Harlem Roots
Historic homes in rows of pride,
Where doctors and leaders once did reside.
Chynna grew up where legends go,
Name the Harlem block she came to know.
Strivers Row
The year of change, a nation’s voice,
She too made a powerful choice.
Her crimson journey began that fall,
In what year did she answer the call?
2009
She spoke with love, but firm and true,
Guiding her students in all they’d do.
Two subjects filled her classroom stage,
Name the fields she taught with sage.
History and Economics
Bats cracked loud beneath the lights,
Crowds cheered on those summer nights.
The Bronx would roar when they took the field,
Name the sport she loved — and the team revealed.
Baseball / Yankees
She sparkled in pink, in purple she’d move,
But a softer shade captured her groove.
Elegant, gentle, a color to prove,
Name the shade she cherished from the colors above.
Mauve
Before the gowns, the caps, the fame,
She started where all children came.
In Harlem’s classrooms her steps would begin,
What school first welcomed her in?
St. Charles
A loyal friend with a wagging tail,
Her childhood bond would never fail.
Guess the species first for your shot,
Name the breed for extra points on the spot.
Dog (pitbull)
She built a legacy with style and pride,
Women from Harlem sat at her side.
Where hair was transformed with elegance rare,
What was the name of her beauty care?
Tear Drops of Elegance
At SUNY Old Westbury her journey grew,
A chapter of Delta welcomed her too.
Which chapter brought her into the fold,
Where her sisterhood story was first told?
Pi Sigma
The subject she cherished, close to heart,
Guided her studies from the start.
Numbers, markets, theories in class —
What field did she love, pushed in her craft?
Math
Combs and curls, Harlem flair,
Her mother’s craft beyond compare.
What was her beauty shop called?
Tear Drops of Elegance
Chocolate on top with caramel inside,
A cookie crunch that satisfied.
Two came together, a perfect mix,
Which candy bar was her favorite fix?
Twix
The first campus where she took her stand,
A proud HBCU in Georgia land.
Which college did she start at?
Clark Atlanta University
The open road, her freedom near,
Her very first set of wheels brought cheer.
It wasn’t fancy, but it was hers,
What was her first car in those early years?
Nissan Altima
Steps in rhythm, music on cue,
A studio where her grace first grew.
What dance studio shaped her early years?
Ruth Williams Dance Studio
Her sisters saw her light persist,
“Grace under pressure” on the list.
A single word that captured her aim,
What was Chynna’s Delta line name?
Optimism
Finance was her degree’s domain,
From Old Westbury her knowledge came.
What bachelor’s did she earn?
B.S. in Finance
One name like a nation of dragons untold,
The other like Asia, exotic and bold.
Together they sound like lands overseas —
Which two sisters carry names such as these?
Chynna and Endya
A store of wonders, wide and tall,
She’d spend all day there, loving it all.
From shelves to aisles she loved to explore,
Which favorite store could keep her for sure?
Barnes & Nobles
On graduation day her message rang,
A bold declaration the crowd could hang.
Words of defiance, courage, and might,
What phrase did she wear in the spotlight?
F Cancer or #Optimism
If you called her a b**** — bold or sly,
She had a sharp and witty reply.
Not “don’t” or “excuse,” but full of attitude too,
Which phrase would she snap right back to you?
a) Don’t call me that
b) Excuse me
c) That’s Ms. B**** to you
C) That's ms. B**** to you
Her father Geoffrey stood bold in the street,
Organizing neighbors he’d rally to meet.
Not just a voice but a man with a plan,
What public office did he one day span?
New York City Council
Beyond the yard, she gave her all,
An alumnae chapter answered the call.
Which Harlem chapter carried her flame?
North Manhattan Alumnae Chapter (NMAC)
Hunter College gave her the lead,
Training in schools for all their need.
What master’s degree did she achieve?
Educational Leadership
He organized, he sought the vote,
A leader with community hopes.
What public office did Geoffrey Johnson pursue?
New York City Council
Childhood nights, a laugh, a glow,
She never missed her favorite show.
On TV screens it made her smile,
Which program kept her joy worthwhile?
Law & Order
One milestone passed without a scene,
But the next one came when she turned teen.
No Sweet Sixteen with candles alight,
What birthday bash replaced that night?
Succesful 17
Of all her titles, near and far,
This one she cherished most by far.
Neither scholar nor sister could rise above,
What role was her greatest love?
Mom
Her father Geoffrey, a man of the people,
His fight for Harlem stood tall like a steeple.
He walked the blocks where history stays,
Fighting to keep Harlem from changing its ways.
On shirts and hats his words took flight,
What was the slogan that carried the fight?
Harlem was not for Sale
Numbers and dollars she managed with care,
Balancing books was the post she would bear.
Not President, not Scribe, but vital and fair,
What position was Chynna in her chapter there?
Budget and Finance Chair
Doctoral dreams she did pursue,
At Buffalo she sought something new.
What advanced degree was she working toward?
Doctorate at University at Buffalo
Two states in the South, two islands afar,
Their heritage shaped who her people are.
History carried through land and sea,
Name the four roots of her family tree.
Georgia, South Carolina, Puerto Rico, Jamaica
If life gave Chynna lemons one day,
What would she choose to make her way?
Would she stir up lemonade sweet and bright,
or craft something new that felt just right?
Orange Juice
Born beneath the fiery sign,
An Aries spirit, bold by design.
In April’s bloom, the world grew bright —
What birthday brought her to Motherhood delight?
April 11th, the birth of Jaianni
Style and spirit in every way,
She left her mark day by day.
Not in fashion or home alone,
But what legacy shines that she made her own?
No wrong answer