Celebrating Life of News Pioneer Jay Price on His Heavenly Birthday; would have been 74 years old

Chronicle News Archive Photo-Jay Price spinning the records at WLTH Radio in Gary Indiana

This piece was written by Jay Price's daughter, Yanice Jackson, who now operates Chronicle News Media Company, taking the Publisher seat. First published back in 2022, we wanted to give space for another look down memory lane, as we celebrate what would have been the new's pioneers 74th birthday.

What does Legacy mean to you? For Larry Carter (Jay Price) his legacy to his family was one the driving forces throughout his life. Larry Carter was born April 20th, 1949, to the late Ottowa Carter Sr. and Mildred Haynes in Sardis MS. He later moved to Chicago, IL with his mother and grandparents. From a very young age Larry made significant contributions to the household. He held a full-time job for more than half of his high school days. In no way did this stunt his determination in the quest towards success. Larry graduated from John Marshall High School in 1967 knowing the value of hard work. Throughout life, hard work seemed to be the essence of Larry.

Larry attended Columbia College where he majored in Broadcast Journalism. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree, he moved around frequently to pursue career endeavors. This is not before he married his child-hood friend Carolyn Carter. Together they raised three children: Anastacio, William and Yanice.

Courtesy Photo-A night "On the Town" for Larry and Carolyn

Over the years, Larry held positions in radio spanning several different markets across the Midwest and Southern regions. These stations included WAWA Milwaukee, COOL Radio Fort Wayne IN, and WLTH in Gary IN. During this time, Larry was also a Broadcast Engineer Licensed by the Federal Communications Commission with a Radio Telephone Operators License (First Class Ticket) this was during a period when anyone on the radio was required to have a license.

Courtesy Photo-The Chronicle News 30th Year Celebration and Community Awards Ceremony at the Lansing Center. Renee Freeman awards Jay Price Proclamation on behalf of Mayor Virg Bernero.

While working at WLTH Carter met a co-worker by the name of Joe Dixon which he befriended. Joe eventually convinced Larry to move to Lansing Michigan in 1984. In 1985 the Carter family moved to Lansing Michigan after Larry accepting a position with WXLA 1170 AM (WQHH 96.5 FM) Larry was able to convince station owners that an urban contemporary format was needed in Lansing and would have the potential for success. Larry was placed into the morning slot and worked as a sales manager to produce on air commercials.

Courtesy Photo- (L to R) Carolyn Carter, Yanice (Carter) Jackson, Janelle Houston, Jay Price. Jay hits the campaign trail with his daughter Yanice at the City of Lansing 4th of July parade in 2017.

Carter experienced much success in radio but desired to explore additional avenues. With the assistance of his longtime friend Mr. Donnie Lyons, he was able to launch a print publication in the spring of 1986. The first publication was titled “The Capital Chronicle” (Later evolving into the Chronicle News) Larry worked to build up momentum with sales while his wife learned to manage the layout and design of the newspaper. Anastacio and William (with a help of a few friends) oversaw door-to-door delivery. Between the radio station and the newspaper, Larry was sure he found his niche.

In 2002 Larry Carter was presented with the Communicator of the Year Award-Printed Media at the 23rd Conference of the National Black United Front presented by the Black Child and Family Institute of Lansing.

Since the Chronicle’s inception Larry and Carolyn’s vision for the Chronicle continued to be inspired by the passion and dedication seen in the communities which they served. The community was their driving force to provide uplifting news and content told from an African American perspective. Larry and Carolyn’s love for their family motivated them to continue building a legacy.

In his free time Larry enjoyed cooking big meals for family gatherings. He also enjoyed traveling with his family and watching various Chicago sports teams on television. Larry had a vibrant, magnetic personality and a special love for Chicago Sports Teams.

Courtesy Photo- (L to R) Carolyn, Jillian, and Jay. Carolyn and Jay listen to keynote speaker after dinner with granddaughter Jillian.

Larry and Carolyn remained married until her transition to a new life on December 4, 2018. Larry passed away on the afternoon of February 5th, 2022. Together Larry and Carolyn raised three children: Anastacio Ramos III, William Larry Carter (Hill) who preceded them in death) and Yanice Carter. He leaves to cherish his memory, his son Anastacio Ramos III (Tunesa) of Lansing, MI, and daughter Yanice (Carter) Jackson of Lansing, MI; Three Brothers: Lynard Carter of New Orleans, LA, Ottowa Carter Jr. of Jackson MS, Jerome Haynes of Chicago, IL and one sister: Gwendoyn Haynes of Chicago, IL. Larry also leaves six grandchildren: Ikesha, Anastacio, William (Little Ikey), William (Day Day), Jillian, LaStacia, Liam and two great grandchildren: Xymphony and Xavion and a host of nieces, nephews’ cousins, and friends.

Courtesy Photo- (L to R) Yanice, Anastacio, Jillian, Carolyn, Jay. The family has an exhilarating dinner at Medieval Times in Shamburg, IL

Larry Carter (Jay Price) was a man who always wore a smile. He was an asset to the community who helped to provide a platform for residents within greater Lansing and across Michigan. He will truly be missed.