The Chronicle News 40th Anniversary Legacy Gala: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Building the Future
- Yanice Y. Carter
- 21 hours ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 51 minutes ago
For four decades, The Chronicle News has stood as more than a newspaper. It has been a living archive of Lansing’s Black history, community victories, neighborhood voices, cultural movements, and untold stories that deserved to be seen and remembered.
Founded in 1986 by the late Larry “Jay Price” Carter and Carolyn Carter, The Chronicle was built on a simple but powerful belief: our stories matter.
What began as a community publication grew into a trusted media institution, one that has highlighted local leaders before the mainstream noticed them, celebrated entrepreneurs before they became household names, and amplified the voices of everyday people who continue shaping Mid-Michigan every day.
Under the leadership of publisher Yanice Y. Carter, The Chronicle News has continued evolving beyond print journalism into a multimedia platform focused on storytelling, youth empowerment, cultural preservation, entrepreneurship, and community connection. Through podcasts, workshops, partnerships, special events, and youth-centered programming, the vision has expanded while remaining deeply rooted in the same mission that started 40 years ago: making sure the community sees itself reflected with dignity, truth, and purpose.
Now, four decades later, The Chronicle News is preparing to celebrate that legacy in a major way. On Saturday, June 6, 2026, community leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, educators, changemakers, and supporters from across the region will gather at Lansing Community College for The Chronicle News 40th Anniversary Legacy Gala, themed “Life, Love & Legacy.”
This elegant evening celebration will honor the publication’s rich history while also looking boldly toward the future. Guests can expect an unforgettable experience filled with culture, connection, storytelling, entertainment, inspiration, and interactive experiences designed to celebrate both legacy and vision.
The evening will feature a keynote address from the Honorable Judge Wanda Stokes, whose lifelong commitment to justice, leadership, and community advocacy continues to inspire generations throughout Michigan.
The gala will also feature a special performance by Worship Without Words, a nationally recognized praise dance and youth mentoring ministry celebrating more than a decade of inspiring audiences through movement, healing, faith, and artistic expression. The organization has become widely respected throughout Mid-Michigan for empowering youth through dance, mentorship, discipline, and emotional expression while helping young people build confidence and community connection.
Adding to the evening’s creative energy will be an immersive artistic experience presented by visual artist Sera Renee. Known for her emotionally driven artistry and healing-centered creative work, Sera Renee will offer live artistic engagement and face-painting experiences that celebrate self-expression, imagination, and creativity.
Guests in the VIP Experience and Legacy Patron tiers will also enjoy a special live tea demonstration hosted by Elyse Ribbons, founder of Chengdu Teahouse and one of The Chronicle’s celebrated “30 Within 30” honorees.
During the interactive experience, VIP guests will be personally served tea while learning about the tradition, mindfulness, hospitality, and cultural connection behind the tea ceremony experience. The demonstration adds another layer of elegance, intentionality, and cultural storytelling to the evening while highlighting one of Lansing’s emerging entrepreneurs and cultural innovators.
Fashion, entrepreneurship, and culture will also take center stage during a featured fashion showcase led by Aondray Worthy alongside James Jackson of I MOGUL Mentoring Group. The showcase is expected to blend style, confidence, mentorship, and leadership into a visual presentation celebrating excellence, identity, and self-expression.
The event will also serve as the official launch of the new Chronicle Kids: I Know I Can coloring book initiative, a youth-centered literacy and empowerment project designed to promote:
Social and emotional learning
Positive self-esteem
Leadership development
Literacy engagement
Career exposure
Cultural representation
Youth confidence and identity building
The coloring book series introduces children to real community leaders, entrepreneurs, judges, journalists, artists, educators, and changemakers through interactive pages that encourage youth to dream bigger while seeing themselves reflected in positive and empowering roles. “At a time when so many young people are struggling with identity, confidence, and emotional wellness, we wanted to create something that reminds them they matter,” said publisher Yanice Y. Carter. “Representation changes self-esteem. Visibility changes possibilities.” Proceeds from the gala will directly support ongoing youth and media initiatives through The Community Catalyst, including:
One Day Film Skool
Podcasting and broadcast workshops
Community journalism training
Youth storytelling initiatives
Creative arts programming
Multimedia workforce development opportunities
The Chronicle Kids literacy initiative
These programs are designed to create pathways for youth and emerging creatives while helping preserve authentic community storytelling for future generations.
The Community Marketplace Experience will open prior to the gala program from 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., giving guests an opportunity to connect directly with local businesses, nonprofits, creatives, authors, and entrepreneurs.
The soundtrack for the evening will be curated by Metro Melik, whose signature style, cultural awareness, and ability to read a room have made him a recognizable creative presence throughout the region. From the Community Marketplace Experience to the fashion showcase and evening celebration, Metro Melik will help set the tone with a musical experience designed to blend sophistication, nostalgia, celebration, and energy throughout the night.
Known for bringing people together through music, media, and creative entrepreneurship, Metro Melik’s presence adds another layer of artistry and community connection to an already unforgettable evening.
Among the featured vendors will be Kubwa M. Brown, who will present his signature fragrance line, KUBWA: “The Name That Says It All.” Known by many as a modern-day renaissance man, Kubwa brings creativity, entrepreneurship, culture, and elevated branding into everything he creates.
Vendor opportunities remain available for entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations looking to expand their visibility and connect with an engaged audience.
General Vendor Tables Include:
One vendor table and two chairs
One event admission
Access to the Community Marketplace Experience
Networking and promotional opportunities
Listing in the printed event program
Feature write-up opportunities
Potential segment opportunities on The Sunday Chronicle Podcast
The gala offers multiple ticket experiences for attendees.
General Admission
Guests will enjoy:
Entry to the Legacy Gala
Full dinner experience
Access to keynote presentations and live entertainment
Networking with regional leaders and changemakers
Special performances and presentations throughout the evening
VIP Experience – $125
VIP guests receive:
All General Admission benefits
Preferred seating
Early access to the venue and reception
Curated VIP gift bag
Priority access to featured photo opportunities
Exclusive tea experience and demonstration with Elyse Ribbons
Complimentary Chronicle Kids: I Know I Can coloring book
Limited-edition 40th Anniversary keepsake shirt or commemorative coffee mug
Legacy Patron – $200
Legacy Patrons receive:
All VIP Experience benefits
Premium front-section seating
Recognition in the event program or event screen
Exclusive acknowledgment as a Chronicle supporter
Priority photo opportunities with featured guests
Complimentary Chronicle Kids: I Know I Can coloring book
Exclusive 40th Anniversary keepsake item
As The Chronicle News celebrates 40 years, the evening is designed to do far more than honor history. It is intended to strengthen partnerships, inspire future leaders, support youth empowerment initiatives, elevate local entrepreneurs, and continue building a platform where culture, storytelling, creativity, and opportunity intersect.
The gala theme, “Life, Love & Legacy,” reflects not only the history of the publication, but also the people who carried it, supported it, advertised with it, grew up reading it, and helped sustain it across generations.
The Chronicle’s story has always been deeply connected to the community itself.
And after 40 years, the mission continues.
Because legacy is not only about where you’ve been.
It’s about what you build next. ✨
Event Information
The Chronicle News 40th Anniversary Legacy Gala
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Lansing Community College
🎟️ Tickets:
For vendor opportunities, sponsorship information, or additional event details, visit:
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