Chynaah Maryoung-Cooke (She/They) is a native New Yorker and mother of an incredible 26 year old airman and New York City Firefighter, Stuart Forbes Jr. She has been a performing artist and activist for over 30 years. Chynaah’s brand of artistry features Afro-Caribbean spirituality with a blend of intuitive art and “edge”. She is a licensed minister and chaplain with The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries & Healing Heart Ministries. Chynaah has dedicated her life to marginalized groups, promoting healthy self-esteem and unity within local and global communities. Some of her work includes Session singer for legend Ms. Patti Labelle, C&C Music Factory, The Weather Girls, Cissy Houston, et. al. Her stage credits include Comic Relief at the Heckscher Theatre, 10-year Italian Music review of Whoopie Goldberg’s Sister Act. Her most memorable achievement was singing with legendary Stevie Wonder at the UN’s first Peace Concert. Chynaah was also nominated for the YWCA’S Inaugural, “Black Artist Way Station ” Chynaah’s one woman show that debuted at the Ware Center, Dec 2019 (AfroSpanic Synchronicity). Chynaah has implemented her program for bipoc persons, “African Storytelling & Healing Drum” the Reclaiming Our time series for the YWCA Lancaster as well as Racial trainer for Peace Ambassador leaders for the Heal to Unite PA, Greater Pittsburgh and Facilitator for Fatphobia: Misogynoir for YWCA Pittsburgh. https://youtu.be/O07gGia49vc

Chynaah holds a Master of Divinity from Lancaster Theological Seminary and is a doctoral student at the Pacific School of Religion. Chynaah is the Library Associate For Circulation, Archives and Outreach at Lancaster Theological Seminary. Chynaah is also a DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) trainer with the YWCA and the Racial Equity Institute. Chynaah is also the US Ambassador for Interconnected Justice, a Pan-African Organization, working to mobilize people of African descent globally. Chynaah’s Doctoral work focuses on the African Philosophy of Ubuntu which states, “I am, therefore, we are.
We are, therefore I am.” https://icjustice.org

Chaplain Chynaah also sits on the board of the YWCA, Racial Equity Institute as well as Imani Dance Company. She continues to pursue innovative ways to promote Ubuntu wit her project.