MY STORY
Chana Shinegba is a gifted storyteller from Washington, D.C., which is known for its rich culture yet fraught with challenges. She embodies the spirit of resilience and creativity that defies her generation. Coming of age as a young Black girl in the vibrant but complex landscape of the 1980s and 1990s, Chana grappled with acknowledging her innate talents amidst the backdrop of societal expectations and personal fears.
From a tender age, Chana's artistic prowess manifested in various forms. While her first haiku, penned at age five, hinted at her literary inclinations, her enchanting dance moves initially stole the spotlight. Yet, beneath the graceful exterior, her passion for storytelling simmered, finding expression within the pages of her childhood diary, where poems and short stories danced with vivid imagination.
Chana's literary journey took flight through her academic years, where her adept writing skills shone brightly through her above-grade-level essays and school publications. Her knack for words also made her the go-to person for leading literary endeavors among family and friends. However, it was only a transformative experience at a prestigious summer journalism program at American University that Chana realized she wanted to be free of traditional news reporting.
In 2018, Chana was honored to serve as a spoken word consultant for her mother, Dr. Sheryl Brissett Chapman, during the 50th anniversary of the Brown University Black Student Walkout. Contributing to the all-class Black alumni reunion production, this milestone highlighted Chana's dedication to the art of storytelling and her advocacy for social justice.
Embarking on a two-decade-long career in the hospitality industry, Chana immersed herself in the world of good food and even better company. Yet, her creative spirit remained undeterred, forging a clandestine bond with the pen that eventually blossomed into her debut novel, "Dancer in the Bullpen," which blends elements of autobiographical fiction with enchanting magical realism.
The book speaks to those who, like Chana, have grappled with their sense of uniqueness and emerged empowered to embrace their true selves.
As she sets her sights on her second novel, her passion for storytelling continues to evolve, fueled by an unwavering commitment to crafting narratives that inspire and captivate.
Chana is a proud board member of Silver Spring Town Center, Inc. This organization hosts dynamic cultural events that support its diverse community. She resides in Silver Spring, Maryland, with her husband, Saviour, their daughter, Jada, and their feline companion, Stormy.
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