The Chronicle News No 93 FEBRUARY I 2026

Note from the Publisher: A Look in the Mirror: Love, Legacy & the Stories We Carry

February asks us to look closer. Not just at who we love, but at how we love. Not just about Black history, but about who is making it right now. Not just in relationships, but in the standards, boundaries, and healing we bring into them.

This issue is a mirror.

In it, you’ll see legacy, not as something locked in the past, but alive in our barbershops, our businesses, our homes, and our everyday choices. You’ll see love, not as fantasy, but as intention, self-respect, and accountability. You’ll see community, reflected through people who show up consistently, quietly, and with care.

LBY YANICE CARTER

In many communities, the barbershop is more than a place for a haircut. It’s a classroom, a refuge, a confidence builder, and sometimes a second home. At Cut N' Edge Barber Salon, that truth is lived out daily through the steady hands and steady heart of barber and owner Deon Patton. I first met Deon in the summer of 2019, when Cut N’ Edge was on Waverly Road. From the very beginning, he welcomed The Chronicle into his space, allowing our newspaper to be displayed in his shop. That simple gesture spoke volumes, showing his belief in community storytelling, local voices, and the importance of staying connected. Today, Cut N’ Edge has grown and relocated to East Michigan Avenue, continuing its mission

ooking for the perfect date night in Greater Lansing this winter? Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, celebrating an anniversary, or simply spending quality time with your partner, Lansing offers plenty of cozy and memorable options. Here are five fantastic date night ideas to inspire your next outing.

The Chronicle News

The Legacy of Dr. Mar tin Luther King Jr Cebres Black History

Roots and Renaissance: The Ongoing Story of Black Innovation

BY YANICE Y. CARTER

Black brilliance has never gone dormant. It simply evolves with the times. What began as survival became strategy, and what was once dismissed as hustle has grown into an empire of innovation, creativity, and global influence.

In barbershops, classrooms, tech labs, and studios across Michigan, Black innovators are building new blueprints for the future. From the turntables of DJ Crazy Caz to the digital vision of Al Smith, founder of Purpix Media and AI Film Lab, the spirit of invention has never stopped flowing. It’s a renaissance rooted in resilience.

Smith, who teaches storytelling and film through One Day Film Skool,

believes this moment isn’t about fearing technology but mastering it.

“The question isn’t whether AI will replace us,” he says.

“It’s whether we’ll rise with it.” His words echo a larger truth: our communities have always adapted to change, not as spectators but as architects. Innovation doesn’t just live in Silicon Valley. It lives right here in Lansing, Jackson, Detroit, and Flint. It’s the entrepreneur turning a side hustle into a

storefront. It’s the artist merging code and canvas. It’s the teacher using digital tools to amplify student voices. It’s every creator who understands that legacy isn’t locked in the past; it’s being written right now, line by line, post by post, dream by dream. That same innovative spirit is what fuels The Chronicle’s newest generation of storytellers. Lansing native Nasaan Jackson, an HBCU student and corre -

spondent for the Chronicle’s College Connect section, is helping lead the next chapter of the paper’s expansion. Through his work amplifying student voices and HBCU culture, Nasaan reminds us that innovation isn’t just about technology. It’s about connection, community, and continuing the stories that matter.

His initiative brings new energy to the Chronicle legacy, linking campuses and communities through storytelling, mentorship, and cultural pride. The goal is simple: to make sure young people see themselves in the pages of history as it’s being written.

As we honor Black history, we also honor our future, a renaissance built not just on technology but on imagination, integrity, and community.

Black History Month 2026 — 100 Inventions by Black People That Changed the World

Black innovation is woven into the fabric of everyday life, from the medical tools that heal us to the technology that drives our daily routines. For centuries, Black inventors have pushed the boundaries of possibility despite systemic barriers that often obscured their contributions. This list celebrates 100 inventions by Black people — tools, technologies, and ideas that have transformed society and continue to shape our world today.

1–20: Foundations and Everyday Tools

 Dry Scouring (pre-dry cleaning) — Thomas L. Jennings, 1821 (first African American to receive a U.S. patent).

 Fire Extinguisher Improvement —

Thomas J. Martin, 1872.

 Dough Kneader and Roller — Judy W. Reed, 1884.

 Improved Ironing Board — Sarah Boone, 1892.

 Bread Kneading & Crumb Machine — Joseph Lee, 1894–1895.

 Automatic Elevator Doors — Alexander Miles, 1887.

 Telegraphony (combined telegraph & voice) — Granville T. Woods, 1885.

 Multiplex Telegraph (train-to-station messaging) — Granville T. Woods, 1893.

 Safety Dimmer for Lights — Granville T. Woods, 1896.

 Ice Cream Scoop — Alfred L. Cralle, 1897.

 Hand-Crank Pencil Sharpener (im-

proved) — John Lee Love, 1897.

 Improved Refrigerator Components — Frederick McKinley Jones, 1930s.

 Mobile Refrigeration Units — Frederick McKinley Jones, 1940s.

 Gong and Signal Chair for Hotels — Miriam E. Benjamin, 1888.

 Bread Crumb Maker (patented again) — Joseph Lee, 1895.

 Improved Railway Brake (enhancements) — Granville T. Woods, late 1800s–early 1900s.

 Automatic Gear Shift — Richard Spikes, early 1900s.

 Beer Tap — Richard Spikes, 1908.

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How to Keep your Marriage Hot with Young Children

BY KRISTEN FREEMAN

In the midst of tending and caring for young children, married couples can allow their union to be diluted down to mere coexistence. It does not mean you don’t love one another. It does not mean you cannot have a great marriage. If you have fallen into the habit of dancing around one another, it does not mean you are too far gone to revive what, at times, may feel lost in your child or children's schedules and big emotions.

This season of living your married life with littles is an invitation to explore new ways to add kindling on the old flame that, in its very essence, created them. It’s never too late to make a change or create a habit together that will strengthen your bond, arouse deeper intimacy and rediscover the healing powers of desire and sexual connection. At times, we think about attraction as a given- an immovable force that just is if it once was. While this can feel true in the "honeymoon phase", effort needs to be made to stay attracted to one another over time.

Marriage in its design is not seasonal as it is a commitment for longevity, but chapters of a marriage most certainly are. Now, let’s talk about how you can infuse your marriage with the heat of a Houston summer that feels even better than the first time you made love, together.

1.) Try something new

For starts, this could be inside or outside of the bedroom. *wink wink* You can try new activities, like a sport or a movement class. Maybe, you try one of those pottery or cooking classes you have been talking about wanting to do for years. You can try new cuisines, a new restaurant in town or prepare new, fun drinks based on recipes you find on the internet.

You could pick out a few new travel spots, either a short road trip away or catch a flight to a new country neither of you have visited. You can do a stay-cation in a new-to-you hotel.

For more tantalizing experiences, you can talk about and find a new type of foreplay you both want to try. You can try a new position or… if you don’t know of any new ones, move your bodies together to create one. Nothing is new under the sun but it can be new to the both of you. Use your imagination. If you enjoy wearing lingerie, get a new set. Sometimes, it is fun to pick a color, style or texture you would have never tried before.

The list is literally endless and the

possibilities overflow. Doing something you both have never done before can add a layer of excitement that fuels passion. Most people genuinely enjoy gifting another human a pleasurable first experience. It gives you something fresh to talk about. It opens your mind, which in practice, creates space to dream into one another differentlymore expansively.

2.) Get bored together

Flipping over the same token to the other side now, try all the same ol’ things you have been doing together with a new lens. Be present together in what you may usually think to be boring or mundane. Try a day of intention- one where you experience each moment with sensation, not taking one second for granted.

Scan to read full story

Instead of filling your gaps and spaces in the day-to-day with a screen, turn off your phone for a bit. Stop scrolling for a few minutes when you feel boredom hit and alter-

20 Questions that will Help you to get to know your Partner and Create Deeper Intimacy & Connection

BY KRISTEN FREEMAN

Spoiler Alert: Marriage does not always feel new and exciting.

*Gasp* I know, I know. Seems a bit like a mood dimmer, but here is the thing, it is just the reality of it. Any longterm relationship can run dry of things to do and topics to talk about if there is a lack of innovation and "continued education" in the subject: your spouse. In partnership though, we can agree to curate moments and experiences that feel new and exciting, again. It takes willingness, intentionality, curiosity, creativity and a bit of vulnerable effort by two people who want to be excited! One of the most treasured parts of being married to my husband is, even after a decade of knowing him, I still

discover new layers and dimensions of him with each passing day. We all shift, change, grow and morph over time, making it extremely important to reacquaint ourselves with our partners often, to get to know who they are in that particular season of life.

In asking these questions and introducing these conversation starters into your relationship or marriage, we pray that there will be a re-connection to, a newfound passion-infused liveliness for and deep empathetic understanding of who your partner is. Happy connecting!

1.) What is your favorite attribute about yourself and why?

2.) Three things on your bucket list at the moment

3.) Where do you have “space for

growth” currently? (Things you want to change, learn, examine, or work on about yourself?)

4.) Who do you most look up to and why?

5.) What mantra or motto best describes or explains your mindset and mentality?

6.) If you could go anywhere or do anything, all expenses paid, what would you do and where would you go?

7.) You have to pick an alternative career. What would it be and why?

8.) What practice or activity makes you feel at peace?

9.) What are your tendencies when you are feeling stressed?

10.) What place or location do you retreat to when you need to clear your mind?

11.) What are you looking forward to?

12.) How can I best support and care for you in this season of life? Do you have any specific struggles you are needing my help with?

13.) When you think “pleasure”, what image comes to mind?

14.) What are 3 things you are grateful for?

15.) What accomplishment are you most proud of/honored to be a part of?

16.) What is something you could not imagine telling anyone else?

17.) What do you fear most?

18.) The perfect the day?

19.) Which family member do you feel closest to right now? Has it always been this way?

20.) Who is your favorite fictional character? Why?

Michigan Mourns Mentor, Community Activist & Hero Larry

L.

Leatherwood

With heavy hearts, The Chronicle News honors the life and legacy of Larry Leatherwood, a Lansing legend whose impact will be felt for generations.

Mr. Leatherwood was a longtime Lansing resident and a 30-year retiree of the State of Michigan, having served in numerous senior-level public service roles. His career reflected a deep commitment to equity, ethical leadership, and effective governance.

Mr. Leatherwood retired from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), where he served as a liaison officer, and previously held the role of Director of Minority Business for the Michigan Department of Commerce, advocating for opportunity and inclusion at the state level.

A lifelong learner, Mr. Leatherwood was a proud graduate of Kellogg Community College and Western Michigan University, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a focus on public policy analysis. In 1985, he was selected as a Senior Executive Fellow at Harvard University, participating in advanced public policy and govern-

mental operations training.

Beyond his government service, Mr. Leatherwood continued to shape leadership across Michigan. He served as President of Larry Leatherwood &

Associates, providing training and consultation to locally elected school board members, and as an Adjunct Consultant with the Michigan Association of School Boards for more than 16 years,

The Chronicle News Community Spotlight- Build Hope in Jackson: A Home for Kimmie Garrett and Her Family

Build Hope in Jackson is a community-led effort to build a wheelchair-accessible Habitat for Humanity home for 10-year-old Kimmie Garrett and her family. This initiative was created in response to the extraordinary challenges the Garretts have faced and the incredible strength they have shown.

In February 2024, Kimmie contracted Influenza A, which led to life-threatening complications. Her parents were forced to make an unthinkable decision: say goodbye or take a risk on a difficult surgery. They chose to fight, and Kimmie survived! However, the illness resulted in the loss of her hands and feet.

Since then, Kimmie has displayed inspiring resilience. She recently received her first set of prosthetic legs and is learning to walk again with determination and

courage. But the family’s current home is not built to accommodate her new mobility needs, making everyday tasks a struggle and limiting her independence.

That’s why Build Hope in Jackson was formed: to provide the Garrett family with a safe, fully accessible home that supports Kimmie’s recovery, growth, and future. Local leaders, businesses, and neighbors have rallied around the family, showing what’s possible when a community comes together with compassion and purpose.

You can be part of this life-changing project. To learn more or to make a donation, visit www.BuildHopeInJackson.com. Be sure to follow Build Hope in Jackson on Facebook to stay connected and help share Kimmie’s journey. Together, we’re not just building a home, we’re building hope.

delivering ethics and governance training to public officials statewide.

Most notably, Mr. Leatherwood was the founder of Uplift Our Youth Foundation, established in 2002. Through this work, the foundation awarded more than $140,000 to Lansing-area organizations serving at-risk youth, with a focus on education and the arts. He didn’t just speak about uplifting young people, he invested in them.

Throughout his career, Mr. Leatherwood received numerous local, state, and federal recognitions for his service and leadership. Yet his greatest legacy lives in the people he mentored, the institutions he strengthened, and the young lives he helped guide toward possibility.

Mr. Leatherwood passed away on Friday. His loss is deeply felt across Lansing and beyond.

Lansing is better because he was here.

His legacy lives on in every life he helped lift.

— The Chronicle News

We invite the community to share memories and reflections in honor of Mr. Leatherwood.

Embracing a Regret-Free Life: Moving Beyond the Past

BY J. DOMONICK DIXIE

Regret is a powerful emotion that can haunt our thoughts, hinder our progress, and rob us of the present moment. However, it is within our power to break free from the grip of regret and cultivate a life filled with joy, growth, and fulfillment.

To avoid regret, it is essential to embrace a mindset of acceptance and forgiveness. Understand that mistakes are an inevitable part of the human experience, and dwelling on past missteps only keeps us trapped in a cycle of negativity. Instead, choose to learn from your past choices and use them as stepping stones for personal growth. Reflect on the lessons learned and make a conscious effort to apply those insights to present and future decisions.

Another crucial step in moving beyond regret is practicing self-compassion. Understand that you are not de-

fined by your past actions or decisions. Treat yourself with kindness, acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes. Replace self-blame and self-criticism with self-love and understanding. Embrace the belief that you deserve happi-

ness and a life free from regret. Moreover, living in the present moment is key to overcoming regret. Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future robs us of the beauty and opportunities that exist in the here and

now. Focus on what you can control today and take small steps towards the future you desire. Embrace gratitude for the lessons learned and the person you are becoming.

Lastly, surround yourself with a supportive network of family, friends, or mentors who uplift and encourage you. Share your experiences and fears with trusted individuals who can offer guidance and perspective. Seek their wisdom and learn from their own journeys, realizing that you are not alone in facing regret.

In the end, living a regret-free life requires embracing self-forgiveness, practicing self-compassion, living in the present, and cultivating a supportive network. Remember, it is never too late to make peace with your past and create a future filled with joy, growth, and endless possibilities. Seize the opportunity today and embark on a transformative journey towards a regret-free life.

with the same integrity and heart that defined it from the start.

Cut N’ Edge is the kind of barbershop parents feel good about bringing their children into. The vibe is laidback, respectful, and uplifting. There’s laughter and conversation, but without the profanity or negativity that can sometimes fill these spaces. For families like mine, that matters.

I took my son Liam to Cut N’ Edge

because I wanted more than a clean cut.

I wanted a positive example. I quickly realized that Cut N’ Edge Barber Salon is filled with intention, professionalism, and kindness. It’s rare to walk into the shop and not see a smile on Deon’s face. He takes genuine pride in his work and treats every client with love and respect. He’s known for sharing a kind word, offering encouragement, or simply listening. Deon understands that

Featuring Deon Patton on the cover is no accident. His story represents what happens when craft meets commitment, when Black entrepreneurship becomes generational, and when presence matters as much as talent.

As you turn these pages, I invite you to pause and reflect. Who are you becoming? What patterns are you breaking? What love are you finally choosing to give yourself?

Black history is not just something we honor. It is something we live.

Yours In Service,

Yanice Yvette Carter

Publisher, The Chronicle News

barbering is about people, not just hair. That impact became crystal clear one afternoon when Liam excitedly ran up to me, holding his tablet and said, “Look, Mom! I’m cutting hair just like Deon!” He had downloaded a barber game and was beaming with pride. In that moment, it hit me. Deon isn’t just shaping hairlines. He’s shaping how young people see themselves and what they believe is possible.

1. Enjoy a Local Foodie Adventure

Lansing’s vibrant dining scene is perfect for food-loving couples. Start your evening with a farm-to-table experience at Red Haven, known for its creative small plates and cozy ambiance. For a more casual vibe, grab a pizza and craft beer at Ellison Brewery + Spirits. Don’t forget to share a decadent dessert like the crème brûlée at The Creole Burger Bar & Southern Kitchen to cap off the evening.

2. Catch a Live Show or Movie

Add a cultural touch to your date night by attending a performance at the Lansing Symphony Orchestra or Wharton Center for Performing Arts. If you’re in the mood for something cinematic, head to Celebration Cinema Lansing and cozy up in their recliner seating. For an extra special night, opt for their VIP experience with food and drinks delivered to your seat.

3. Explore Old Town Lansing

From Flint to Lansing

Originally from Flint, Michigan, Deon’s journey brought him to Lansing as he built both his career and his family. Over time, the city became home, and Lansing became the place where he chose to establish his business and give back to the commuScan to read full story

For a mix of artsy charm and historic vibes, spend an evening in Old Town Lansing. Browse art galleries and quirky shops, grab dinner at Pablo’s Old Town Mexican Restaurant, and indulge in dessert at Sweet Encounter Bakery & Cafe. Check local listings for live music or seasonal events in Old Town to add even more excitement to your night. Scan to read full story

With online ER check-in, you can skip of home. At McLaren, we make it easier waiting room. For non-life-threatening times and check in to save your spot, It’s emergency care made more convenient.

ONLINE ER CHECK-IN A BETTER WAY TO WAIT

ONLINE ER CHECK-IN A BETTER WAY TO WAIT

With online ER check-in, you can skip the waiting room and start your visit from the comfort of home. At McLaren, we make it easier to access emergency care without spending extra time in the waiting room. For non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries, you can go online to view real-time ER wait times and check in to save your spot, then wait from the comfort of home, or wherever you are. It’s emergency care made more convenient.

With online ER check-in, you can skip the waiting room and start your visit from the comfort of home. At McLaren, we make it easier to access emergency care without spending extra time in the waiting room. For non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries, you can go online to view real-time ER wait times and check in to save your spot, then wait from the comfort of home, or wherever you are. It’s emergency care made more convenient.

Start your ER visit at mclaren.org/ER

DJs have been the lifeblood of block parties, dance floors, and cultural revolutions for decades, but behind the turntables lies a deeper truth: DJing is therapy. The late Brandon “DJ Crazy Caz” Henderson, like so many others, found purpose and peace behind the decks. While the crowd danced to the beat, the DJ was often healing in real time, mixing tracks not just for the moment, but for the soul.

With online ER check-in, you can skip the waiting room and start your visit from the comfort of home. At McLaren, we make it easier to access emergency care without spending extra time in the waiting room. For non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries, you can go online to view real-time ER wait times and check in to save your spot, then wait from the comfort of home, or wherever you are. It’s emergency care made more convenient.

Start your ER visit at mclaren.org/ER

Spin to Heal: DJing as Therapy for the Mind, Body, and Soul

Recent articles from DJ Mag and Insomniac spotlight a growing awareness of DJing as a therapeu-

tic practice. In Before We Were Kings, artists share how the act of DJing helped them process trauma, overcome depression, and reclaim a sense of control in chaotic times. For Black men, especially, where emotional vulnerability is often stigmatized, the DJ booth becomes a sacred space — a place to channel grief, rage, joy, and resilience through rhythm. In DJ Mag’s deep dive on mental health, DJs spoke openly about the psychological toll of the industry — but also about the healing power of their craft.

The curation of music, the ener-

gy exchange with a crowd, and the personal discipline it takes to stay in sync with the beat all contribute to a form of mindfulness that rivals traditional therapy. For many DJs, the booth is both a confessional and a sanctuary. As we pay tribute to DJ Crazy Caz — a Lansing legend, community connector, and cultural torchbearer — we’re reminded that DJs do more than entertain. They uplift, they emote, they heal.

Start your ER visit at mclaren.org/ER

A Great Rate, No Runaround

Enjoy 0% balance transfers1 with an MSUFCU Platinum Visa Credit Card.

Introductory APR on balance transfers is for the first six months. After six months, rate reverts to the standard rate between 9.90% APR and 17.90% APR.2

Emerson Green+King Episode

7:

BY AL SMITH

As we celebrate Black History Month, I wanted to pause and bask in the achievements, resilience, and brilliance of our ancestors. Their legacy is not just history—it is instruction.

Recently, many have shared reactions to a racist post from #47 depicting the Obamas as apes. I won’t pretend to be surprised. That kind of imagery has a long, ugly history in this country—one meant to dehumanize, distract, and diminish.

As a Christian, Scripture calls me to pray for our leaders—and I do. Prayer

NEVER ARGUE WITH FOOLS The Chronicle News

matters. God has the final say. But prayer does not replace accountability.

This is exactly why voting matters.

- Why paying attention matters.

- Why who we choose to lead matters. There’s an old saying: Never argue with fools—people watching may not know who’s who. Sometimes wisdom means refusing the bait, trusting God’s sovereignty, and choosing action instead.

- Honor the past.

- Protect the future.

- Show up. Vote.

Community Spotlight: Logan Taylor-Pain to Purpose, From

Pen to Power

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when heartbreak gets a headset and a book deal — look no further than Logan Taylor. The author of In My Eyes: Searching for Self-Worth didn’t just turn her story into pages… she turned it into momentum.

Logan’s journey isn’t about finding perfection it’s about finding truth. From navigating the messy, sacred terrain of self worth to standing tall as an indie author with something real to say, she’s proof that vulnerability is strength dressed in words.

A Year of Love, Literature & Logan Book Tour Kickoff

Location: Art 634

634 Mechanic Street

Jackson, Michigan

Date: February 14, 2026

Time 3:00-6:00 PM

Expect light refreshments, music, an author's Q&A, and the kinds of conversations you walk out of feeling seen. Memoirs, merch, and swag will be available, because storytelling should always come

with a little flair.

This heartfelt afternoon marks the first stop on the Love, Literature & Logan Book Tour; and yes, tickets are available now on Eventbrite for anyone ready to meet the woman, the words, and the wisdom.

Local Authors Expo: May 16, 2026

Logan will be featured at the 7th Annual Local Authors Expo in Jackson, MI. It’s a celebration of creatives who are putting place and purpose on the map, and Logan fits that bill proudly.

More Words on the Way

Logan isn’t slowing down, she’s accelerating. Three more publications are planned for release this year; one of them is a sequel to In My Eyes: Searching for Self-Worth. If the first book was an invitation, the next is the next chapter of belonging.

Workshops, Coaching & Speaking — She’s Building the Mic Scan to read full story

Honoring the Legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Before the Civil War, higher education for African Americans in the United States was nearly nonexistent. But with freedom came determination—and a fierce commitment to education. Between 1861 and 1870, African American missionary associations and the Freedmen’s Bureau helped establish seven colleges and thirteen teaching schools dedicated to educating newly freed Black citizens. These early institutions laid the foundation for what would become known as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The Roots of Black Higher Education

The first degree-granting institution for African Americans was Ashmun Institute, founded in 1854 in Chester County, Pennsylvania by a Quaker couple. It was renamed Lincoln University in 1866 and today continues its legacy with undergraduate and graduate

programs serving over 2,000 students.

Among its distinguished leaders was Dr. Horace Mann Bond, father of civil rights icon Julian Bond and one of many influential presidents to guide the institution through its pivotal role in American history.

Between 1854 and 1954, Lincoln University alone produced:

20% of the nation’s Black physicians



Over 10% of Black

attorneys

The Morrill Acts and the Birth of Land-Grant HBCUs

In 1862, Senator Justin Morrill championed federal legislation to allocate land and funding for colleges focused on agriculture, science, and engineering. While the initial act helped establish public colleges across the

country, Black Americans were largely excluded from these opportunities.

In response, the Second Morrill Land-Grant Act of 1890 required that states either integrate their land-grant institutions or create separate HBCUs to ensure access for Black students. This led to the formal recognition and funding of HBCUs like Alcorn State University (founded in 1871), and over a dozen others between 1870 and 1910.

These institutions didn't just provide education—they cultivated leaders, activists, entrepreneurs, artists, engineers, and scholars who helped shape every sector of American life.

Celebrating the Legacy, Championing the Future

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The Chronicle Newspaper proudly honors the impact of HBCUs year-round. Below is a

Middle and High School Students Invited to Explore Future Majors Through Hands-On Activities During the Free Big STEAM Event at Lansing Community College

LANSING, Mich. — Middle- and high school-aged students are invited to explore potential college majors with hands-on activities during the free Big STEAM event at Lansing Community College (LCC). The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on LCC’s Downtown Campus.

Designed for students in grades 7–12, Big STEAM offers hands-on activities that introduce participants to programs in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM). Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with educators who understand degree programs and career opportunities in STEAM-related fields. Prizes will be awarded through-

out the event.

The Big STEAM event is hosted by LCC’s Arts and Sciences Division and marks the inaugural STEAM-focused experience for older students. The division also hosts STEAMfest each November for elementary-aged children.

“We have hosted STEAMfest for elementary school children for many years,” said Kirsten Wright, professor, program advisor and outreach coordinator. “I am excited to now welcome older students who can really benefit from a deeper understanding of scientific process, plus the academic and career pathways available to them — and to do it in such a fun way.”

Registration is free and available at lcc.edu/bigsteam.

The Chronicle News Small Business Spotlight. The Heart of Home Healthcare: Andrew Brewer Jr's Vision at Optimum Peace

Long before he became a healthcare leader, Andrew Brewer Jr. was a seventh-grade candy striper. He did not volunteer because he wanted to. His mother made him do it. At the time, he did not appreciate it, but later learned how valuable an experience it would be.

Andrew started to see that caregiving was not an obligation. It was a calling.

Today, that early exposure has grown into Optimum Peace Home Healthcare, a company built on dignity, compassion, and integrity. For Andrew, the word “peace” is not branding language. It is a promise.

“I saw first hand how families struggle to find care that treats their loved ones like people, not just patients,” he says. “Too often, services focus on tasks instead of humanity. I wanted to build something different.”

More Than Checklists

In an industry often driven by schedules, forms, and volume, Optimum Peace operates differently. The approach is relationship-centered, not transactional. At Optimum Peace, everyone is a caregiver first,

more than services, they need reassurance.

regardless of title. Leadership is not distant. If a client needs support, managers step in. If attention is required, it is given. Service is not policy. It is culture.

The goal is not just assistance. It is stability.

Not just support. Trust. Not dependency. Dignity.

Because real care should not feel institutional. It should feel human.

Leadership Beyond Business

Brewer’s commitment to service does not stop at healthcare. He is also the founder of Men Making a Difference, a nonprofit created to help cultivate humility, discipline, patience, and teamwork among men in the community.

His belief is simple. Strong men build strong families. Strong families build strong communities. Operating both a business and a nonprofit has allowed him to align purpose with sustainability. One builds structure and capacity. The other builds heart and impact. Together, they create legacy.

Breaking Barriers, Building Doors

As a Black male leader in healthcare and commu-

Scan to read full story

The Chronicle News Small Business Spotlight- Rhonda’s

Reflections: Where Mastery Meets Mentorship

When it comes to transformation, Rhonda Stokes does more than style hair, she builds confidence strand by strand.

A licensed cosmetologist since the age of 18, Rhonda began her journey in Flint through a vocational program that laid the foundation for what would become a decades-long career in beauty and education. A Master Stylist and former instructor at Douglas J Aveda Institute, she brings both technical excellence and teaching experience to every chair. Rhonda’s Reflections is more than a salon. It is a training ground for the next generation of professionals. Her two-year apprenticeship program provides

hands-on experience inside a working salon at no cost to the apprentice. Participants complete required service numbers and tracked hours each week and month, gaining real client experience. Upon completion, apprentices receive a certificate qualifying them to sit for the State Board exam.

Several stylists have already graduated under her mentorship, and Rhonda is now placing a renewed and urgent emphasis on recruiting new stylists. She is seeking individuals who are passionate about healthy hair, eager to learn modern techniques, and ready to build a sustainable career in cosmetology. With a growing clientele and an expanding service menu, she is looking for stylists who want to grow

with a salon that prioritizes education, professionalism, and community.

Rhonda’s Reflections offers a full range of services, from precision cuts and silk presses to natural styles, color, relaxers, and restorative treatments, all grounded in her philosophy that healthy hair is the foundation of beautiful hair. Each client receives a personalized experience, supported by high-quality products and a team committed to excellence.

Salon Hours

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The Wayans Family Enters the NAACP Hall of Fame: A Legacy of Laughter, Truth-Telling, and Cultural Power

There are families who make history, and then there are families who rewrite it with a punchline, a mirror, and a refusal to be boxed in. This year, the NAACP Hall of Fame welcomed one of the most influential creative dynasties in American entertainment, the Wayans family.

For decades, the Wayans have done more than make people laugh. They have shifted culture, challenged stereotypes, and insisted on creative ownership in an industry that rarely offered it freely. Their induction is not just an honor, it is a long-overdue acknowledgment of impact.

From Living Rooms to Cultural Landmarks

The Wayans story begins where so many great Black stories do, at home. A large, close-knit family raised on humor, hustle, and honesty. What emerged from that environment was a creative pipeline that fed television, film, stand-up comedy, and pop culture itself.

Led by trailblazer Keenen Ivory Wayans, the family cracked open doors with In Living Color, a show that launched careers, broke rules, and refused to soft-

en its edge. It was bold, unapologetically Black, and wildly influential. From that foundation came a steady wave of voices, styles, and stories that felt familiar, fearless, and necessary.

Comedy With Teeth and a Point

The Wayans never treated comedy as disposable. Their work carried satire sharp enough to cut through

Dr. Nia Imara: Astrophysicist,

Artist & Visionary Bridge-Builder

Dr. Nia Imara is one of the rare voices in science who doesn’t just decode the universe , she people-izes it. She’s an astrophysicist and professor who weaves culture, creativity, and cosmic curiosity into a message bigger than herself.

Why She Matters Today

In a field still dominated by homogeneity, Imara stands out not just for her scientific mind but for how she teaches belonging in STEM. She’s among the few Black female astronomy professors in the U.S., doing research on the cosmos while also challenging students to see science as

part of human story and culture.

Beyond the Telescope: Art & Astronomy

Imara’s book Painting the Cosmos blends astrophysics with art and cultural history, drawing lines from celestial geometry to African artistic traditions. Geometry isn’t just formulas up in space, it’s a rhythm, a heritage, a connection between sky and soul.

What She’s Building for Students

Not content with abstract equations and orbit charts, she founded Onaketa , a nonprofit offering free STEM tutoring

to Black and brown students nationwide. Mentors of color guide learners through physics, math, and tech, flipping the script on who gets to see themselves in science.

“Science is a human endeavor,” she says, and every student should see their own reflection in that endeavor.

What This Means for Young Scholars

In an era where representation still lags behind potential, Imara’s voice cracks open what STEM can mean not just as a career path, but as a birthplace for identity, imagination, and cultural resonance.

racism, classism, colorism, and media hypocrisy. Whether through sketch comedy, parody films, sitcoms, or stand-up, they used humor as both shield and sword.

Damon Wayans brought a signature blend of physical comedy and social critique. Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans helped redefine ensemble comedy for a new generation, while younger Wayans have continued expanding the family legacy across platforms and genres. Their brilliance lies in accessibility. You could laugh without a degree in cultural studies, but if you paid attention, the commentary was always there, layered beneath the jokes.

Ownership Is the Legacy

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What makes the Wayans’ induction especially meaningful is not just what they created, but how they created it. They fought for control over their work, built their own production lanes, and proved that Black creators did not need permission to lead.