The Chronicle News No 82 SEPTEMBER II 2025

Dena K. Morgan: Pure Leadership, Real Results for Ward 1

In Jackson’s Ward 1, community isn’t just where you live — it’s who you are. For lifelong Southside resident Dena K. Morgan, that truth runs deep. A mother, grandmother, homeowner, and the niece of legendary coach Tony Dungy, she has spent decades serving her neighbors, creating opportunities for families, and fighting for fairness in the city she calls home. Now, she’s ready to take that commitment to the next level as a candidate for City Council.

Dena’s roots in Jackson are as real as the people she represents. She grew up surrounded by the challenges and triumphs of her

community and chose to stay rooted here, building her life and career in Ward 1. Over the years, she has worn many hats — nonprofit leader, business owner, Michigan Supreme Court–certified mediator, and Michigan Medicaid–certified community health worker. Each role sharpened her ability to listen, to lead, and to bring real solutions to the table.

Her leadership has already left a lasting mark. She transformed

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Nominations Encouraged for Michigan

Lottery’s Excellence in Education Awards to Honor Outstanding Educators

Parents, students, school staff members,and others are encouraged to nominate outstanding public-school educators for the Michigan Lottery’s 2025-26 Excellence In Education awards.

All public-school employees may be nominated for the Excellence In Education awards,

which recognize educators who go “above and beyond” to make a difference in the lives of children.

To nominate a public- school educator, go to https://www.michiganlottery.com/excellence-in-education.

“The Excellence in Education awards are our way of honoring the phenomenal work

For nearly 40 years, The Chronicle News has been more than a newspaper. It has been a bridge between communities, a trusted platform for overlooked voices, and a cornerstone of Michigan’s Black press. Today, with verified circulation numbers and new statewide partnerships, The Chronicle is proving once again why it remains Michigan’s trusted voice.

Circulation Verified Circulation Verification Council (CVC) audit confirms:

✅ 10,000 copies printed per issue

✅ 6,979 average net circulation (print edition)

✅ 21,635+ print readers statewide

✅ 40,987+ gross contacts across print, web, social, and digital Media Verification Report Septe…Media Verification Report Septe…

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The Legacy of Dr. Mar tin Luther King Jr

Black History

Madame C.J. Walker: The Original Small Business Legacy

In the early 1900s, when opportunity for Black women was scarce, Sarah Breedlove — better known as Madame C.J. Walker — transformed vision and persistence into history. Born in 1867 as the first in her family born free, Walker rose from poverty and loss to become America’s first self-made woman millionaire.

Her empire began with something simple yet revolutionary: haircare. After suffering hair loss, Walker experimented with homemade remedies and developed a line of products designed for Black women — a market largely ignored by mainstream companies. With determination, she turned that solution into a business that would uplift not only herself but thousands of women across the country.

Small Business, Big Impact

Madame Walker’s genius was more

than her products — it was her model. She created one of the first large-scale

direct sales forces, training and empowering women as “Walker Agents.” Long before Avon or Mary Kay, she showed that women could own their futures through entrepreneurship. Her company didn’t just sell haircare. It gave women jobs, financial independence, and confidence. It seeded pride, professionalism, and pathways into leadership at a time when both race and gender often barred doors.

A Legacy Rooted

in Community

Walker believed business should be more than profit. She invested in building schools, opened a factory and headquarters in Indianapolis, and gave generously to churches, HBCUs, and the NAACP. She used her platform to fight for civil rights and women’s rights, proving that wealth without purpose is incomplete.

Her famous words still resonate:

“I want the great masses of my people to take a greater pride in their personal appearance and to give their hair proper attention.”

But beyond appearance, she gave people a blueprint: use small business as a tool for empowerment and community transformation.

Why Her Story Still Matters

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During National Small Business Month, we celebrate local entrepreneurs who take risks, innovate, and serve their communities. Madame C.J. Walker’s life reminds us that small businesses are often born from necessity, fueled by resilience, and powered by culture.

Remembering Joel Ferguson: A Lansing Giant in Black History and Community Empowerment

Lansing remembers Joel Ferguson, a trailblazer who broke barriers as the city’s first Black City Council member. Ferguson, who recently passed at 85, left an extraordinary legacy in Michigan through his commitment to civic leadership and equity. Graduating from Michigan State University in 1965, he became a transformational leader, influencing policy and guiding pivotal initiatives across the state. Known for advocating inclusivity and educational access, Ferguson’s efforts helped bridge longstanding divides, while his work in real estate reshaped Lansing’s urban landscape, creating opportunities for underrepresented communities. His legacy lives on as a beacon of resilience and empowerment.

Ferguson's dedication to his community was unmatched, and his legacy will be deeply felt for generations.

As a key figure in local movements for racial justice, he spearheaded

numerous initiatives to bridge opportunity gaps, uplift marginalized voices, and ensure that Black history remains a proud, integral part of Lansing’s story.

Born and raised in Lansing, Ferguson understood the unique challenges faced by the Black community here and dedicated his life to making a meaningful difference. Over the years, he became widely recognized for his role in founding several educational and social programs that provided essential resources and support for Lansing’s underserved neighborhoods. Known for his warm spirit and persistent advocacy, Ferguson also mentored young people, helping to instill pride and resilience as they navigated

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a world shaped by inequities. Throughout his career, he fought for educational equity, co-organizing initiatives that offered scholarships, tutoring, and mentorship for Black youth. His work extended into civic spaces, where he was a vocal advocate for policy changes that addressed systemic discrimination. Ferguson also celebrated Black culture and history in Lansing, leading annual events that honored the achievements and contributions of Black Americans, reminding the community that Black history is woven into the very fabric of Lansing.

The UPS Store #1197: A Legacy of Family, Service, and 35 Years of Community Impact

In a business landscape where many ventures fade as quickly as they appear, reaching 35 years in operation is no small feat. James and Belinda Gould achieved just that when they opened Mailboxes Etc. #1197 in Lansing’s Logan Square Shopping Center in May of 1990.

A few years later, the Goulds relocated the store down the road to its current home at 310. In 2003, United Parcel Service acquired the Mailboxes Etc. brand, ushering in a new era as The UPS Store #1197. Through it all, the Gould family remained at the

helm, ensuring the store grew into a trusted staple for shipping, printing, and small business solutions in the Lansing community.

From the very beginning, the Goulds built their business as a family affair. When James and Belinda first opened their doors, they were raising three young children, kids who literally grew up in the store, learning firsthand the values of service, hard work, and entrepreneurship. Their youngest daughter, Ashley Gould, took a special interest in the family business, managing operations for several years and continuing

being done by educators in communities throughout Michigan,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli. “These dedicated professionals do so much more than teach; they are a constant, supportive presence who instill lifelong skills and inspire students to believe in themselves.”

The Michigan Lottery established the Excellence in Education awards in 2014 to recognize outstanding public-school educators across the state during the school year.

One outstanding educator will be

the legacy her parents started.

In October 2022, James and Belinda officially retired, passing the torch to the next generation. Their son, Chris Gould, now leads The UPS Store #1197, carrying forward the dreams and foundation his parents laid 35 years ago.

What began as a small shop in Logan Square has grown into a multi-generational family business, one that remains committed to serving local residents, supporting small businesses, and standing as a living example of what perseverance, community, and family can build together.

selected each week and will receive a $2,000 cash prize. At the end of the school year, one of these weekly award winners will be selected to receive the Lottery’s Educator of the Year award and will receive a $10,000 cash prize.

The winner of the 2025 Educator of the Year award was Kelly Herberholz, a science teacher and administrative intern with Dakota High School in Macomb.

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the former New Macedonia Church on East High Street into a thriving 24-hour child care center — a lifeline for working parents. She created after-school programs that gave students their first moments in the spotlight at the Jackson County Fair and the Michigan Theatre. When food insecurity hit hardest during the pandemic, Dena organized efforts that distributed more than 105,000 pounds of food and pioneered Jackson’s first drive-thru mobile pantry, an innovation honored by the Ella Sharp Museum. She hasn’t shied away from tough

fights either. When residents were faced with a $1 million road assessment on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Dena collected the signatures that helped stop it. She stood shoulder-to-shoulder with residents at the Reed Manor protest, defending their housing rights. Every week, she has mentored women at the Jackson County Jail, partnered with 12 local churches to distribute personal care items, and worked with AARP to create jobs for seniors. Her belief in building community also shows up in celebration. Dena is the founder of the city’s annual Dr.

Statewide Expansion

From Lansing to Detroit, Jackson to Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti to Flint, and now Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, and Troy, The Chronicle continues to expand its presenceMedia Verification Report Septe…. By partnering with organizations that have multiple locations and high community traffic, The Chronicle is strategically embedding itself in the spaces where Michigan lives, learns, banks, and builds.

Partnerships Driving Impact

Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration at the King Center — a tradition that brings people together around service, legacy, and pride.

Now, as she looks toward City Council, her priorities are clear. She envisions expanded youth programs, stronger after-school activities, more support for small businesses, and increased opportunities for seniors and working families. She is committed to improving Ward 1’s infrastructure, fighting hunger through better food access, and ensuring government

and

Recent collaborations include: TRUE Community Credit Union –Circulation in branches across Michigan, including Jackson, Lansing, Livonia, Mason, Saline, Spring Arbor, Westland, Whittaker Road, Masfield, Dearborn, Brooklyn, and Grass Lake. These high-traffic branches ensure that thousands of members statewide pick up The Chronicle where they bank. Scan to read full story

ability. She also champions future-forward projects — like a new community water park and a recording studio in the King Center’s Tony Dungy Classroom, designed to uplift and inspire the next generation of local talent.

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For Dena, this campaign is about more than politics. It’s about ownership and vision. “As a lifelong resident of Ward 1, a mother and

LOCAL EXPERTS LIFESAVING CARE

Opening this fall, Eaton County residents and nearby communities will have 24/7 access to top-notch emergency care staffed with board-certified physicians and a highly trained medical team. From minor injuries to complex emergencies, we are equipped to provide the care you need, close to home.

Additionally, the center will offer primary care and specialty services, as well as a full range of advanced diagnostic imaging and lab services, including a mobile MRI machine, for rapid diagnosing and treatment.

Learn more about how we're bringing faster care to your neighborhood by visiting mclaren.org/grandledge.

Culture Is Career Currency: Why Every Student Needs to Plug Into Michigan’s Diversity

College life isn’t just about textbooks and exams — it’s about preparing for the world beyond campus. At Western Michigan University and across Michigan’s colleges, students from every background are realizing something powerful: culture is career currency.

Shared Struggles, Shared Success

Learning Across Lines

HBCU Insights for All

Through The Chronicle’s new College Connect section, HBCU Correspondent Nasaan Jackson is showing how the traditions, resilience, and excellence of HBCUs matter far beyond Black campuses. These lessons in leadership, identity, and community give all students tools for success.

The Chronicle on College Campuses

Companies aren’t just hiring for degrees anymore. They’re looking for leaders who can navigate di -

Whether you’re stressing about tuition, searching for an internship, or navigating housing and mental health challenges, these struggles cut across race and culture. But the solutions often come from cross-cultural connection. When Black, Hispanic, and white students work together — through mentorship programs, campus organizations, or community projects — everyone gains.

verse workplaces, collaborate with people from different cultures, and bring fresh ideas to the table. Connecting across cultures in college isn’t just socially enriching — it’s career prep.

Now that The Chronicle News has expanded to various college campuses across Michigan, students have a chance to see themselves reflected in a statewide platform — and to learn from one another’s stories. Because the truth is simple: the more you connect across cultures, the more doors open for your future.

The College Connection-Embracing Your Path: How College Students Can Shape Their Future

Whether you’re navigating midterms, juggling part-time jobs, or wondering why tuition costs more than your car, this one’s for you.

College isn’t just about grades, dorm food, or what you post on IG. It’s about building something no one can take away from you: knowledge, discipline, network, and self.

But let’s keep it real—college isn’t easy. Especially not for first-generation students, Black and Brown students, student-parents, or those working full-time while chasing their degree. You’re balancing worlds, expectations, and sometimes trauma—all while trying to meet a deadline.

So here’s what we want you to remember: You Belong—Even When It Feels Like You Don’t Impostor syndrome is real. But hear this: you are not here by accident.That seat? You earned it. That classroom? It needs your perspective.That doubt? It’s just fear dressed up in someone else’s insecurities.

Your Degree Is More Than a Piece of Paper

It’s access. It’s agency. It’s your passport into rooms your ancestors weren’t allowed to enter.But more than that—it’s the process that builds you. The

late nights, the group projects from hell, the days you showed up when you wanted to disappear—that’s the real win.

Build Your Network Like Your Future Depends On It—Because It Does

Talk to your professors. Introduce yourself after events. Say “yes” to internships, conferences, and coffee chats, even when you’re tired. Your network will outlive your GPA.

Study Hard, But Study You, Too

Your major is important. But so is learning:

4 What drains you vs. what fuels you

4 How to protect your peace

4 How to say no without guilt

4 And how to ask for help without shame

4 Self-knowledge is the real curriculum.

Your Struggle Doesn’t Cancel Your Worth

You might be broke. You might be tired. You might be 3 assignments behind.But you are still brilliant. Still becoming. And still on time for your destiny.

From The Chronicle to You:

We see you. We honor your grind. And we believe in your future.Whether you’re at an HBCU, community college, university, or trade school— you matter.

So keep pushing. Keep questioning. Keep learning.And never forget—you’re not just earning a degree.You’re building a legacy.

Want to be featured?

We’re spotlighting local college students in our next edition!Send a headshot + short quote to info@ thechroniclenews86.comQuote prompt: “College taught me ________.”

FOR CITY COUNCIL – WARD 1 DENA K. MORGAN

I’m a proud Southside resident, rooted in Ward 1, the niece of Tony Dungy, a nonprofit and business owner, a certified Michigan Supreme Court mediator, and a Michigan Medicaid-certified community health worker.

Proven Leadership in Action

Collected signatures to stop a $1M road assessment on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

Secured a grocery store for Ward 1.

Distributed 105,000+ lbs. of food during the pandemic.

Founded the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration at the King Center.

Led Jackson’s first drive-thru mobile food pantry, honored at Ella Sharp Museum.

Renovated New Macedonia Church on E. High Street into a thriving child care center.

Produced first after-school performance at Jackson County Fair & Michigan Theatre.

Advocated for residents’ rights at Reed Manor protest.

Mentored women in Jackson County Jail every Sunday.

Partnered with 12 churches to distribute personal care items every Thursday.

Partnered with AARP to create jobs for seniors.

Proven Leadership in Action

Youth Programs

Investing in the next generation Jobs

Creating opportunities for youth, seniors, and working families

Support for Small Businesses

Strengthening our local economy

Grocery Store & Food Access

Fighting hunger in Ward 1 Local Roads

Improving streets and infrastructure

Transparency in Government

Holding leaders accountable

Legal Services for Citizens

Access to justice for all Water Park

Fun and recreation for the community

Open the Community

Recording Studio at King Center in the Tony Dungy Classroom

Supporting local talent