This poem by Musa Kaleem Keita is dedicated in loving memory of the Queen of Soul Food, Sylvia Woods (1926-2012) who passed away on July 19th 2012.  Sylvia Woods was the owner of the world famous Sylvia's Restaurant and was warm and kind woman who touched the lives of those in her community.  Although famous nationally and internationally, her soul has always remained in Harlem, and will be missed.  This poem has been published with the author's permission.

By Musa Kaleem Keita – The Poet of Harlem™

I heard they called oil black gold
And cotton once called the King
The faithful folk of Harlem
Have crowned Sylvia their Queen

In there you mind your manners
Southern hospitality
I love my biscuits buttered
And down home ground hominy

Was served one night with honor
Had macaroni and cheese
The corn bread, an added treat
Loved those seasoned collard greens

Endured hard trying labor
The demand of Southern crops
You used this strong foundation
To secure your throne on top

A halo must have followed
Your entire family
Your heart and determined mind
Is worthy biography

I heard they called oil black gold
And cotton once called the King
The faithful folk of Harlem
Have crowned Sylvia their Queen

I’m partial to peach cobbler
But will take banana cream
Fried chicken and some coffee
Sylvia’s has quite a team

You may see folk from Britain
Or Louisiana there
South Carolina, Georgia
Deep soul music rides the air

From Italy or Munich
Paris, Prague, and Amsterdam
Australia, Sweden, Belgium
Spain, Tokyo, Seoul, and Siam

The Continent’s represented
There’s so much that’s African
Bananas, melons, coffee,
Okra, peanuts, and sweet yams

I heard they called oil black gold
And cotton was called the King
The faithful folk of Harlem
Have crowned Sylvia their Queen

Special global clientele
At Sylvia’s they’re aware
Good service, love, and respect
And their meals are well prepared

Fine art of diplomacy
She defines such needed skills
By example and triumph
At the boardroom or the grill

We bless this special lady
The Old School’s par excellence
Has a vision of greatness
It’s a 2nd Renaissance

Now W. C. Handy
Is the Father of the Blues
Sylvia’s in history
In spite of cold, unfair rules*

When you come up to Harlem,
Take the Number 2 or 3
Lenox is also Malcolm
And it is where you should be

I heard they called oil black gold
And Herbert Woods became a King
Harlem sends condolences
The Sultan left us his Queen  

Thank you Miss Sylvia for your kindness shown to all who met you, especially for your love shown to Dr. Betty Shabazz when she was prematurely without her husband; Malcolm X; in loving memory of Mr. Herbert Woods. May God continue to bless your family, and keep them all – Amen!