Photo by Chronicle Media Group-Rhonda Stokes, Master Stylist and educator, is the founder of Rhonda’s Reflections. Licensed since age 18, she combines decades of salon expertise with hands-on apprenticeship training, preparing the next generation of stylists for State Board certification and sustainable careers in beauty. When it comes to transformation, Rhonda Stokes does more than style hair, she builds confidence strand by strand. A licensed cosmetologist since the age of

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when heartbreak gets a headset and a book deal — look no further than Logan Taylor. The author of In My Eyes: Searching for Self-Worth didn’t just turn her story into pages… she turned it into momentum. Logan’s journey isn’t about finding perfection it’s about finding truth. From navigating the messy, sacred terrain of self worth to standing tall as an indie author with something real to say, she’s proof that vulnerability is strength dres

LANSING, Mich.  — Middle- and high school-aged students are invited to explore potential college majors with hands-on activities during the free Big STEAM event at Lansing Community College (LCC). The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on LCC’s Downtown Campus. Designed for students in grades 7–12, Big STEAM offers hands-on activities that introduce participants to programs in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM

Courtesy Photo-Mr. Andrew Brewer Jr., the owner of Optimum Peace Home Healthcare, brings dignity, structure, and steady leadership to families who need more than services, they need reassurance. With a foundation rooted in compassion and a vision focused on community impact, Brewer is building something stronger than a company. He’s building trust. Long before he became a healthcare leader, Andrew Brewer Jr. was a seventh-grade candy striper. He did not volunteer because he

Courtesy Photo-Chronicle News Publisher Yanice Y. Carter February asks us to look closer. Not just at who we love, but at how we love. Not just about Black history, but about who is making it right now. Not just in relationships, but in the standards, boundaries, and healing we bring into them. This issue is a mirror. In it, you’ll see legacy, not as something locked in the past, but alive in our barbershops, our businesses, our homes, and our everyday choices. You’ll see lov

Courtesy Photo-With a steady smile and an open heart, Deon Patton, Master Barber and owner of Cut N' Edge Barber Salon, leads his shop with intention, respect, and care for the community In many communities, the barbershop is more than a place for a haircut. It’s a classroom, a refuge, a confidence builder, and sometimes a second home. At Cut N' Edge Barber Salon, that truth is lived out daily through the steady hands and steady heart of barber and owner Deon Patton. I first

Emerson Green + King  is not just a comic strip. It’s a mirror. Created by Indianapolis -based filmmaker, educator, and storyteller Al Smith  of Purpix Media. Emerson Green blends humor, social commentary, and quiet truth into scenes that feel familiar because they are. Set in everyday neighborhoods, the strip uses warmth and wit to explore how spectacle, judgment, and public ridicule often land hardest on those already carrying enough. This featured installment takes aim at

EMERSON GREEN is more than a comic, it is a memory brought to life. Created by filmmaker and educator Al Smith, founder of One Day Film Skool, this project blends childhood nostalgia with modern creativity. Using AI tools like Microsoft Copilot, refined through Photoshop and polished with OpenArt, Al transforms technology into tenderness. What began as a personal escape became a visual love letter to the streets, sounds, and small moments that shaped him. For Al, storytelling

Courtesy Photo- Mr. Larry L. Leatherwood. A man whose greatest joy was his family and whose greatest gift was love. Mr. Leatherwood lived for the smiles of those he cherished and the purpose he saw in each of us. He adored his wife, Martha, sharing 63 beautiful years of marriage, and built a legacy that lives on through his children Jeffrey and Stacy (and her husband Will), and his grandson Samuel. His life reminds us that the truest measure of a man is not what he gained—but

For many people in Mid-Michigan, the idea of going back to school feels out of reach. Time is limited. Money is tight. Life is already full. Yet the need for stability, better wages, and meaningful work remains urgent. That’s where the Job Training Center (JTC) at Lansing Community College steps in, offering a different path forward. A New Pathway to Success Located at LCC’s West Campus, the Job Training Center is designed for community members who want to change their circu

Courtesy Photo-Owner of the Standard Salon Troy, Lanitra Middlebrook Recently, I visited The Standard Salon in Troy, Michigan, and left with more than just a silk press and a facial—I left feeling lighter, seen, and restored. Feeling self-conscious due to a recent breakout, I hesitated to be seen that day. However, Lanitra’s invitation to experience her Salon and Spa Services transformed my spirit in unexpected ways. Photo Credit-The Chronicle Media Group-From Publisher Yan

Courtesy Photo-Downtown Detroit.org The holiday season in Michigan is more than just a time for celebration. It is a season where communities come together to share light, hope, and strength. In cities and towns across the state, from Detroit to Grand Rapids to Mid-Michigan, the spirit of Christmas generosity, the principles of Kwanzaa, and the resilience celebrated during Hanukkah create a powerful foundation for community miracles, both big and small. As a community advocat

Scenes of Excellence across Michigan-educators, families, Community advocates, and youth leaders whose everyday actions strengthem our communities. December arrives with a quiet insistence. The pace slows, lights soften, and something in us leans inward. As we close out another year in Michigan, The Chronicle turns our focus to the people, institutions, and everyday moments that remind us who we are — and who we still have the power to become. This season has always been more

Courtesy Photo-Yanice Jackson – Publisher, Strategist, Storyteller. Committed to uplifting voices and building a legacy through media. As we close out the year and step into the spirit of the holiday season, The Chronicle  invites you to join us in reflecting on the stories, milestones, and moments that have shaped our community. December is more than just the final chapter of the calendar — it is a time to honor the excellence we've witnessed and give thanks for those who in

Courtesy Photo-Pictured from left to right: MVAA's Zach Dillinger, communications manager; Andrew Robishaw, visual content designer; Natalie McCorvie, senior communications representative; and Curtis Volkmann, general office assistant. LANSING, Mich . – The Central Michigan Public Relations Society of America (CMPRSA) recognized and awarded the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) for its communications efforts supporting Michigan’s veteran population. The MVAA took home

Courtesy Photo-  Six Vietnam War-era veterans were pinned by Brian L. Love, director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency; Gov. Gretchen Whitmer; and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs LANSING, Mich.  –  On Wednesday, Nov. 12, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) honored Michigan's more than 486,000 veterans at the 6th annual Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony at the State Capi

The holidays bring joy, traditions, and togetherness—but they can also create financial stress if you’re not prepared. A thoughtful holiday budget helps you celebrate without overspending or facing a post-season money hangover. Here are some tips to keep your finances merry and bright: Start with a Spending Plan Set a total budget: Decide the maximum amount you can afford to spend overall. The general rule of thumb is no more than 1% of your annual income for holiday expense

LANSING, MI — Southwest Action Group (SWAG) is excited to announce Holiday in the Square, a festive community celebration bringing together families, neighbors, and local partners for an evening of holiday magic on Saturday, December 6, from 4–6 PM, at the Pleasant Grove Town Square (behind 1910 Food Market). Holiday in the Square is designed to uplift and unite the Southside community with two hours of family-friendly fun. Attendees can look forward to festive activities, in

Harvesting Gratitude — Giving Thanks, Giving Back Sunday Chronicle Guest Tony Gant of T&G Consulting joins Host Yanice Yvette Jackson and Co-Host Span at Stacks 92.1 FM for The Sunday Chronicle , where the community knows what the community needs. Photo Credit: The Chronicle Media Group 🎧 Listen to the full interview on Apple Podcasts: Sunday Chronicle Episode 107 – Tony Gant  or scan the QR code below. There’s a steadiness to Antoniese “Tony” Gant that makes you lean in.

The Chronicle News  launches its next chapter — expanding across Michigan and beyond with new partnerships, a fresh digital home, and the...