A Letter from Chronicle News Publisher Yanice Jackson: The Chronicle Turns 39—A Legacy of Truth and Community

Built on Truth. Rooted in Community. Still Rising

Courtesy Photo — Publisher Yanice Jackson leads The Chronicle into its next era with purpose, pride, and a passion for truth-telling. She carries forward a 39-year legacy of community-centered Black journalism, honoring the past while empowering the future.

In May 1986, with nothing more than a typewriter, a dream, and a calling to serve, my parents, Larry “Jay Price” Carter and Carolyn Carter, launched The Chronicle Newspaper in Lansing, Michigan. Originally founded as The Lansing Editorial, later renamed The Capital Chronicle, and ultimately rebranded as The Chronicle Newspaper, it wasn’t just ink on paper—it was community history being written in real time. A voice for the unheard. A mirror for the Black community. A reminder that our stories mattered, even when mainstream media said otherwise. Thirty-nine years later, that mission hasn’t changed. But oh, how we’ve grown.

What began as a family-run paper birthed in our living room has evolved into a multigenerational force in community journalism—growing from a grassroots bulletin into a respected regional media platform with national reach. We’ve survived economic downturns, shifting political winds, and technological revolutions—and still, The Chronicle stands. Why? Because we never forgot who we serve.

A Platform with Purpose

We’ve covered the stories others ignored—neighborhood leaders, youth innovators, church events, local businesses, family reunions, and Black excellence in all its forms. While others chase headlines, we stay rooted in truth, context, and culture. The Chronicle has never been just a newspaper. It’s a living archive of hope, protest, progress, and pride. From city hall to street festivals… from front porches to boardrooms… we’ve chronicled our history with care, clarity, and courage.

A Legacy Built on Community

This anniversary isn’t just about what we’ve published—it’s about who made it possible. To every family who picked up a copy at the barbershop, every reader who clipped a story for their fridge, and every young person who saw their name in print and realized they mattered—you are The Chronicle. To the DJs, deacons, dancers, daycares, and dreamers—we’ve printed your stories with pride. We've been your media partner, your amplifier, your reminder that your legacy deserves to be documented. And to the advertisers and sponsors who have stood beside us, year after year—thank you. Your investment in Black-owned media has helped keep this press rolling and this mission alive.

From Past to Future As we move toward our 40th year, The Chronicle isn’t slowing down. We’re expanding into podcasting, digital publishing, youth media training, and documentary storytelling. Through the Sunday Chronicle and with new platforms like the Southside Business Chronicle, we’re laying the foundation for the next generation of truth-tellers. The work ahead is big—but so is our commitment. This legacy wasn’t inherited by accident. It was built with vision, sacrifice, sweat, and soul. And I promise you this: As long as there are stories to tell, communities to uplift, and truths to print—The Chronicle will be there. Thank you for 39 years of trust, love, and ink. We’re just getting started.