelk _l`p klq molde]eq qd` êqex`kp la `[^d pq[q` aolj o`crh[qekc lo molde]eqekc []loqelkҿӔ Alito tolq`Ҽ Thep news broke a little more than six months before the mid-term elections that will determine if Democrats hold

qdèo o[xloӣqdek j[floeqe`p ek qd` UҼSҼ Blkco`pp alo qd` kùq qtl v`[op la Po`pe_`kq Jl` Ae_`kӗp qòj ek laae^`ҼAt least 18 states currently have total or near-total abortion bans on the books. Some of these laws were enacted before Roe was decided, while others were enacted more recently. Some of these laws contain narrow exceptions to protect individuals who need an abortion to save their life or to avoid a permanent disability, but not all contain exceptions for non-life-threatening medical conditions. Some of these bans will also forbid abortion even when a pregnancy results from rape lo ek^`pq Additionally, four other states have laws banning abortion after the sixth week of pregnancy. If Roe is overruled, many of these laws will take effect immediately. Others will take effect days, weeks, or perhaps a month after Roe is overruled. But, by the end of the summer, it is likely they will be in full effect. Again, this fate is not yet etched in stone. It is still possible that one of the five most conservative justices will balk at Alito’s opinion and maybe join the Bhief Justice in taking a less [cco`ppes` approach. Realistically, however, the conservative legal movement — and the Republican Party more broadly — has dreamed of overruling Roe for decades. And conservatives now have a prmò j[f loeqv on the Supreme Court. It is highly likely, in other words, that the Court’s final opinion will look a whole lot like Alito’s first draft. 28