Biographical Poem

I am from South Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, Florida

I am from shrimp scampi, pralines 'n cream ice cream, mandarin oranges, mac & cheese, porkchops, string beans, Boston Baked Beans

I am from "you can't sing," "never give up on your dreams," "greatness is waiting on you," and "your past doesn't have to determine your future"

I am from Gladys, James, Flint, Loretta, Gerald, Gene, Jeannie, Erica, Willa Mae