The Chronicle News to Celebrate 40 Years of Community Storytelling, Black Media Legacy & Cultural Impact with Immersive Legacy Gala
- The Chronicle News
- May 11
- 10 min read
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. 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 Black-owned media institution, one that highlighted local leaders before the mainstream noticed them, celebrated entrepreneurs before they became household names, and amplified the voices of everyday people whose stories deserved to be seen, preserved, and remembered.
Under the leadership of publisher Yanice Y. Carter, The Chronicle News has continued evolving beyond print journalism into a multimedia platform centered around storytelling, youth empowerment, cultural preservation, entrepreneurship, literacy, and community connection.
Through podcasts, workshops, partnerships, special events, multimedia initiatives, and youth-centered programming, the publication’s mission has expanded while remaining rooted in the same purpose that sparked its founding 40 years ago: making sure the community sees itself reflected with dignity, truth, humanity, 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.
Art as Witness: The Creative Vision of Sera’Renee
Adding another immersive layer to the evening will be the powerful artistic presence of mixed media fine artist Sera’Renee, whose emotionally driven work has become recognized throughout Mid-Michigan for its bold use of surrealism, color, vulnerability, and self-reflection. A graduate of Lansing Community College with degrees in both Arts Foundation and Art History, Sera’Renee has built a growing reputation for creating art that explores emotional healing, identity, transformation, and personal evolution. Her work challenges viewers to look inward while embracing authenticity, originality, and freedom of expression.
Over the years, her artistry has been featured by multiple regional media outlets, including the Lansing State Journal, Fox 47, WILX Studio 10, WLNS, WLAJ ABC 53, and The Chronicle News. She has also received numerous recognitions and honors, including the prestigious 2017 Zimmerman Arts Fund Competition award, with a permanent public artwork displayed at Lansing Community College’s Health and Human Services Building.
One of her most recognized projects, The Pieces of Me, involved painting her face every day throughout 2022 as an act of self-reflection, emotional exploration, vulnerability, and creative discipline. Each piece became a visual diary entry shared publicly to encourage healing, honesty, and self-understanding. “The world right now has a tendency to wash away internal originality and freedom of expression,” Sera has shared. “Right now is the most important time for us to be looking within for answers and to accept their presence. That way, we can learn to accept others for who they are, just as we do ourselves.”The Pieces of Me involved painting her face every day throughout 2022 as an act of self-reflection, emotional exploration, vulnerability, and creative discipline. Each piece became a visual diary entry shared publicly with audiences as a way to encourage self-understanding. “The world right now has a tendency to wash away internal originality and freedom of expression,” Sera has shared. “Right now is the most important time for us to be looking within for answers and to accept their presence. That way, we can learn to accept others for who they are, just as we do ourselves.”
During the Legacy Gala, Sera’Renee will present a live interactive painting experience during the evening’s emotional centerpiece, Through the Eyes of Mamie Till-Mobley: A Living Portrait.
As the tribute unfolds through spoken portrayal and live vocals, Sera’Renee will create a visual work in real time, transforming grief, resilience, remembrance, historical witness, and emotional truth into living art before the audience’s eyes. The audience will not simply watch a performance.
They will witness memory becoming art in real time.
Another emotional layer will be added to the evening with a live vocal performance by acclaimed recording artist Vera Riley, whose powerful voice and inspirational artistry have touched audiences throughout Michigan and beyond. Known for blending soul, faith, storytelling, and emotional transparency through music, Vera Riley’s performance will accompany the evening’s featured theatrical tribute, helping guide audiences through one of the gala’s most moving moments.
Her presence adds both vocal power and emotional depth to an evening rooted in reflection, resilience, healing, and remembrance. One of the most powerful moments of the evening will be: Through the Eyes of Mamie Till-Mobley: A Living Portrait. This moving tribute will feature Dr. Maxine Hankins-Cain as Mamie Till-Mobley, with live vocals by Vera Riley and a live painting experience by Artist Sera’Renee.
Through the Eyes of Mamie Till-Mobley: A Living Portrait
One of the most powerful moments of the evening will feature respected educator, cultural leader, and community advocate Dr. Maxine Hankins-Cain portraying Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till. Throughout Mid-Michigan, Dr. Hankins-Cain has long been recognized for her leadership in education, cultural engagement, racial dialogue, and international community relations. She has served in numerous leadership capacities throughout the Lansing community, including work connected to education, diversity initiatives, and global cultural exchange efforts. Her voice and advocacy have helped foster important conversations surrounding equity, history, identity, and healing.
Her portrayal of Mamie Till-Mobley carries particular emotional weight because it reflects not only historical remembrance but also the continued responsibility of communities to preserve truth, humanity, and collective memory. The tribute will also feature live vocals by Vera Riley alongside a live painting experience by mixed media fine artist Sera’Renee.
Mamie Till-Mobley’s courageous decision to hold an open-casket funeral for her son, Emmett Till, forced America to confront racial violence it could no longer ignore. Her decision was not about shock. It was testimony. As the tribute unfolds through spoken portrayal, music, and live visual art, audiences will experience an immersive moment centered around grief, resilience, historical witness, and the enduring power of storytelling. The audience will not simply watch history.
They will witness memory becoming art in real time.
Movement, Memory & Cultural Expression
The evening will also feature a special performance by the Dazzling Diamonds Dance Troupe of DreamWorld Studios for the Arts, led by Dominique Devereaux. Rooted in the rich cultural traditions of majorette and HBCU-style performance arts, the Dazzling Diamonds create an empowering and creative space for young girls through movement, discipline, confidence-building, teamwork, and artistic expression. Majorette dance teams have long served as a vibrant part of Black cultural history, particularly within Historically Black Colleges and Universities, where dance became both celebration and storytelling through rhythm, precision, energy, and pride.
Through DreamWorld Studios for the Arts, Dominique Devereaux continues that tradition locally by helping young performers develop confidence, sisterhood, leadership, and creative identity through dance. Known for their elegance, energy, storytelling, and powerful stage presence, the Dazzling Diamonds will bring movement, culture, and youth expression to an evening centered around legacy and future generations.
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.
The Lucas-Perry Family: A Living Legacy of Excellence
The family is also featured in the upcoming Chronicle Kids: I Know I Can coloring book initiative, helping inspire the next generation through real stories of Black excellence and achievement. Beyond the accomplished dentists within the family legacy, their sister Crystal Lucas-Perry has also built an impressive career as an actor, further showcasing the family’s creative and professional reach. Some families leave footprints. The Lucas-Perry family is leaving a blueprint.
You can also learn more about their incredible journey in these Chronicle features:
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 change-makers 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 at 4:00 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.
The Chronicle 40th Anniversary Legacy Gala
Life, Love & Legacy
For 40 years, The Chronicle News has served as a voice for community storytelling, cultural preservation, historical witness, and truth through Black media. This immersive evening experience will guide guests through the evolution of Black journalism, artistry, remembrance, youth empowerment, and community legacy while honoring the people, stories, and generations that helped shape Mid-Michigan. More than a gala, the evening is designed as a living cultural experience, one centered around storytelling, artistry, reflection, healing, music, creativity, and the power of preserving community memory.
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
Welcome Reception
Guests are invited to enjoy music, photography, networking, artistic engagement, and community connection before the formal gala program begins. The pre-show experience will feature an atmosphere centered around celebration, culture, creativity, and legacy while guests gather for an unforgettable evening honoring 40 years of The Chronicle News.
5:00 PM – 5:20 PM
Dinner Service
Dinner service begins with fellowship, light music, and community gathering as guests prepare for the evening’s featured presentations and performances.
Legacy Gala Program
5:20 PM – 6:55 PM
The formal evening program will feature:
Invocation by Missionary Tonya Walker
Community and sponsor acknowledgments
A special 40-Year Chronicle Legacy Tribute
Reflections on the history and importance of Black media and community storytelling
Honoring the legacy of founders Larry “Jay Price” Carter and Carolyn Carter
Featured remarks and community honoree recognitions
Keynote address by the Honorable Judge Wanda Stokes
Featured Legacy Tribute
Through the Eyes of Mamie Till-Mobley: A Living Portrait
Featuring:
Dr. Maxine Hankins-Cain as Mamie Till-Mobley
Live vocals by Vera Riley
Live painting experience by Sera’Renee
This moving tribute reflects on the power of truth-telling, historical witness, grief, resilience, and the continued importance of preserving humanity through storytelling, art, and Black media.
Through spoken portrayal, live music, and visual artistry unfolding in real time, audiences will experience an immersive moment centered around memory, reflection, healing, and cultural remembrance.
Legacy & Future Generations
The evening will also feature:
Performance by the Dazzling Diamonds Dance Troupe of DreamWorld Studios for the Arts
Chronicle Kids: I Know I Can presentation and introduction
VIP Tea Demonstration hosted by Elyse Ribbons of Chengdu Teahouse
Together, these experiences celebrate creativity, literacy, empowerment, cultural identity, artistry, and the next generation of community leadership.
7:15 PM – 8:30 PM
Afterglow Reception & Dessert Experience
Guests are invited to enjoy dessert, music, networking, photography, live artistic engagement, and face painting by Sera’Renee during the evening’s celebratory afterglow experience. The afterglow is designed as a space for connection, reflection, conversation, and continued celebration of 40 years of storytelling, culture, journalism, artistry, and community impact.
8:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Closing Remarks
The evening will conclude with final acknowledgments and reflections celebrating four decades of Black media, cultural preservation, artistry, leadership, resilience, and community legacy.
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
Life, Love & Legacy
Saturday, June 6, 2026🕓 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Lansing Community College, The Michigan Room
600 N. Grand Ave.Lansing, MI 48933
Free Parking in the Gannon Parking lot located at the intersection of Saginaw and Grand Ave in Downtown Lansing, MI.
Tickets: $50
Purchase Tickets:
Limited seating available.
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