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: Recording artist Vera Riley will bring powerful live vocals to the Chronicle News 40th Anniversary Legacy Gala as part of the evening’s featured tribute, Through the Eyes of Mamie Till-Mobley: A Living Portrait. Known for her soulful voice and emotionally driven artistry, Riley’s performance will help guide audiences through one of the evening’s most reflective and moving moments. Whether through song, service, or entrepreneurship, Vera Riley has dedicated her

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: Deborah Allen, Founder and CEO Spotlight Lipstick For Deborah Allen, beauty is about much more than makeup. It is about confidence, self-love, and helping women recognize their value at every stage of life. As Founder and CEO of Spotlight Lipstick, Allen has built a beauty brand specifically designed for mature women. Through lip products, skincare, education, and encouragement, Spotlight Lipstick helps women over 40 embrace their beauty, confidence, and wisdo

Courtesy Photo: Elyse Ribbons, founder of Chengdu Teahouse in Lansing, is honored for building community through culture, tea, and connection As The Chronicle News celebrates 40 years of community impact, culture, and connection, guests attending the VIP Experience will have the opportunity to enjoy a special tea service presented by Elyse Ribbons of Chengdu Teahouse. Known for her passion for tea education and cultural exchange, Ribbons has spent years introducing people to

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

When many people think about Marine Corps training, they often imagine nonstop yelling, impossible physical challenges, and intense discipline. That was certainly part of what I expected before attending the 2026 Michigan Marine Corps Educators Workshop at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina. As a writer representing The Chronicle News, I was invited alongside educators, community leaders, and media professionals from across Michigan to experience first

For years, DJ Cutt Nice has used music not only to entertain, but to educate, uplift, and preserve culture throughout the Lansing community and beyond. Known as “The 45 Advocate,” DJ Cutt Nice has built a reputation as a respected DJ, music historian, collector, and community voice dedicated to keeping the art of DJing alive for future generations. His passion for music, vinyl culture, storytelling, and community engagement has inspired countless people through both performan

Courtesy Photo-Robin Pizzo, M.Ed. Director of Education & Regional Director, Michigan Learning Channel, focuses on literacy, family engagement, and expanding access to educational resources throughout Michigan's Capital Region LANSING, Mich. — The Chronicle News and WKAR Public Media are proud to announce a new collaborative partnership designed to expand access to meaningful community-centered education content and resources. The collaboration will focus on strengthening con

Scrolling through all the posts about the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic got me thinking… I haven’t seen it yet—waiting for the right moment to experience it with my family—but even the anticipation says something. Some entertainers make hits. - Others become moments. - But a rare few… transcend generations. Michael Jackson didn’t just follow the industry—he shifted it. What really stood out to me over the years wasn’t just the music… It was the conversation around power. Ow

Official event announcement for The Chronicle News 40th Anniversary Legacy Showcase & Gala, celebrating four decades of community storytelling, culture, leadership, and impact in Michigan. For four decades, The Chronicle News has stood as more than a newspaper. It has been a witness. A community voice. A living archive of Lansing’s Black history, cultural movements, neighborhood victories, untold stories, and the people who helped shape Mid-Michigan across generations. Founde

There are some stories that do not fade with time. They wait quietly in the heart, patient as memory, until life gives them one more chance to be seen. On Thursday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m., the Library of Michigan will host a free public screening of the internationally acclaimed feature film Old Heart, an emotional World War II drama centered on love, sacrifice, racial history, and elder independence. Produced by the nonprofit Heartland Independent Film Forum, the film was shot

A Day of Learning and Growth Courtesy Photo: Meet Liam. Here is here participating in the Silver Sessions Tie Die gathering. He looks forward to creating something beautiful. Little does he know he is in store for more than shirt making today. He will be forming bonds which help shape him and lead him on a positive direction. The room didn’t look like history at first glance. It appeared as plastic-covered tables, bottles of dye, and gloves too big for small hands. It looked

There is more behind a well-designed bag than style alone, with key decisions influencing how it looks, feels, functions, and performs in daily use.

DJ Crazy Caz is more than a DJ, he is the heartbeat of the city. Through music, he brings people together, creates unforgettable moments, and gives the world a soundtrack that will never be forgotten. Being a DJ is about more than playing songs, it is about reading the room, feeling the energy, and knowing how to bring people together. DJ Crazy Caz has a gift for creating joy, turning any space into a place where people can connect, celebrate, and just be free. His music does

Meet Aondray Worthy, a skilled haberdasher and the visionary behind Walk Worthy Custom Menswear. A haberdasher is more than someone who works with clothing. It is someone who understands how style, fit, and presentation come together to create confidence. Through his work, Aondray helps men and young boys look sharp, feel proud, and show up in the world with purpose. Inside his shop, every detail matters. From measuring sleeves to selecting fabrics, Aondray teaches that how y

More than a coloring page, it’s a mirror. Showing our children they can use their voice, tell stories, and shape their world. Through Chronicle Kids, we’re planting confidence, purpose, and possibility. Yanice Carter is a journalist, publisher, and community storyteller who is dedicated to sharing stories that inform, inspire, and connect people. As the Publisher of The Chronicle News and the voice behind The Sunday Chronicle, she creates platforms where real stories are told

Jay Price was more than a radio voice, he was a storyteller, a leader, and a builder of community connection. As a media executive, radio personality, and co-founder of The Chronicle Newspaper, he used his voice to inform, uplift, and bring people together. Alongside him was Carolyn Carter, a talented graphic designer and creative force who brought stories to life on the page. Through her design, she gave the community something to see, something to hold, and something to be

Something special is coming, and it starts with our children. The Chronicle News is proud to introduce a brand new initiative designed to inspire, empower, and affirm the next generation, the Chronicle Kids Coloring Series. Kicking off the series is our very first feature, Judge Wanda Stokes, a respected leader whose work in the community reflects fairness, integrity, and justice. Through this interactive coloring page, children are invited to do more than color, they are en