The Changemakers Center at Lansing Community College celebrates the visionaries, leaders and trailblazers whose contributions have shaped Lansing’s African American heritage and the broader community. The center is accepting nominations for its Class of 2028 through Dec. 31, 2026. Photo Courtesy of Lansing Community College. LANSING, Mich., Oct. 1, 2026 — Beginning October 1, Lansing Community College will accept public nominations for its Changemakers Center Class of 2028. N

Founders Library on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. Students considering historically Black colleges and universities can begin preparing early by researching admissions, financial aid, scholarships and transfer opportunities. Photo by David Monack / Wikimedia Commons. Public domain. For Michigan students thinking about attending a Historically Black College or University, fall is when curiosity should begin turning into a plan. HBCUs differ widely in size

The Southern University Marching Band and Dancing Dolls perform during a community event. Marching bands, alumni traditions and campus gatherings remain central to the HBCU homecoming experience. Photo by JMRosenfeld / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. At an HBCU homecoming, the football game may be printed on the schedule, but it is rarely the whole story. Homecoming season at Historically Black Colleges and Universities brings together students, alumni, families and generations

Courtesy Photo: Nasaan Jackson-Central State University Senior, Mr Central State University and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. For Nasaan Jackson, the road to becoming the 19th Mister Central State University was not a single campaign but a progression built over several years. The Lansing native successfully pursued and won the titles of Mister Freshman, Mister Sophomore, Mister Junior and, ultimately, Mister Central State. Central State University reports that on

Rosa Parks: Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — As part of their mission to provide continuing education on the impact that Rosa Parks had on this nation, the Grand Rapids Community Relations Commission (CRC) and the Office of Equity and Engagement are once again hosting the Rosa Parks Essay Writing Contest. Students in grades 9-12 who live in Grand Rapids or attend a school in Grand Rapids are encouraged to write an original essay which focuses and refl

Known across the nation as an abolitionist and women’s rights advocate, Sojourner Truth spent the final decades of her life in Battle Creek, Michigan, where her legacy remains woven into the city’s history. Photo Courtesy of the Library of Congress: Sojourner Truth, photographed around 1864, became one of the nation’s most influential advocates for abolition, women’s rights, and human dignity. Truth moved to the Battle Creek area in 1857 and spent approximately the final 27 y

Those Who Taught Us: Black educators have used the classroom to educate, empower and expand opportunity across generations. Pictured are Lansing educators Vivian Riddle and Verna D. Holley, alongside pioneering educators Lucy Craft Laney, Mary McLeod Bethune, Carter G. Woodson and Septima Poinsette Clark. From building schools and preserving Black culture to advancing literacy, civil rights and the study of Black history, their legacies demonstrate the extraordinary power of

How one father’s unimaginable loss became a movement of hope, skilled trades and healing throughout an entire community. Courtesy Photo: City of Lansing officially recognizing Aug. 1 as “Mikey 23 Day.” The proclamation honors the work of the Mikey 23 Foundation, which transforms tragedy into hope by empowering youth through skilled trades, mentorship and community service When the City of Lansing officially proclaimed Aug. 1 as “Mikey 23 Day,” it wasn’t simply recognizing a n

Courtesy Photo: Chronicle News Publisher and Editor Yanice Y. Carter Summer has a way a way of being people together. Neighborhood festivals fill our parks. Children laugh on playgrounds. Volunteers roll up their sleeves. Small businesses welcome customers through their doors. Across Michigan, people are showing up, not because they have to, but because they care. That's what impact looks like. Too often, we measure success by titles, awards, or headlines. But some of the gre

The excitement is building as the 2nd Annual HBCU Initiative: Empower, Educate & Excellence prepares to return to Lansing this December, continuing a mission that is about much more than college recruitment. It is about opening doors, expanding dreams, and introducing young people to the rich legacy and life-changing opportunities found at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Scheduled for Friday, December 11, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5852 Wise Road in

Photo Credit: The Chronicle Media Group-A Key to the City. A Lifetime of Service. Congratulations to Mr. Gregory Eaton on receiving the Key to the City during Lansing’s Juneteenth Celebration. A well-earned honor for a man whose legacy has helped shape our community for generations. There are moments when a community pauses to recognize an individual whose life has quietly shaped generations. At this year’s Lansing Juneteenth Celebration, one of those moments unfolded as Lans

Courtesy Photo: Pictured from left to right are Chatum Taylor, member of the Lansing Community College Board of Trustees; Tanya McClain, Interim Chief Diversity Officer for Lansing Community College’s Office of Empowerment; Yanice Y. Carter, Publisher and Editor of The Chronicle News; Lansing City Council Member Trini Pehlivanoglu; and Shirley Carter-Powell, Founder and Executive Director of Against All Odds Foundation, during The Chronicle News 40th Anniversary Legacy Gala h

For Angel Taylor, investing in young people is more than a calling, it is a lifelong commitment to building stronger families and communities through education, mentorship, and service. As the leader of the Reading Readiness Summer Camp hosted at Christ’s Kingdom Builders Church and Community Center, Taylor works to create meaningful opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and discover their potential. The free summer program provides academic enrichment, cultural education,

Courtesy Photo: DJ, media personality, and entrepreneur Metro Melik will curate the evening’s soundtrack, bringing signature energy, culture, and creativity to the celebration When guests gather to celebrate 40 years of The Chronicle News, they will be welcomed by more than inspiring stories, community leaders, and unforgettable moments. They will also experience a carefully curated soundtrack provided by one of Mid-Michigan’s most recognizable cultural ambassadors, Metro Mel

The Dazzling Diamondz are more than a dance team. They are a youth leadership and empowerment program dedicated to building confidence, discipline, teamwork, and community pride through the performing arts. Under the leadership of Dominique Devereaux and DreamWorld Studio of the Arts, the Dazzling Diamondz provide young performers with opportunities to develop their talents while learning valuable life skills that extend far beyond the stage. Through dance, mentorship, commun

Few individuals have dedicated as much of their lives to education, leadership, and community service as Dr. Maxine Hankins-Cain. Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Dr. Hankins-Cain built a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in education. Throughout her professional journey, she served as a classroom teacher, academic coach, principal, Director of Elementary Education, and Superintendent of Sankofa Shule Public School Academy, helping shape the lives of c

Courtesy Photo: The Honorable Judge Wanda Stokes. 30th District Circuit Court Ingham County Michigan For decades, Judge Wanda M. Stokes has been a respected leader, advocate, and trailblazer whose work has helped shape communities throughout Mid-Michigan. Her distinguished career in law, public service, and community leadership has earned her recognition as one of the region’s most influential voices for justice, equity, and opportunity. Throughout her career, Judge Stokes ha

For four decades, The Chronicle News has been more than a newspaper. It has been a trusted voice, a community connector, and a living record of the people, places, and stories that shape our communities. Now, supporters can celebrate that legacy through the official Chronicle Merchandise Collection. Featuring commemorative 40th Anniversary apparel, hats, accessories, and Chronicle-branded items, the collection allows readers, supporters, and community partners to proudly rep

Courtesy Photo:The Lucas-Perry Dental Dynasty. (L to R) Laval, Victoria, Evelyn, Mom Patricia and Patrick There are families. And then there are institutions disguised as families. The Lucas-Perry family is one of those rare examples where love did not simply endure, it multiplied. Into purpose. Into profession. Into leadership. Into impact. At the center of that legacy stand Lavel and Dr. Patricia Lucas-Perry, whose 43-year marriage became the foundation for something far g

Courtesy Photo: Kubwa M. Brown For entrepreneur Kubwa M. Brown, success has always been about thinking big. Fittingly, the name of his company, Kubwa, comes from the Swahili word meaning “big.” Kubwa was founded with a simple mission: to provide natural body products with exceptional quality and memorable fragrances at prices that remain affordable for everyday consumers. In a marketplace often dominated by expensive brands and products containing harsh chemicals, Brown wante