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Vol. 6 No. 88 DECEMBER 18TH - DECEMBER 31ST, 2025
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Faith. Culture. Community. Continuity.
M E D I A K I T 2025 — 2027
Small Business Spotlight: Luxury Is the Standard-Lanitra Middlebrook Is Building Beauty, Healing, and Legacy, One Chair at a Time BY YANICE CARTER
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A Note from the Publisher: Carrying the Light Forward
ecently, I visited The Standard Salon in Troy, Michigan, and left with more than just a silk press and a facial—I left feeling lighter, seen, and restored. Feeling self-conscious due to a recent breakout, I hesitated to be seen that day. However, Lanitra’s invitation to experience her Salon and Spa Services transformed my spirit in unexpected ways. But, that is what happens when beauty is treated as care, not vanity.
BY YANICE CARTER
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s 2025 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting not only on what this year demanded of us but on what The Chronicle rose to become. This was a year of expansion and endurance. A year where stories traveled farther, voices grew louder, and our responsibility as a community newspaper deepened. From Lansing to Detroit, Jackson to Grand Rapids, The Chronicle continued to do what it has done for nearly four decades: document our lives with care, tell our stories with truth, and hold space for voices that deserve to be seen and heard. Turn to Page 3 A NOTE FROM...
For Lanitra, hair has never been just hair; it has always been ministry. Lanitra's journey began with Barbie dolls and evolved through her own hair, guided by her mother's braiding skills. Throughout life, she has kept her craft close. Her professional roots in Lansing include Addixions Salon, which first operated out of the Lansing Mall before relocating to a space on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Turn to Page 3 SMALL BUSINESS...
Nominations Encouraged for Michigan Lottery’s Excellencein Education Awards to Honor Outstanding Educators
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arents, 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 Turn to Page 3 NOMINATIONS...
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BLACK HISTORY
4 December 18th - December 31st, 2025
The Chronicle News
Cebres
The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Black History
Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Unity and Cultural Heritage BY YANICE CARTER
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s the holiday season arrives, The Chronicle is proud to spotlight a tradition deeply rooted in African-American culture: Kwanzaa. Celebrated from December 26 to January 1, Kwanzaa is more than just a holiday; it is a time for reflection, unity, and a renewed commitment to community. For our Chronicle readership, Kwanzaa offers an opportunity to embrace shared values, honor heritage, and celebrate the resilience and creativity of Black culture.
The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa Kwanzaa, created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, is centered on the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles. Each day of Kwanzaa focuses on one principle, celebrated with the lighting of a candle on the Kinara and a reflection on
its meaning. These principles guide families and communities toward collective empowerment and cultural pride: 1. Umoja (Unity): To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race. 2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves,
create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves. 3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and solve our problems collectively. 4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and sustain our own businesses and profit together. 5. Nia (Purpose): To collectively build and develop our community, restoring greatness and pride. 6. Kuumba (Creativity): To always strive to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. Imani (Faith): To believe with all our heart in our people, parents, teachers, leaders, and the righteousness of our struggle. Each of these principles speaks to the heart of what The Chronicle strives
to celebrate—a thriving, unified, and purposeful community.
The Role of Gospel and Jazz in Holiday Traditions Music has always been a cornerstone of African-American culture, serving as both a form of expression and a means of connection. During the holiday season, the powerful sounds of gospel and the soulful rhythms of jazz bring joy, unity, and reflection to celebrations, including Kwanzaa. Gospel: A Soundtrack of Faith and Resilience Gospel music, deeply rooted in African-American church Scan traditions, is a to read natural com- full story panion to the
Celebrating Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett: A Young Black Trailblazer in Medicine BY YANICE CARTER
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r. Kizzmekia Corbett, a remarkable young Black scientist, has undeniably etched her name in the annals of history through her groundbreaking contributions to vaccine research. At the tender age of 35, Dr. Corbett emerged as a pivotal figure in the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, a monumental achievement that has had a profound impact on global health. As an esteemed immunologist and viral expert at the prestigious National Insti-
tutes of Health, her tireless dedication and innovative research significantly influenced the creation of one of the first COVID-19 vaccines, thereby playing a crucial role in saving innumerable lives around the world. Beyond her exceptional scientific endeavors, Dr. Corbett stands as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for aspiring young Black scientists, advocating passionately for increased representation in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through her trailblazing work and unwavering commitment
to excellence, she not only reshapes the landscape of global health but also empowers a new generation of Black scientists to shatter barriers, challenge conventions, and emerge as leaders in the realm of medicine and beyond. Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett's remarkable journey serves as a poignant testament to the transformative power of Black excellence in the realm of science. Her unwavering dedication, groundbreaking research, and advocacy for diversity and inclusion in STEM exemplify the limitless potential and profound impact that individuals from
Photo Credit: Getty's Images Timothy Nwachukwu-Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett
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LOCAL
4 December 18th - December 31st, 2025
From Time Served to Systems Changed: Antoniese “Tony” Gant’s Quiet Power HARVESTING GRATITUDE — GIVING THANKS, GIVING BACK BY YANICE CARTER
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here’s a steadiness to Antoniese “Tony” Gant that makes you lean in. Not the fireworks kind
zations call when passion needs a plan. Through TG Consulting, he helps coalitions align around measurable goals, data that aims the effort, and messages that move both hearts Scan and policy. to read full story He has partnered with
are not opposing forces. Her journey has taken her from the Mitten to Cali, to Atlanta, and back. Along the way, she gathered technique, perspective, and clarity. What grounded her was community, her neighbors, friends, and family. These are the very people she now enjoys and serves daily. “I built The Standard because high-quality haircare should feel like a retreat, not a chore,” Lanitra
says. “I created a space where people can chat , connect and leave out looking and feeling better then when they came ie. That vision is felt the moment you step inside. Stepping into The Standard Salon, you immediately feel the warmth and intention behind its luxurious design. Clients are treated with care, ensuring they leave feeling better than when they arrived. “People
carry a lot,” she says. “If I can help them leave feeling better than when they arrived, then I’ve done my job.” That philosophy extends throughout the salon. During my visit, I received a facial from Naomi, an esthetician Scan specializing to read full story in facials and body waxing.
A NOTE FROM.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................From Page 1
In 2025, we strengthened partnerships, expanded coverage, and leaned fully into the work of community journalism. We celebrated Black history not as a sidebar, but as a central narrative. We uplifted local businesses, artists, students, elders, and organizers. We covered moments of joy and moments of grief, understanding that both belong in an honest record of who we are. This year also reminded us that leg
“I didn’t have one lightning-bolt moment,” he told us. “It was a sunrise. The resilience of the men around me, mentors who showed the road, and the responsibility I felt—advocacy became the only honest next step.” That frame defines his work now: disciplined, evidence-centered, and deeply human. Today, Tony is the strategist organi-
SMALL BUSINESS......................................................................................................................................................................................................................From Page 1
The early years were deeply community-centered, grounded in service, and skill-building. They laid the foundation for everything that followed. Today, Lanitra is the founder and visionary behind The Standard Salon, a luxury beauty destination rooted in Troy. She is also a working mother of eight, currently six months pregnant with her ninth child. Lanitra is a living example that ambition and motherhood
of leadership, the flint-and-steel kind. After twenty years inside the Michigan Department of Corrections, Tony stepped back into the world with a sharpened lens and a broader mission: make the systems that shape people’s lives worthy of the people inside them. Survival taught him the terrain; advocacy taught him the map.
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acy is not something we inherit passively. It is something we actively carry forward. Founded in 1986, The Chronicle was built on the belief that our stories matter. In 2025, that belief did not waver. If anything, it sharpened. As we enter this holiday season, marked by Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah, the theme of light feels especially fitting. Light shows up in the pages of this paper every time a young
person is affirmed, a community effort is recognized, or a truth is told with integrity. It shows up when we choose connection over division, and accountability over silence. To our readers, advertisers, partners, contributors, and community members: thank you for trusting The Chronicle to tell your stories. Your support allows us to remain independent, rooted, and committed to the communities we
serve. As we look ahead to a new year, we do so with gratitude, clarity, and purpose. The work continues. The light carries on. And The Chronicle remains here, doing what it has always done, connecting communities, one story at a time. Yanice Y. Carter PublisherThe Chronicle
NOMINATIONS.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................From Page 1
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 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 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. Winners of the weekly award are featured in a news segment on the Lottery’s media partner stations: WXYZTV in Detroit, FOX 17 in Grand Rapids, FOX 47 in Lansing, WNEM-TV in Saginaw, WWTV-TV in Traverse City, and WLUC-TV in Marquette. The winner of the 2025 Educator of the Year award was Kelly Herberholz, a science teacher and administrative in-
tern 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 Scan win a weekly to read award. full story
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4 December 18th - December 31st, 2025
Changing Lives in Two Months or Less: How LCC’s Job Training Center Is Opening Doors Across Mid-Michigan BY YANICE CARTER
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or many people in Mid-Michigan, the idea of going back to school feels out of reach. Time is limited. Money is tight. Life is already full. Yet the need for stability, better wages, and meaningful work remains urgent. That’s where the Job Training Cen-
ter (JTC) at Lansing Community College steps in, offering a different path forward. Located at LCC’s West Campus, the Job Training Center is designed for community members who want to change their circumstances without committing to a traditional college program. Through short-term, career-focused training, many participants are
Tuition-free job training starts in February! *
Join the 7-week Electrical Control Technician Boot Camp Learn more at lcc.edu/jtc.
*
For those eligible
able to gain job-ready skills and enter the workforce in two months or less. And for eligible participants, the programs are often free of charge, supported through grants, scholarships, and community partnerships.
Education That Meets People Where They Are
The JTC was created with a clear understanding: traditional college pathways do not work for everyone. Barriers such as work schedules, family responsibilities, financial strain, and language differences often prevent capable individuals from accessing opportunity. Rather than asking people to fit into a system, the Job Training Center adapts to the realities of their lives. Programs are intentionally designed to be accelerated, accessible, and aligned with real employment opportunities in the region. Courses are offered in flexible formats, including in-person, online, and hybrid models, making it easier for participants to balance learning with daily responsibilities.
From Underemployed to Empowered The impact of the Job Training Center is best understood through the outcomes it produces. Participants include individuals who are underemployed, unemployed, or seeking a career shift. Some are returning to the workforce after a disruption. Others are working hard but not earning enough to support themselves or their families. Many are looking for stability, confidence, and a clear next step. One of the JTC’s featured offerings, Technical Support Specialist Fundamentals, provides intensive training in information technology. Students gain hands-on experience with PC troubleshooting, IT concepts, infrastructure, databases, and security, while also developing critical customer service and communication skills. Graduates are prepared to pursue industry-recognized certifications that open doors to entry-level tech positions. Another standout program, Health Careers for ESOL, supports speakers of other languages who are interested in entering the healthcare field. Over eight weeks, participants Scan strengthen to read their vofull story c a b u l a r y,
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4 December 18th - December 31st, 2025
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ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENTS
4 December 18th - December 31st, 2025
Celebrating 30 Years of Sisterhood, Strength, and Heart — Why Waiting to Exhale Still Speaks to Us BY YANICE CARTER
he year 2025 marked the 30th anniversary of Waiting to Exhale, a film that changed the way stories about Black women were told in Hollywood. Released in 1995, this movie arrived before cultural touchstones like Sex and the City and The First Wives Club, setting a new standard for films centered on friendship, love, and personal growth. Its impact goes beyond entertainment; it reshaped conversations about sisterhood, relationships, and empowerment in ways that still resonate today.
Photo via WIX AI - Thirty years later, the story still breathes. Waiting to Exhale returns as a cultural landmark that redefined sisterhood, vulnerability, and Black womanhood on screen.
First Wives Club (1996), two films often credited with exploring female friendships and empowerment. While those movies focused on white women, Waiting to Exhale offered a fresh perspective that was long overdue. It showed that stories about Black women’s friendships and struggles were just as compelling and important. The film’s success proved there was a strong audience hungry for diverse stories. It opened doors for more films and TV shows that centered on Black women, influencing the entertainment industry’s approach to representation.
A New Narrative for Black Women on Screen Before Waiting to Exhale, Hollywood rarely showcased Black women as complex, fully realized characters with their own stories. The film broke this pattern by focusing on four Black women navigating love, heartbreak, and friendship in a way that felt authen-
tic and relatable. It was based on Terry McMillan’s bestselling novel, which already had a strong following for its honest portrayal of Black women’s lives. The movie’s characters—Savannah, Bernadine, Robin, and Gloria—each faced different challenges, from abusive relationships to career struggles. Their stories were not just about romance but
Themes That Still Resonate Today The movie’s themes remain relevant three decades later. It explored: Sisterhood: The Scan bond beto read full story tween the four women
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about personal strength and resilience. This approach was groundbreaking because it gave Black women a voice that was rarely heard in mainstream cinema.
Setting the Stage Before Other Iconic Films Waiting to Exhale arrived on screens before Sex and the City (1998) and The
A Chronicle Family Review of The Wiz at Wharton Center for the Performing Arts-Ease on Down the Road, Together BY YANICE CARTER
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eeing The Wiz live at the Wharton Center was pure joy from start to finish. From the moment the curtain rose, the energy in the room was electric. The costumes were bold and stunning, the music was infectious, and the performances pulled the audience right in. This was not a show you quietly watched. This was a show you felt. I attended with my son Liam, and we truly had the best time. I found myself singing along to nearly every Photo Credit: The Chronicle Media Group-Liam stands in song I knew from the film, and as I looked around the theater, I wasn’t front of the WIZ poster, excited to see the show!
alone. People were smiling, swaying, singing softly from their seats, and even dancing a little in place. There was never a dull moment. What made the experience especially meaningful was watching it through Liam’s eyes. He asked thoughtful questions throughout the performance, curious about the story, the characters, and how everything worked together. His favorite character was the Scarecrow, drawn to his high energy, humor, and movement. Seeing him connect so deeply reminded me of how powerful live theater can be for young audiences.
This revival of The Wiz does something special. It seamlessly blends the old with the new, honoring the heart and charm of the original while evolving with the times. The choreography felt fresh and dynamic, the visuals were imaginative, and the storytelling remained rooted in the themes that have always made The Wiz timeless: courage, identity, friendship, and finding your way home. The show never loses its soul. Instead, it ampliScan to read fies it. full story
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LIFESTYLE AND INSPIRATION
4 December 18th - December 31st, 2025
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The Mother: What am I going to do with my children during this holiday break? BY KRISTEN FREEMAN
(because one of my kids does not deal well with paints touching....you guess which one). After that, we get down to underwear and diapers, climb into the shower and go at it. I believe part of the allure and excitement comes from the feeling of “painting on the walls”. This allows them the freedom to make a huge mural and a big mess, too.
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t is getting cold here in Michigan. Most days, we are only able to stay outside 30 minutes at a time. I have had to reimagine, plan and curate focused activities that will decrease the chaos during this season, in our home. While I still value free play along with time spent cooking in the kitchen together, I realize that a solid, intentional project or activity: > allows for deeper connection > builds a team mentality/teamwork amongst child-parent and siblings > decreases mess after mess > decreases chaos and dis-regulation > allows children to feel a sense of accomplishment and confidence in their work > gives opportunity for child to work through organic, natural adversities in safe spaces While I don’t know all the statistics, I realize it is fortifying, fun and exciting for them...and for me! It breaks up the days and allows us to do something special and out of the ordinary block stacking, book reading and coloring. Now, I know many of you will be home on break with your children for a couple of days, or in some instances...weeks (gasp) during the holiday season. Here are some of our most favorite cold weather activities this holiday season.
Kristen Freeman Designed Image
1.) Paint the shower Yes, that’s correct. Let your kids paint the shower. I purchase our washable paints, paint brushes and ice trays online or at Dollar Tree. Budget friendly and pretty simple, squirt a bit of paint in the ice tray, skipping every other section to minimize paint mixing
Fun When we have squeezed that phase dry of its excitement, we move onto cleaning the shower together. This builds a sense of teamwork while seeing these duties as fun and engaging. Everyone takes a rag to the walls and floor with dishwashing soap and/or all-purpose cleaning spray (we make a kid friendly one: baking soda, lavender & vinegar). We don’t quit until it’s all off and white, again. Hello, is that you persistence. I love interweaving activities with building values. It is also a bonus for this mama who (sometimes) needs some extra motivation to scrub the showers. I also enjoy that the craft washes right away. Is it just me or do any other moms feel like they are swimming in their toddler’s artwork? As much as I love to archive special projects, this cuts down on paper Scan waste which the planet perto read full story server in me really appreciates.
Embracing Light in Michigan: How Community Resilience and Generosity Spark Hope This Holiday Season BY YANICE CARTER
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Courtesy Photo-Downtown Detroit.org
he holiday season in Michigan is more than just a time for celebration. It is a season where communities come together to share light, hope, and strength. In cities and towns across the state, from Detroit to Grand Rapids to Mid-Michigan, the spirit of Christmas generosity, the principles of Kwanzaa, and the resilience celebrated during Hanukkah create a powerful foundation for community miracles, both big and small. As a community advocate
deeply rooted in Michigan’s African American experience, I have witnessed firsthand how these traditions inspire us to carry hope forward, even in challenging times.
Christmas Generosity in Michigan Communities Christmas in Michigan is a season marked by generosity that reaches far beyond gift-giving. It is about neighbors supporting neighbors, local organizations stepping up to meet urgent needs, and families opening their doors to those who might otherwise face loneliness or hardship.
In Detroit, organizations such as Detroit Goodfellows continue their long-standing mission to ensure no child is forgotten at Christmas, distributing holiday gift boxes to families across the city. The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit, through its annual Red Kettle Campaign and Angel Tree Toy Drive, mobilizes volunteers and donors to provide meals, toys, and emergency assistance throughScan out the to read w i n t e r full story months.
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GIFT