National Small Business
The Chronicle News' Small Business Spotlight: Poppa’s Cookbook-A Legacy of Love, Family, and Flavor
Husband and wife, best friends and life partners — also known as “Lolli and Pop” to their beloved grandchildren — Eric and Wendi King celebrated a milestone on September 3, 2025: the official grand opening of Poppa’s Cookbook.
The ribbon-cutting, led by Mayor Andy Schor, was more than a business launch. Falling on the birthday of Dr. Val King, Eric’s late mother, the moment became one layered with family, faith, and legacy.
From noon until close, Greater Lansing poured in to support the Kings. The result? Every dish sold out, every table filled, and every heart in the room overflowing.
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
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For muralist and studio owner Jamari Taylor, art has always been more than paint on a wall or lines on a canvas; it has been a pathway to freedom, healing, and connection. Her journey began in the 11th grade when she first picked up a brush in art class. “I felt like I was in heaven,” she recalls. That feeling of liberation set her on a path of creative exploration, leading her to embrace artistry as not only a career but also a calling.
Today, Jamari stands as the proud founder of Jaylei Art, with studios in Battle Creek and Grand Rapids, where she has created vibrant, welcoming spaces that blend creativity with community care. The name Jaylei is itself a reflection of identity — a combination of her given name and childhood nickname, symbolizing her personal journey and the inclusive spirit of her work.
Courtesy Photo-Mayor Andy Schor joins Eric and Wendi King to cut the ribbon at the grand opening of Poppa’s Cookbook on September 3, 2025 — a day of food, faith, and family legacy in Lansing.
Courtesy Photo-Artist and studio owner Jamari Taylor of Jaylei Art sits surrounded by her portraits. Each piece is a reflection of her mission to bring healing, freedom, and self-expression to communities in Michigan and beyond.
George Foreman, an iconic figure in the world of boxing, is remembered not only for his athletic dominance but for his extraordinary journey of transformation, redemption, and impact. Born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, Foreman’s life story is a profound testament to perseverance and purpose—making him a towering figure in Black history and beyond.
Early Life and Challenges
Raised in a low-income neighborhood, Foreman faced the harsh realities of poverty and racial inequality early on. As a troubled youth, he often found himself in difficult circumstances. But everything began to change when he joined the Job Corps, where he trained under professional boxing
The Legacy of Dr. Mar tin Luther King Jr
Black History
The Chronicle Tribute George Foreman: A Champion of Resilience and Change
coaches who saw his raw talent and relentless energy.
Rise to Prominence
Foreman burst onto the national stage after winning a gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. Known for his fearsome punching power and unrelenting style, he quickly rose through the professional boxing ranks. In 1973, he became the World Heavyweight Champion, defeating Joe Frazier in a stunning upset.
One of the most defining moments of his early career came in 1974, when he faced Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). Though he was defeated, the match became a pivotal moment in both his life
and the cultural history of the sport.
Transformation and Redemption
After retiring in 1977, Foreman underwent a profound personal transformation, becoming a bornagain Christian and dedicating his life to ministry.
A decade later, in one of the most improbable sports comebacks of all time, Foreman returned to the ring.
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In 1994, at age 45, he stunned the world by reclaiming the heavyweight title, becoming the oldest world champion in boxing history. His comeback inspired millions, showing that faith, discipline, and resilience can defy the odds.
Bessie Coleman: Flew High Above
Barriers as the First Licensed Black Pilot
Although she was not fully recognized as an aviation pioneer during her lifetime, Bessie Coleman absolutely was. In 1921, she became the first licensed Black pilot in the world, earning her credentials in France at a time when no flight school in the United States would admit her because of her race and gender.
Coleman was fearless. Known as “Brave Bessie” and “Queen Bess,” she dazzled crowds with daring airshows and loop-deloops, refusing to perform at venues that barred Black audiences.
Her work wasn’t just entertainment; it was activism in the skies.
Although history often centers on Amelia Earhart and the Wright brothers, Coleman carved a flight path that paved the way for future generations of diverse aviators, including the Tuskegee Airmen, the Blackbirds, and the Flying Hobos. Her legacy is one of grit, vision, and breaking barriers long before it was popular to do so.
She once declared: “The air is the only place free from prejudices.” Nearly a century later, her wings still inspire dreamers to
rise above obstacles and chase the open sky.
Quick Facts
4 Full name: Elizabeth “Bessie” Coleman
4 Born: January 26, 1892, Atlanta, TX
4 Died: April 30, 1926, Jacksonville, FL
4 Education: Langston University (1910–1911)
4 Parents: Susan Coleman, George Coleman
4 Siblings: Elois, Georgia, Isaiah, Nilus, Walter, John
George Foreman — Icon of Boxing, Business, and Philanthropy. tribute image generated with AI by The Chronicle News.
Bessie Coleman, the first licensed Black pilot in the world, broke racial and gender barriers in aviation and inspired generations to fly beyond limits.
Julie Vandenboom: Listening, Leading, and Building a Lansing That Works for Everyone
Julie Vandenboom is running for Lansing City Council At-Large to bring bold, inclusive leadership to the city she has called home for 25 years. With a deep commitment to public service and community, Julie is showing what it means to be a candidate who listens first and leads with compassion.
Julie’s career includes 16 years at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, where she focuses on policy analysis, program planning, and evaluation to improve community well-being. Her public
A Career Rooted in Creativity and Legacy
service continues locally through her work with the Eastside Neighborhood Organization, the Capital Area District Library Board, and Friends of Bancroft Park.
“We’ve now knocked on nearly 7,000 doors across Lansing,” Julie says. “The conversations I’ve had on front porches and sidewalks keep me grounded. People want a city that listens to them and responds with action.”
Affordable housing remains one of her top campaign priorities. Julie supports tenant protections like just cause
Jamari holds a BA in Studio Arts with an emphasis in Illustration from Grand Valley State University, and her body of work reflects both technical skill and emotional depth. Her artistry has stretched far beyond her studio walls: She has completed over 20 murals across Michigan, from community centers to university halls.
In 2022, she painted Sunshine as part of
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 pub-
The Chronicle first introduced readers to Eric and Wendi King in our Small Business Spotlight in 2024, where we shared the story of his culinary vision, family values, and the dream that food
eviction ordinances and rental licensing reform, and she believes the people most affected by housing insecurity must be centered in shaping solutions.
Julie is also committed to investing in Lansing’s everyday infrastructure, from repairing roads and sidewalks to ensuring city services reach every neighborhood. These daily issues, she says, are essential to making life better for all residents.
the Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center’s ArtPath project, a public mural that brought color and joy to the city’s river trail.
She created a mural honoring journalist and activist Ida B. Wells for Calvin University’s Sociology and Social Work Department.
Through the Color The Creek festival, her work was commissioned by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Headquarters in Battle Creek.
Her mural Tell Us We Matter be-
came part of Grand Valley State University’s permanent collection, ensuring her message of empowerment will resonate with generations to come. These murals are more than images — they are living testaments to history, community resilience, and the beauty of storytelling through art.
Jaylei Art: A Space for Healing and Expression
While Jamari’s murals are widely
lic-school educators across the state during the school year.
One outstanding educator will be 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.
Hundreds of educators were nominated during the 2024-25 school year, which was the 11th year of the Excellence in Education awards program. Thirty-four of these nominees, including Herberholz, were selected to win a weekly award.
could be a bridge of community connection (read the original story here). One year later, that dream has taken root.
With Wendi by his side, Eric has transformed vision into reality — feed-
ing not only stomachs but spirits. At the core of Poppa’s Cookbook is more than flavor: it’s fellowship, faith, and the joy of breaking bread together.
celebrated, it is in her studios that her vision truly comes alive. Jaylei Art is more than an art business — it’s a sanctuary. Jamari has intentionally shaped her Battle Creek and Grand Rapids studios as spaces of healing, creativity, and inclusivity. She offers art classes, workshops, and private sessions that invite people of all Scan to read full story
Previous winners of the Educator of the Year award:
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2024 – Samantha TwoCrow, the director of the Indigenous Education Program for Suttons Bay Public Schools in Suttons Bay. 2023 – Kathryn Kluzak, a kindergarten teacher with Robert L. Green Elementary in East Lansing.
As the Kings open their doors to the city, they also open their hearts, proving once again that small business isn’t just about commerce. It’s about culture, connection, and carrying forward the love of those who came before.
Courtesy Photo-Julie Vandenboom At-Large Candidate for Lansing City Council
WOMAN OF MANY FACETS: YANICE JACKSON LEADS THE CHRONICLE INTO A NATIONAL ERA
From Local Legacy to National Stage — Chronicle Media
Grows Beyond the Midwest
For nearly four decades, The Chronicle News has been the heartbeat of Black storytelling in Lansing, Michigan—chronicling the movements, milestones, and everyday magic of the people it serves. At the center of that legacy stands Publisher Yanice Jackson, a woman of many facets, many titles—and one unwavering mission: to amplify community voices and rewrite the narrative for Black media across America.
As The Chronicle celebrates its 39th anniversary, Jackson is steering the orga-
nization into a bold new era— one that reaches beyond city limits and state lines.
This summer, The Chronicle Media Group will take the national stage, kicking off a strategic expansion plan that includes appearances at major expos, festivals, and conferences across the country. First stop: the Indiana Black Expo, where Jackson will represent both The Chronicle and her author brand Yanice Yvette, promoting books, merchandise, and a new wave of multimedia offerings under the Chronicle umbrella.
“We’re not just attending these events,” says Jackson. “We’re claiming space. We’re introducing a 39-year legacy to new markets—and letting the nation know: Black media is not just surviving. We’re evolving.”
Chronicle Publishing Co: Empowering New Voices
As part of this evolution, Jackson is expanding the Chronicle Publishing arm, offering author services, manuscript coaching, and publishing packages to new and aspiring writers who want to bring their stories to print. From memoirs to children’s books to community anthologies, Chronicle Publishing is quickly becoming a trusted source for culturally rooted, independently published literature.
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The Chronicle News Small Business Spotlight-Bonita Mitchell | Thread of Hope Records
BENTON HARBOR, MI — In
a world where mental health struggles are increasingly prevalent, a new voice emerges with a message of healing and hope. Bonita Mitchell, recording artist and founder of Thread of Hope Records, is making a significant impact with her latest single, “Let This Mind Be In Me,” a spiritually charged anthem inspired by Philippians 2:5.
Rooted in the scripture’s call to “let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus,” the song encourages listeners to surrender anxiety, depression, and internal battles to the transformative peace of God. With lyrics emphasizing humility, compassion, and spiritual clarity,
Mitchell offers a deeply personal and timely message: mental and emotional healing begins with adopting the mind of Christ.
“We are seeing so much pain— both in the church and out in the community—stemming from mental health challenges,” says Mitchell. “But we know that by embracing the mind of Christ, there is healing, restoration, and peace. This song is a reminder that God’s transformative power is still available, and we can have victory over the thoughts that try to tear us down.”
Released on September 25, 2024, across all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, “Let This Mind Be In Me”
has resonated with audiences nationwide. Its powerful music video visually portrays the internal struggle between light and darkness, adding depth to the message of surrender and spiritual resilience.YouTube+2Spotify+2Apple Music - Web Player+2 Mitchell’s passion for addressing mental health within faith communities stems from both her personal experiences and ministry work. A First Lady, entrepreneur, and former stylist for music legend Stevie Wonder, Mitchell is known for merging real-life experiences with divine truth in her songwriting. Scan to read full story
Photo Credit: Tay Lee, Heart of the City Photography — Chronicle News Publisher Yanice Jackson. From print to podcast, from Lansing to the national stage, Jackson continues to amplify Black stories with purpose, pride, and unstoppable power.
Courtesy Photo-Bonita Mitchell, founder of Thread of Hope Records and recording artist behind the powerful new single “Let This Mind Be In Me.” A First Lady, entrepreneur, and advocate for mental health awareness, Mitchell uses music to inspire healing and hope.
ADVOCATING MORE GOOD FOR LANSING
Small Business Tips – Sponsored by TRUE Community Credit Union-Smart Moves for Small Business Owners
Running a small business takes more than a great idea—it takes planning, persistence, and smart decisions. At TRUE Community Credit Union, we help our members make strong financial choices that support long-term success.
Here are a few tips to help keep your business moving in the right direction:
1. Set Clear Goals
Know what you want to achieve in the next 3, 6, or 12 months. Whether it’s gaining new customers, launching a product, or improving your website, having clear goals helps you stay focused.
2. Build a Strong Network
Surround yourself with other small business owners. Sharing ideas, referrals, and experiences can lead to new opportunities and lasting support.
3. Open a Business Checking Account
Keep your business and personal money separate. It makes tracking expenses easier and simplifies things at tax time or when applying for financing.
4. Create a Budget and Stick to It
Knowing how much money is coming in and going out each month helps you avoid overspending and plan ahead
for big purchases like equipment or new hires.
5. Stay on Top of Invoices
Send invoices promptly and follow up on unpaid ones. Consistent cash flow is critical, don’t let overdue payments hold you back.
6. Build an Emergency Fund
Set money aside for slow seasons or surprise expenses. Even small monthly contributions can provide peace of mind and flexibility when things don’t go as planned.
7. Consult a Tax Pro
A tax expert can help you find deductions, avoid mistakes, and stay compliant. It’s a smart move that can save you money in the long run.
8. Talk to a Financial Partner
Having a reliable financial partner can make a big difference as your business grows. TRUE Community Credit Union offers business loans, flexible credit options, and tailored financial support to help you move forward with confidence.
Smart moves today can lead to big success tomorrow. Visit TRUECCU. com or schedule an appointment with a Business Service Representative to learn more about the tools and support we offer to help your business thrive.
How to Champion Change as a Local Business Owner
As a small business owner, you can significantly impact community health and well-being while enhancing your business’s reputation as a leader in care. This article presents practical strategies for leading initiatives that improve individual wellness and foster a healthier community. Promoting health, building strong community connections, and prioritizing well-being can create a lasting positive influence that benefits your business and those around you.
Drive Workplace Wellness with Health Initiatives
Organizing health screenings and vaccination campaigns at your workplace is a powerful way to boost employee and community health. These initiatives give your team access to preventive health measures and increase their awareness of personal health status, which is crucial in reducing absenteeism due to illness. By incorporating best practices for workplace safety and health, you foster a culture that extends benefits beyond
your immediate team to their families and the wider community. Proactive steps like these demonstrate your commitment to employee well-being and position your business as a responsible community leader.
Energize Community Spirit by Sponsoring Events
Sponsoring community events such as charity
runs and local sports leagues can significantly enhance physical activity and wellness in your area. Events like Run For Charity offer diverse opportunities for participants of all ages and abilities to engage in physical exercise. By supporting these initiatives, you promote health and wellness while increasing your business’s visibility and customer engagement. Partnering with local health fairs allows you to provide valuable health screenings and educational services, further promoting a culture of wellness.
Unlock Success with Local Business Tips
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Embarking on your entrepreneurial journey requires strategic planning and a clear vision. Start by defining your business goals and crafting a comprehensive plan that evaluates your offerings and understands your target market’s needs.
Image via Freepik
