As The Chronicle News celebrates 40 years of serving Mid-Michigan, the organization is also investing in the future through one of its newest youth initiatives: the Chronicle Kids Community Coloring Book. The publication, titled I Know I Can: Real People. Real Careers. Real Possibilities., was created to inspire young readers by introducing them to community leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, educators, public servants, and changemakers who are making a difference throughout th

For Vera Riley, success has never been about choosing between creativity and entrepreneurship. Instead, she has built a path that allows her to embrace both. Known throughout the community for her music and uplifting spirit, Riley has also found success as an independent consultant with Jafra Cosmetics, where she combines beauty, mentorship, and business ownership to empower others. Her journey with Jafra began by watching her mother build a successful career with the company

The Community Catalyst was founded in 2017 by Yanice Carter with a clear mission: to create measurable, community-led change by building bridges between residents, organizations, and local leadership. What began as a grassroots effort in Lansing has evolved into a growing movement centered on collaboration, empowerment, and opportunity. At its core, The Community Catalyst exists to help people move beyond survival mode by connecting them with the resources, education, skills,

For 40 years, The Chronicle News has told the stories of our community. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are proud to recognize one of the local businesses that helped transform that celebration into something people can wear, carry, and remember for years to come. Courtesy Photo: Nathan Gordon owner of Jackson Embroidery custom stitched apparel. Meet Nathan Gordon, the owner of Jackson Embroidery. Nate prides himself on quality service, custom designs and going

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

For nearly two decades, Tamilikia Foster has dedicated her life to caring for others, both inside and outside the hospital. As a registered nurse in the Labor & Delivery department at McLaren Greater Lansing, Foster has helped countless families welcome new life into the world while providing compassionate care, education, and support during some of life's most important moments. Her commitment to patients and families earned her the prestigious DAISY Award for Extraordinary

At their core, The Chronicle News and 40Dubb Podcast share a common mission: preserving stories, celebrating culture, and ensuring the voices of our community are never forgotten. For nearly 40 years, The Chronicle News has documented the people, events, achievements, and moments that have shaped Lansing and Mid-Michigan. Through print, digital media, radio, publishing, and community engagement, The Chronicle has worked to preserve history while creating a platform for voices

Art has the power to tell stories, spark conversations, and bring people together. Few artists embody that belief more fully than Sera Renee’. A multidisciplinary artist, creative entrepreneur, and founder of Contrasted Content, Sera Renee’ has built a reputation for creating immersive artistic experiences that challenge perspectives and celebrate human connection. Her work spans painting, body art, public installations, community engagement projects, and live artistic perfor

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

Courtesy Photo: Bonita Mitchell, Thread of Hope Records For more than two decades, Bonita Mitchell has used music as a tool for inspiration, healing, and transformation. As the founder and Executive Director of Thread of Hope Records, Mitchell has dedicated her life to helping young people discover their gifts, develop confidence, and find purpose through creative expression. A recording artist, author, mentor, and community leader, Mitchell has built a reputation for empower

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: 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

Courtesy Photo: Community engagement has always been at the heart of The Chronicle’s mission. Pictured at Fountain of Love Church in Muskegon during a 2015 voter registration drive are Yanice Carter, Retired NBA Player Jay Vincent, Chronicle co-founder Larry “Jay Price” Carter, and co-founder Carolyn Carter. The event reflected the publication’s longstanding commitment to informing, empowering, and connecting communities through civic engagement and public service. Forty year

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