This edition of The Chronicle News is connected by a common thread: communities building opportunity, preserving history, restoring what was nearly lost and preparing the way for what comes next.

The legendary singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist leaves behind a legacy built not only through music, but through generosity, literacy and an enduring ability to bring people together. Dolly Parton through the years. From her early days in country music to her rise as an international entertainment icon, actress, philanthropist and creator of Dollywood, Parton built a legacy that stretched far beyond the stage. Her unmistakable style, warmth and talent made her on

DOWAGIAC, Mich. — For gospel recording artist, author and entrepreneur Bonita Mitchell, the message behind “Believe, Don’t Give Up” extends far beyond the music. This weekend, Mitchell will bring that message directly to southwest Michigan through the Believe, Don’t Give Up! Rhythm & Resource Fair, a free community event focused on hope, mental wellness, faith and practical support. The event will take place Saturday, Aug. 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mt. Zion Missionary Bap

Courtesy Photo: Chronicle News Publisher and Editor Yanice Y. Carter There is something about August that feels like a new beginning. Fresh notebooks are stacked on store shelves, backpacks are being filled, and parents are checking school calendars. Children are wondering who their teachers will be while families squeeze the last little bit of summer out of these warm Michigan days. But going back to school has never been only about going back to a building. It is about goin

LANSING, Mich. — Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm has endorsed Democrat Bridget Brink in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District race, adding another high-profile endorsement to Brink’s growing list of supporters. Granholm, who later served as U.S. Secretary of Energy under President Joe Biden, praised Brink’s leadership, resilience, and public service. “I have seen firsthand that Bridget Brink has the grit, savvy, and backbone to beat Tom Barrett and deliver for Mich

Courtesy Photo: Robin M. Pizzo holds two Emmy® Awards for the WKAR series "I Feel" EAST LANSING, MI; June 19, 2026 — Robin M. Pizzo, WKAR director of education, is the recipient of two 2026 regional Emmy® awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Michigan chapter. Pizzo was recognized for the series “I Feel” in the Children/Youth/Teen and Writer-Short Form Content (up to 10 minutes) categories. The short form video series "I Feel" is the brainchild of P

Courtesy Photo: Vera Riley EAST LANSING, MI — Gospel artist Vera Riley is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of the highly anticipated new single, "Thanks!," scheduled to debut across all major digital streaming platforms on July 24th. The track serves as a vibrant anthem of gratitude, celebrating God's goodness and abundant blessings. Penned by Riley herself, the song represents a significant milestone in her musical career. She co-produced the single alongside the ta

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

Courtesy Photo: Chronicle News Publisher poses in the iconic “Rosie the Riveter” stance, symbolizing courage, strength, resilience and freedom. “Every generation leaves behind its own soundtrack. Through journalism, storytelling, and community engagement, The Chronicle News remains committed to helping preserve the voices, victories, and visions that shape our future.”-Yanice Y. Carter, Publisher As we celebrate Black Music Month and continue our 40th year of serving the comm

Courtesy Photo: 150,000 books. Countless dreams. 📚✨WKAR’s Robin Pizzo and her team continue to put books directly into the hands of children across Mid-Michigan, helping build stronger readers, learners, and communities. 150,000 books into the tiny, curious, precocious and sometimes reluctant hands of children across mid-Michigan was never a goal Robin Pizzo, director of education at WKAR, considered reaching within six years. Yet, with each event she attended as a public me

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,

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

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: 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: Gospel Powerhouse Kierra Sheard shares the Personal Trials that Transformed Pressure into Purpose with Gospel Sensation Kirk Franklin Kierra Sheard: Finding Her Voice Beyond Legacy, Loss, and the Weight of Expectation There are names that carry history. And then there are names that carry expectation. For Kierra Sheard, both have walked hand in hand since the very beginning. Born into gospel royalty as the daughter of Karen Clark Sheard and niece to the legen

Courtesy Photo: Verna Dorsey Holly she built a life grounded in love and legacy, raising three children while shaping countless others through her work. There are some names that don’t just belong to a person, they belong to a sound, a spirit, a movement. Verna Dorsey Holley is one of those names. Born on April 29, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, Holley’s life has been a living composition, one that blends discipline, faith, culture, and the unmistakable power of music. Long befo

The Reality of Cancer Treatment I reached remission quickly, but enduring years of chemotherapy, spinal taps, and biopsies taught me what survival truly means. It also revealed why new therapies are changing the journey for many. Five months after giving birth to my first child, I was hospitalized for three weeks due to T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). When I was discharged in March 2020, the world was shutting down. COVID-19 was spreading, public guidance was sti

Photo Credit: Gettys Image-Louise Little, mother of Malcom Little (Malcom X) During Women’s History Month, we honor women whose courage, intellect, and leadership have shaped history, even when their names remain unfamiliar. One such woman is Louise Little, political activist, educator, and the guiding force behind Malcolm X. Born in Grenada in the late 1890s, Louise Little grew up in a family that valued education and self-determination. Fluent in English, French, and Creole