Throughout history, women have shaped communities, built institutions, nurtured families, and led movements that changed the course of society. Yet too often their stories remain quietly woven into the fabric of history rather than fully documented and celebrated.
From courtrooms to classrooms, stages to city halls, these women are shaping the present and redefining the
BY YANICE Y. CARTER
The United States Congress is as diverse now as it has ever been, however, when Chisholm was attempting to shatter that glass ceiling, the same was not true. During the racial tension of the late 1960s, she became the first Black woman elected into congress. She represented New York's 12th District from 1969 to 1983, and in 1972, she became the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. Her campaign slogan: "Unbought and Unbossed". During her Kamala Harris's Vice Presidential campaign, she paid homage by
using a similar slogan.
Quick Facts:
Born: November 30, 1924, Brooklyn, New York, NY
Died: January 1, 2005, Ormond Beach, FL
Spouse: Arthur Hardwick (m. 1977–1986), Conrad Chisholm (m. 1949–1977)
Awards: Presidential Medal of Freedom
Parents: Ruby Seale, Charles Christopher St. Hill
Siblings: Odessa Chisholm, Muriel Chisholm
Party: Democratic Party
There are women who live quiet lives… and then there are women whose lives echo through generations.
Sis. Mari Mosetta Nunley-Carter was not just a matriarch. She was a foundation.
Born April 9, 1909, in Panola County, Mississippi, to the late Malachi Nunley and Nennie Hughes-Nunley, Sis. Carter entered this world as part of a lineage already rich in strength. She would go on to deepen that legacy in ways that could never be measured by titles alone, but by the lives she touched, the family she nurtured, and the faith she carried.In an era where access was limited, her understanding was not.
Though she did not receive a formal education, Sis. Carter held a deep belief in the power of learning, ensuring that her children were educated and equipped, creating a ripple effect that now spans four generations.
Let’s pause there. That’s not survival. That’s strategy.
Sis. Carter was united in marriage in 1930 to the late Joe Carter, Sr., and together they built something sacred, a family that would grow to include fourteen children.
Fourteen. Not just raised, but rooted. She was a homemaker, yes, but don’t get it twisted, that word doesn’t begin to capture the magnitude of her role. She was a teacher without a classroom, a counselor without a title, a provider of stability in a world that often offered none.
Her home was not just a house. It was a hub.
A place where nieces, nephews, extended family, and even children of the neighborhood found warmth, structure, and love. Some were unofficially adopted, but fully embraced. Because that’s what women like her did, they expanded family beyond bloodlines.
tain Primitive Baptist Church, where her presence was not performative, it was foundational.
Her life reflected scripture long before it was ever quoted.
She lived Ecclesiastes 3 without needing to preach it: A time to be born… a time to plant… a time to mourn:And when her time came on May 8, 1994, she didn’t leave emptiness behind.
She left evidence.
What makes a woman unforgettable?
Is it what she had?
Or what she built in others?
Sis. Mari Mosetta Nunley-Carter didn’t just raise children. She raised a legacy that still gathers.
Every year, the Carter family returns home to Sardis, Mississippi, the place where her presence still lingers in the walls, in the soil, in the stories passed from one generation to the next.
The annual Carter Family Reunion, held each year the weekend before the Fourth of July, is more than a gathering. It is a return to origin.
A time when laughter fills the same spaces she once walked. When children run across the same land she once tended. When generations sit together, not just remembering her… but continuing her work.
Because legacy isn’t what you leave behind.
It’s what keeps showing up, long after you’re gone.
Some businesses sell products. Others create experiences.
Oluwaseun “Sean” Sipeolu did not open Jollof Afro-Caribbean Lounge to simply serve food. He opened it to serve culture.
Founded in 2025 in the heart of Downtown Lansing, Jollof Afro-Caribbean Lounge is more than a restaurant. It is an immersive space where cuisine, music, hospitality, and heritage meet. A space rooted in connection. In celebration. In representation.
Sean grew up understanding that Afro-Caribbean hospitality is not transactional. It is communal. It is storytelling over shared plates. It is rhythm in the background and laughter at the table. When he looked at Lansing, he saw opportunity. Not just for a menu, but for a movement. He saw a gap in cultural visibility. And he chose to fill it.
Beyond authentic cuisine, Jollof Afro-Caribbean Lounge creates space for Black professionals, creatives, students,
families, and leaders to gather and feel seen. It creates jobs. It creates mentorship. It creates opportunity for young
people entering the workforce to learn what ownership looks like up close. Entrepreneurship, Sean says, re-
quires resilience. Ownership comes with unexpected challenges, operational, financial, and personal. But leadership means protecting the vision. Setting the standard. Staying committed when things get hard.
When asked what “We Are Black History” means to him, his answer is direct:
We are not waiting to be acknowledged. We are building legacy in real time. For Sean, Black history is written daily through risk, excellence, and ownership. Every storefront opened. Every job created. Every event hosted. That is history unfolding.
In 2026, the vision expands. Strengthening the catering division. Growing community partnerships. Exploring product development, including bottled beverages. Positioning Jollof Afro-Caribbean Lounge as a regional cultural brand, not just a restaurant, but an experience.
Because culture deserves a home. And Lansing now has one.
There are lawyers.
And then there are Constitutional warriors.
Takura Nyamfukudza does not merely practice law, he defends liberty.
In 2017, alongside his partner and friend Mary Chartier, he co-founded Chartier & Nyamfukudza, P.L.C., a firm devoted exclusively to criminal defense and closely related matters. Their mission is not convenience. It is conviction.
Inspired by Clarence Darrow’s belief that protecting the rights of the “despised and damned” safeguards freedom for all, Takura embraces the difficult cases. The isolated mo-
ments. The ones that demand courage instead of comfort.
He calls himself a Constitutional Warrior. And he means it.
Sometimes that means policing the police.
Sometimes that means standing between a client and a system that has already decided their fate.
Always, it means protecting futures.
Before the courtroom, there was service. Takura spent twelve years in the United States Army, defending the Constitution in uniform. Today, he defends it in courtrooms across Michigan and throughout the country. Not symbolically. Not rhetorical-
ly. Literally.
His record reflects that commitment. He has secured not guilty verdicts in serious felony trials, including attempted murder and complex multi-count cases. He has helped free individuals who collectively lost 52 years to wrongful convictions.
That is not courtroom drama. That is history corrected.
Takura practices in both state and federal courts, handling appellate arguments before the Michigan Court of Appeals
BY J. DOMONICK DIXIE
Ihave four incredible sisters and a select handful of women who have become wonderful friends, colleagues, and confidants. With absolute surety, I declare that if women were to disappear from our world, the implications would be staggering, and the loss would be profoundly felt in every aspect of life and love.
Firstly, without women, the world would be devoid of femininity, a complex yet elegant essence. The world as we know it would be bleak and monotonous without the vibrancy and diversity that women bring to the table. Women contribute to art, fashion, music, and culture, infusing them with creativity and beauty. Women's unique perspectives and expe-
riences enhance their creativity, which enriches our world in countless ways.
Secondly,
women have the profound God-given ability to birth life from the spirit realm as flesh. Without them, humanity would not exist. Motherhood is an incredibly
precious gift only women can bestow on the world. The bond between a mother and child is unbreakable and unparalleled under healthy circumstances. The nurturing care women provide is essential to the healthy development of girls and boys.
Thirdly, women embody an immense amount of fortitude and grit. Women are resilient and have overcome countless obstaScan to read full story
March 19, 2026, BATH, Mich. — There are events you attend, and then there are moments you feel.
The 2026 White Rose Gala, hosted by the Lansing/East Lansing Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, was one of those moments.
Held at Eagle Eye Golf and Banquet Center, the evening brought together leaders across business, education, healthcare, law, and civic engagement for a celebration rooted in service, sisterhood, and sustained impact.
Centered around the theme “A White Rose Legacy: Friendship, Service, and Impact,” the gala honored individuals and organizations whose work continues to shape and strengthen communities across Mid-Michigan.
The evening’s most anticipated moments came with the presentation of the prestigious ATHENA Awards:
ATHENA Individual Leadership Award
Sharonda McDonald-Kelley, Head Coach of Michigan State University Softball, recognized for her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field.
ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award
Scan to read full story
Recognition Campaign
This Women’s History Month, The Chronicle News proudly celebrates 30 extraordinary women whose leadership, courage, and commitment to community are shaping the present and inspiring the future.
Across Michigan and beyond, women are building businesses, leading classrooms, strengthening families, mentoring young people, and advocating for change in ways that impact entire communities.
Some lead from boardrooms.
Some lead from classrooms.
Some lead quietly through service, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to others.
All of them are helping shape the story of our region.
The 30 Within 30: Women Making History 2026 campaign was created to recognize women whose work continues to move our communities forward. These women represent leadership across business,
Advent House Ministries, honored for its critical work supporting families facing
education, healthcare, government, nonprofit service, media, and grassroots community impact.
For nearly four decades, The Chronicle News has documented the people and stories shaping our community.
This campaign continues that tradition by honoring women whose contribu -
Legacy & Leadership
Yanice Y. Carter, MBA, CSSGB
Publisher, The Chronicle News | Founder & Executive Director, The Community Catalyst
Carolyn Carter (In Loving Memory)
Co-Founder, The Chronicle News |
Graphic Designer | Legacy Architect
Dr. Joan Thomasina Jackson
Johnson (In Loving Memory)
Former Director, Human Relations & Community Services, City of Lansing
Clinical Psychologist, Community Advocate
Public Service, Education & Advocacy
Dr. Tareva Watts
CEO/Founder & Clinical Director, Inspired Faith Counseling and Consultation (IFCC)
Honorable Judge
Wanda M. Stokes
Circuit Court Judge, 30th Judicial Circuit, Ingham County
Dr. Toni Hughes
Glasscoe
Associate Vice President of External Affairs, Development
& K-12 Operations
Sharon D. Rogers
Community Resource Manager, Family & Community Engagement Leader
Lucianna Solis
Mayor’s Community Relations & Faith-
Based Initiatives Manager, City of Lansing
Dr. Shenika Hankerson
Assistant Professor, Applied Linguistics & Language Education, University of Maryland
Judy Kehler, CPFIM, ACPFIM
Founder, Kehler Strategy Group | Former City Treasurer & Chief Strategy Officer
Dr. Stacy L. Leatherwood Cannon, MD
Senior Staff Attending Physician, Henry Ford Health System
Dr. Melody Angel, MD
Physician, Author & Speaker | Trauma Recovery & Transformational Healing Leader
Dr. Farha Abbasi, MD
Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Michigan State University | Mental Health Leader
Dr. Frances Carter-Johnson Founder, The Carter-Johnson Group |
Business, Entrepreneurship & Community Impact
Ashlee Willis Owner & Founder, Michigan Premier Events | Ms. Lansing 2026
Candace Phillips Owner, CandyShoppe
Hair Studio | CEO, CandeCollective
Ali Bennett Founder & CEO, Grassroots Giving
Corean Canty Founder, Speak More Human | Co-Founder, Shift to Play
Kiara Dumas Founder, Kingdom
Mind Design LLC | Portrait
Photographer Elyse Ribbons
Owner & Founder, Chengdu Teahouse
Erica Lynn
Co-Founder, The Village Lansing | Podcast Co-Host
Arts, Culture & Community Expression
Rae-Kel “Lady Kellz” Moore
Certified Life & Encouragement Coach | Founder, Sistah’s Reach
Bonita McAfee Mitchell Executive Director, Thread of Hope Records, LLC
Terra Riley
Founder, SisterHood Excellence (S.H.E.) | Community Advocate Law & Justice
Attorney Teresa A. Caine Bingman
Founding Partner, Law Offices of Teresa A. Bingman
Family Legacy
Feature
Taylor Family
Dr. Leola “Lee” Taylor | Heather Taylor | AnJanette “Angel” Taylor
Lucas-Perry Family
Dr. Patricia A. Lucas | Dr. Evelyn Lucas-Perry | Dr. Victoria Lucas-Perry | Crystal Lucas-Perry
Mental Health & Leadership
Dr. Terra DeFoE
Founder & Managing Partner, De’Cole & Associates, LLC
Rhonda Stokes
Owner of Rhonda’s Reflections Salon
Meet Yanice Yvette Carter, publisher of The Chronicle News and steward of a media legacy that has helped shape Black storytelling in Michigan for nearly four decades. Not a jack of all trades, but a woman who has mastered many, Carter has been described by some as a modern-day Josephine Baker, blending creativity, intellect, and presence into everything she builds.
In many ways, she embodies the spirit of a tentmaker. In biblical tradition, the apostle Paul supported his ministry while spreading his message, and today the term reflects something deeper, building both livelihood and legacy at the same time. For Carter, journalism has always been that calling. By day she leads a growing multimedia platform, by night she con-
tinues building a vision rooted in storytelling, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. Being a tentmaker, in that sense, is a poetic dance between livelihood and mission, the art of blending the daily grind with a higher calling, stitching together both sustenance and purpose so that what is built shelters not only self, but the greater vision.
Under the Chronicle banner, she has built more than stories, she has built bridges. While others followed established paths, Carter carved her own, moving with persistence, intention, and vision. She is the tentmaker, pitching dreams in ink and action, creating a legacy that speaks through every page. In every line is proof, she has not just written history, she has made it.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, and
raised in Michigan, Carter grew up immersed in media and community. She is the daughter of pioneering radio personality Larry “Jay Price” Carter and Chronicle co-founder Carolyn Carter, and was raised in a household where communication, music, and service were part of everyday life.
That voice?
Yeah… that’s my dad. Before me… there was him.
Scan to hear the voice behind the legacy
Her father’s voice on the radio sparked an early fascination with broadcasting, revealing the power of media to shape conversations and strengthen communities. But her creativity extended beyond journalism. She studied dance and music throughout her youth, beginning formal training in violin in the fifth grade through the Lansing School District, later transitioning to cello and continuing through college as a member of the Eastern Michigan University Symphony Orchestra. While at Eastern Michigan University, she also minored in music, studying piano, music theory, and performance, and sang in both academic and church choirs.
Yanice’s love for movement and rhythm continued into adulthood, where she explored ballroom, East Coast swing, salsa, bachata, merengue, and ballet. In 2014, she expanded that passion into wellness, becoming a certified step aerobics instructor, blending music, movement, and community engagement. These early foundations in performance, discipline, and rhythm would later influence her voice as a storyteller and media leader.
At her core, Yanice identifies as a modern griot. In West African tradition, a griot preserves history, carries culture forward, and ensures that the voices of the people are never forgotten. Through journalism, broadcasting, and community storytelling, she has embraced that role fully, understanding that stories are not simply articles on a page, but living records of struggle, triumph, creativity, and legacy. As publisher of The Chronicle News, she continues documenting those stories so future generations will know who came before them and how their communities were shaped.
Turn to Page 22 > Meet the Publisher
BY YANICE CARTER | PUBLISHER
Silent strength.
That is the phrase that comes to mind when I think of Carolyn (Hill) Carter. Not loud. Not attention-seeking. Not chasing recognition. But steady… faithful… foundational.
Born on June 22, 1951, in Great Lakes, Illinois, to Willie L. Hill and Emma Garland, Carolyn’s life
She met Larry “Jay Price” Carter at the age of twelve. A childhood connection that would grow into a lifelong partnership. They were married in 1976, and together built not just a family, but a legacy.
In 1985, the Carter family relocated to Lansing after Larry accepted a position in radio at WXLA and WQHH. What followed was not luck, it was vision meeting work.
In 1986, that vision became reali-
ty with the founding of The Chronicle News. And while many saw the voice of the paper, what they didn’t always see was the woman shaping how that voice showed up in the world.
Carolyn Carter was not just co-owner.
She was the architect behind the presentation. From the very first issue, she handled the layout and design of the newspaper, ..
was rooted early in faith, family, and purpose. Her belief in God was not just something she carried, it was something she lived. It guided her decisions, shaped her character, and anchored the way she loved people.
Raised in Chicago, she graduated from John Marshall High School in 1969 and later earned her Associate of Arts degree in Computer Science from Wilbur Wright College in 1972.
There are some people whose impact doesn’t end when they leave…it echoes.
Dr. Joan Thomasina Jackson Johnson, affectionately known as “Triple J,” was one of those people.
A clinical psychologist, community architect, and former Director of Human Relations and Community Services for the City of Lansing, she dedicated her life to ensuring that the most vulnerable were never forgotten. From food insecurity to housing instability, her work was rooted in one belief: community care is not optional, it is essential.
But beyond the titles, beyond the boards, beyond the long list of programs she led…
Dr. Johnson was something more personal.
She was a bridge.
A Builder of Systems… and People
Under her leadership from 2006 to 2020, Lansing saw the expansion of programs that directly served those in need:
Mobile Food Pantries Weekend Survival Kits
One Church One Family
Meet the Need Initiative
She didn’t just create programs.
She created pathways.
Pathways for families to eat.
Pathways for children to be supported.
Pathways for communities to show up for each other.
A Personal Legacy of Mentorship
For The Chronicle, this story is not distant.
It’s personal.
Dr. Johnson saw the work being built through The Community Catalyst and reached out, extending not just support, but belief.
Even as her mobility changed, her mindset never did.
“I may not be able to move around like I used to… but I still have resources to give.”
And she meant it. From early morning meetups at Meijer in Okemos to coordinating supplies for local advocates, she continued pouring into the next generation. She connected leaders,
equipped organizations, and ensured that the work continued beyond her.
She didn’t just mentor… she transferred power.
A Life of Impact
Born November 7, 1948, in Jacksonville, Florida, Dr. Johnson later made Lansing her home and her mission field.
She was:
A graduate of Edward Waters College
A scholar of Michigan State Univer-
sity
A mother, grandmother, wife, and community matriarch
A leader who served on countless boards and initiatives
A Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame honoree
A Chronicle Hometown Hero (2017) Her work touched every layer of the community, from government systems to grassroots outreach.
A Legacy That Lives On Dr. Joan Jackson Johnson passed away on January 29, 2022, at the age of 73.
But make no mistake… her work is still here.
It’s in the programs still running. It’s in the leaders she mentored. It’s in the hands of those continuing the work she started.
And it’s in moments like this… Where her name is not just remembered, but honored properly.
“She didn’t just serve the community… she strengthened it, equipped it, and ensured it would continue without her.”
For more than two decades, Bonita McAfee Mitchell has been using music not just as entertainment, but as intervention.
As the founder of Thread of Hope Records, Mitchell launched her platform in 1999 with a mission rooted in healing and empowerment. What began in Benton Harbor as a creative vision has grown into a Social & Emotional Learning and Mental Health character-building movement serving youth, families, and educators through music and performing arts.
Mitchell’s inspiration was clear from the beginning. She recognized a growing need to refocus young minds, addressing low self-esteem, bullying, violence prevention, teen pregnancy, suicide, and trauma through artistic expression.
Thread
Records became her answer
Through in-school programs, after-school initiatives, curriculum development, and a growing online platform, the organization helps youth and fam-
ilies make healthier choices by transforming music into a tool for emotional resilience and spiritual grounding.
At its core, Thread of Hope Records is more than a label. It is a Social & Emotional Learning program designed to confront social issues head-on. By blending faith, mental health awareness, and creative arts, Mitchell addresses the internal triggers that often manifest as violence, bullying, or self-doubt. Her goal is bold and necessary:
To interrupt cycles of trauma before they escalate.
To give young people hope.
To help them dream beyond their circumstances.
Faith as Foundation
Mitchell describes her greatest entrepreneurial lesson as surrendering to wisdom and allowing faith in God to guide every decision.
Giving up, she says, has never been an option.
Love and service remain the purpose behind every initiative she leads.
As First Lady of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church since 2002, author of The First Lady: The Process to My Purpose Believe, Don’t Give Up!, and former stylist for music legend Stevie Wonder, Mitchell merges real-life experience with spiritual conviction.
Her recent single, “Let This Mind Be In Me,” inspired by Philippians 2:5, serves as both anthem and prayer. Scan to read full story
LANSING, Mich. — Creativity was in full force February 28 and March 1 as families gathered at Impression 5 Science Center for LEGO®Palooza 2026, the museum’s annual family-focused fundraiser.
Presented by Impression 5 and supported by the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation and T-Fiber, the two-day event transformed the Science Center into a colorful hub of imagination, innovation, and neighborly connection.
With more than 20 LEGO®-themed activities included in event registration, guests of all ages explored hands-on building stations, interactive challenges, and a live-
ly scavenger hunt that encouraged participants to think critically while having fun. Children who completed the scavenger hunt were rewarded with prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the day.
For many young attendees, the event was more than just play. It was a chance to collaborate, create, and connect.
Liam Carter, representing The Chronicle’s next generation of community explorers, fully embraced the experience. From building imaginative creations to making new friends of all ages, he moved from station to station with curiosity and confidence. Impression 5 board members
Confidence as Currency: Shemeika Barney Is Dressing Women for More Than the Moment
There are women who follow trends…and then there are women who create spaces where confidence becomes the standard.
In Lansing, Michigan, Shemeika Barney is doing just that.
As the owner of Meika’s Boutique N More, established in 2017, Barney has built more than a boutique. She has created a space rooted in empowerment, self-expression, and community connection.
What began as a passion for fashion quickly grew into something deeper.
Barney saw a gap, not just in style, but in experience. She recognized the need for a space where women, especially within her community, could walk in and feel seen, valued, and uplifted.
Her boutique was never just about clothing, it was about
and staff members took note of his creativity, commenting on his bold use of imagination and willingness to engage.
The atmosphere throughout the museum felt warm and welcoming. Adults and children mingled easily, sharing ideas and laughter as they built side by side. LEGO®Palooza proved to be an event that truly appeals across generations, where toddlers, school-age children, parents, and grandparents all found common ground in creativity.
BY JUDGE WANDA STOKES
There are women who study history.
There are women who write history.
And then there are women who stand inside it and move it forward.
Judge Wanda M. Stokes is one of those women. Long before she took the bench as an Ingham County Circuit Court Judge, she was already breaking barriers across Michigan’s legal landscape. With decades of experience in both the public and private sectors, Judge Stokes has built a career rooted in integrity, service, and leadership.
titles. She is a community advocate. A mentor. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
A woman who understands that representation is not symbolic, it is structural.
Recently, Judge Stokes authored a sweeping reflection honoring the women who shaped Lansing, Ingham County, and Michigan. From civil rights pioneers to groundbreaking judges and legislators, she reminded us that progress is never accidental. It is built.
ply celebrating history. She is contributing to it.
And that is why she is one of The Chronicle’s 30 within 30 highlighted by The Chronicle Media Group
Exploring the Impact of Women's History Month: Recognizing the Achievements of Remarkable Women
Originally published March 2025
Republished for Women’s History Month 2026
She made history as the first African American appointed Chief of Staff for the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, a milestone that reflects not only professional excellence but generational progress.
But her leadership extends beyond
This year, we honor her. Because Women’s History Month is not only about looking back.
It is about recognizing the women shaping our courts, our communities, and our future right now.
Judge Wanda M. Stokes is not sim-
That title is long. The impact is even longer.
In partnership with the Executive Leadership Team, she leads community relations for the College, maintaining and strengthening relationships with business leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders. Her work ensures that the mission of Lansing Community College is not just written on paper, but lived in neighborhoods, classrooms, and boardrooms across the region.
Before higher education leadership, Dr. Glasscoe spent fourteen combined years in Human Resource Management with the City of Lansing and the State of Michigan. She also devoted ten years to the classroom and to overseeing K-12 programs, building bridges between young learners and the futures waiting for them. Today, she represents the College
on the College and Career Readiness Advisory Board, the Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton and Clinton Counties Board, and the Lansing Promise Board. She was also elected to serve on the Grand Ledge School Board. Her leadership stretches across systems, across sectors, and across generations.
Dr. Glasscoe earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University. She went on to receive her Master of Arts in Education and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Oral Roberts University.
While completing her undergraduate education, she was active in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., grounding her leadership in scholarship and service. She also served as a Big Sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters of America for
more than twenty years, and facilitated grief support groups at Ele’s Place for fifteen years. This is not résumé padding. This is commitment.
March is designated as Women’s History Month to honor the significant contributions and achievements of women throughout history. This celebration originated from International Women’s Day, first
Dr. Glasscoe’s work addresses barriers. She focuses on accessibility for students who might not otherwise see postsecondary education as an option. She works to close social, emotional, and academic gaps. She promotes collaboration between institutions and community partners so that education is not isolated from real life.
In 2026, her focus is clear, positioning Lansing Community College as the number one postsecondary option in the tri-county area for students and families, including those who are neurodiverse. Inclusion is not a trend for her. It is a responsibility.
Beyond Lansing, her next chapter includes a 15-day trip to
The Women Making History 2026 edition of The Chronicle News was created to change that.
This special series highlights women whose work, leadership, and influence continue to strengthen our communities.
From entrepreneurs and educators to healthcare professionals, artists, advocates, and mothers who lead quietly but powerfully, these stories reflect the many ways women shape the world around them.
In spaces surrounding us, women are launching businesses, mentoring the next generation, preserving culture, and creating opportunities that ripple far beyond their immediate circles. Their impact is seen not only in the work they do, but in the lives they touch.
Documenting those stories matters.
For nearly four decades, The Chronicle News has worked to preserve the voices and experiences of our community, ensuring that the full picture of our history is told.
The Women Making History campaign continues that mission by lifting up women whose leadership, creativity, resilience, and vision deserve to be recognized and remembered.
Some of the women featured in this edition lead large organizations. Others are building quiet revolutions in their neighborhoods, businesses, classrooms, and families.
All of them are making history.
This edition is both a celebration and a record. It honors the women whose contributions are shaping the present while inspiring the next generation to dream bigger, lead boldly, and create their own paths forward.
Because when women rise, communities rise with them. And their stories deserve to be told.
— Yanice Y. Carter, MBA, CSSGB Publisher, The Chronicle News
2. Elizabeth; the first woman and first Democrat elected to the State House from her Lansing district.
4. Current Governor of Michigan and lifelong Lansing area resident.
6. Dr. Olivia; the first Black teacher in the Lansing school district and a leader in desegregation.
9. Harriet; Michigan's first female State Librarian who managed a wing of the Capitol in 1869.
12. Frieda; the first woman elected to office in Lansing as City Treasurer in 1920.
13. Clarissa; the first sworn female officer of the Lansing Police Department in 1946.
14. Canady; a civil rights champion and former national president of Delta Sigma Theta from Lansing.
15. Abigail; co-founder of the Michigan Female College in Lansing in 1855.
1. Martha; founded ATHENA International in Lansing to support women leaders worldwide.
3. Paula; the first female president of Lansing Community College and local bank CEO.
5. Marion "Babe"; a Lansing-born aviation pioneer and Hall of Fame pilot.
7. Debbie; the first woman from Michigan elected to the U.S. Senate and long-time Lansing representative.
8. Alexa; the first African American woman neurosurgeon in the U.S. who practiced in Lansing.
10. Marylou; founder of Michigan Hispanic Heritage Month and a major Lansing community advocate.
11. Mary Ellen; founder of the Lansing-based global empire Two Men and a Truck.
CROSSWORD SOLUTION ON PAGE 14
Visibility Is Viability. And She’s Making Sure Women Are Seen. There are women who work within systems…and then there are women who challenge them, reshape them, and refuse to let them stay broken.
Dr. Farha Abbasi is the latter.
An Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Michigan State University, Dr. Abbasi has spent nearly two decades doing more than practicing medicine. She’s been breaking silence, dismantling stigma, and standing in the gap where culture, faith, and mental health intersect.
Since beginning her work in East Lansing in 2006, Dr. Abbasi has built a career that stretches far beyond titles. From leading the Muslim Mental Health Conference and Consortium to serving as President of the Pakistan Association of Psychiatrists of North America, her influence is both global and deeply rooted in community.
But her “why”?
That part is personal.
A Woman Who Saw the Contradictions… and Chose to Speak Anyway
As an immigrant raised in a culture often labeled as patriarchal, yet rich with powerful female leaders, including a prime minister and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr. Abbasi grew up un-
derstanding that women’s strength was never the issue.
So when she encountered the realities here…the numbers didn’t just surprise her, they exposed something deeper.
Women make up:
60% of those with low incomes
Perform 66% of the world’s work, much of it unpaid
Earn just 11% of the pay
Own only 20% of the land
And yet… give birth to 100% of the population
And still, they carry disproportionate burdens:
Intimate partner violence
Human trafficking
Addiction
Depression
All while navigating guilt, shame, and silence that keep them from accessing care. That’s not just inequality. That’s a system that was never designed to fully see women in the first place.
Dr. Abbasi saw it…and decided she wasn’t going to stay quiet about it.
Healing Beyond the Surface
Her work isn’t just about diagnosis. It’s about understanding the layers.
Dr. Abbasi speaks boldly about intergenerational trauma, the kind passed down quietly through families, cultures, and lived experiences. The kind that shows up in the body, the mind, and the choices women make without even realizing why.
And her message is clear:
Women are not broken.
They are burdened, conditioned, and often unsupported.
But they are also:
Tenacious
Resilient
Powerful
And it’s time they start owning that truth. She challenges
Scan to read full story
Some movements start with funding. Some movements start with a strategy. And then some movements start at a picnic table in the park, with tired mothers who simply needed space to breathe.
In 2018, at Francis Park in Lansing, Rae-Kel Moore, known to many as
“Lady Kellz,” did not set out to launch a movement. She was living her life as a single mother of four, balancing work, home, and the quiet weight that so many women carry without complaint. It began with “mom talk” at work. Simple conversation. Honest venting. Women pouring into each other between responsibilities. Each day, the table grew. More single mothers. More shared stories. More healing happened in the in-between. Somewhere in that organic growth, Rae-Kel realized something powerful.
This was not random. This was purpose.
Filling a Community Gap
At the time, there were few spaces where women, especially single mothers, could gather freely to talk, vent,
and be supported without judgment. No pressure to perform. No need to impress. No expectation to hold it all together.
Just space to be.
Through Sister Tah Sister, Rae-Kel created what she once needed herself, a place for real conversation, emotional release, accountability, and elevation. She understands that inspiration is easy and motivation is temporary, but true mindset transformation requires lifelong commitment.
Breaking Cycles, Not Just Coping
Lady Kellz is not focused on surface-level encouragement. Her work centers on uprooting stagnation and challenging repeated generational cycles that quietly shape families and futures.
“It’s easy to be inspired for a moment,” she says. “Changing your mindset for a lifetime is the challenge.”
Her mission moves beyond hype. It calls for healing. It invites alignment
over applause. Her work calls women higher, not louder.
When asked what advice she offers women on their journey, Rae-Kel keeps it grounded and spiritual:
“Seek God for the blueprint in life. Never think that you know it all because there’s always room to learn and grow as you go.”
Growth requires humility. Healing requires surrender. Leadership requires obedience. She embodies that daily.
Chronicle Spotlight Quote
“Ready…. Set….. EMPOWER!!”
Three words. One mission. Rae-Kel Moore, Lady Kellz, is not simply hosting conversations. She is cultivating transformation, one woman at a time. And the community is better for it.
step towards a healthier you. Today, primary care can handle
Choosing the right provider is the first step towards a healthier you. Today, primary care can handle much more than you may realize, including Pap smears, breast exams, pelvic exams, birth control, and menopause support. Whether you need comprehensive primary care or specialized OB-GYN services, McLaren makes women’s health care simple.
including Pap smears, breast exams, pelvic exams, birth control, and comprehensive primary care or specialized OB-GYN services, simple. mclaren.org/womenshealth.
Choosing the right provider is the first step towards a healthier you. Today, primary care can handle much more than you may realize, including Pap smears, breast exams, pelvic exams, birth control, and menopause support. Whether you need comprehensive primary care or specialized OB-GYN services, McLaren makes women’s health care simple.
Choosing the right provider is the first step towards a healthier you. Today, primary care can handle much more than you may realize, including Pap smears, breast exams, pelvic exams, birth control, and menopause support. Whether you need comprehensive primary care or specialized OB-GYN services, McLaren makes women’s health care simple.
Get the care you need at mclaren.org/womenshealth.
Get the care you need at mclaren.org/womenshealth.
Get the care you need at mclaren.org/womenshealth.
Find a Provider
Find a Provider
Choosing the right provider is the first step towards a healthier you. Today, primary care can handle much more than you may realize, including Pap smears, breast exams, pelvic exams, birth control, menopause support. Whether you need comprehensive primary care or specialized OB-GYN services, McLaren makes women’s health care simple.
Get the care you need at mclaren.org/womenshealth.
BY YANICE Y. CARTER
Last weekend at the Lansing Mall, something shifted in the atmosphere.
It wasn’t just a workshop. It wasn’t just photo ops in front of a branded backdrop. It was a room full of men choosing to rewrite narratives.
Young men showed up for the 2026 Suited 4 Success Etiquette Workshop, led by Aondray A. Worthy of Walk Worthy Menswear and James Jackson Sr. of IMOGUL Mentoring Group.
And they didn’t just show up, they leaned in. Ties were tied with patience. Jackets were buttoned with intention. Posture was corrected. Hands were shaken firmly. Eye contact was practiced. Standards were elevated.
But here’s what the cameras don’t always capture. This didn’t happen by accident.
It happened because men made intentional sacrifices. Time. Money. Energy. Pride. Ego. Past mistakes. All laid down so the next generation doesn’t have to stumble the same way they did.
bring the backbone, the accountability, the spiritual and emotional scaffolding. They are not just mentoring, they are modeling. Showing young men what leadership looks like when it is rooted in discipline and love.
This is the same spirit behind “100 Men in Suits” before back-to-school season. This is the same commitment that keeps showing up year after year. No shortcuts. No performative charity. Just consistent presence. The men in that room exemplified consistent, compassionate, and ambitious Black manhood.
My son Liam was also present at the event. He didn’t just attend; he actively engaged, studying and absorbing the information. Aondray Worthy and his Walk Worthy Brotherhood have become a consistent presence in Liam’s life.
“Dress how you want to be addressed.”
James Jackson Sr. and IMOGUL Mentoring Group
Aondray Worthy has built more than a menswear brand with Walk Worthy. He has built a platform. A proving ground. A place where young men learn that how you present yourself is not vanity, it is vision.
BY CHELSEA WOOTON
There are convenience stores, and then there is Quality Dairy Company, a place where “running in for milk” often turns into donuts, chip dip, ice cream, and smalltown rituals. As Lansing’s hometown institution approaches its 90th anniversary on March 11, Quality Dairy doesn’t feel old. It feels seasoned — refined over decades, adjusted just enough to stay relevant, and never overcomplicated.
At its heart, Quality Dairy is a food company. Always has been. Long before “prepared foods” became a convenience-store trend, QD understood something fundamental: people return for what tastes familiar and feels reliable.
Bakery: The Real Front Door
The bakery is the anchor of every store. Fresh donuts were introduced in the late 1960s after the company realized the smell alone could boost slow morning sales. Classic glazed rings,
In a world where some fathers choose to be absent due to unresolved anger, these men choose to be present. They choose to show up regardless of their biological relationship with the boys they support. This choice matters.
Long Johns, Bismarcks, seasonal shapes, and pączki all follow the same philosophy: indulgence without pretense. They’re meant to be eaten in the car, shared at work, or devoured before school. And yes, every Lansing transplant eventually learns that calling a pączki
“just a Bismarck” is fighting words. Don’t dare.
Every spring, QD’s Pączki season becomes a minor civic event, complete
with Paczki Palooza, a charity-driven eating contest that’s joyful, absurd, and community-minded all at once.
April’s Mystery Donuts turn the case into a playground for the adventurous: maple bacon, fruity cereal, chocolate-peanut butter, lemon curd, birthday cake — and yes, even a dill pickle donut that dares you to take a bite. Some vanish in hours. Others inspire calls for a permanent return. It’s a low-pressure test kitchen disguised as a donut case, rewarding curiosity and loyalty alike.
Then there’s the French onion chip dip — arguably QD’s quietest flex. Introduced in the mid-1950s, it predates most modern snack brand-
In 2012, Dr. Melody Angel lost her husband to suicide. She lost a 45-unit real estate portfolio.
She faced bankruptcy in the aftermath of the housing collapse. Her daughter was seven years old.
Many people survive seasons like that. Few decide to rise from them with intention. Dr. Melody Angel did not just rebuild.
She took control of her narrative.
A graduate of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and residency-trained at Sparrow Hospital, Dr. Angel is a board-certified family medicine physician whose career spans
Some leaders arrive in their roles through career paths. Others arrive through lived experience.
For Lucianna Solis, service has always been rooted in something deeply personal.
Today, Solis serves as the Mayor’s Community Relations and Faith-Based Initiatives Manager for the City of Lansing, a role she officially stepped into in 2021. But her commitment to community advocacy began long before that title.
port system, an experience that shaped both her perspective and her purpose.
“I know firsthand how overwhelming life can feel at times without a strong support system,” Solis shared.
emergency medicine, urgent care, hospice leadership, and integrative primary care.
After graduating medical school in 1998, Dr. Angel founded Full Well in Lansing from 2001 to 2004, a family practice clinic that blended Western medicine with chiropractic care, massage, acupuncture, and spiritual counseling.
It was integrative before integrative was marketable. She later served in emergency rooms across Michigan, stabilizing lives in crisis. But nothing prepared her for the personal crisis that would rede-
fine her trajectory.
The Year of the Volcano
She describes 2012 and 2013 as “volcanoes in our life.”
The death of her husband, Gregory Byrd.
The unraveling of 45 rental properties built together.
Financial collapse.
Single motherhood.
In that moment, she made two decisions:
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Cannon: A Lifetime Commitment to Children, Community, and Purpose | A Chronicle News Community Spotlight Series
Some people discover their calling over time. For Dr. Stacy Leatherwood Cannon, the calling came early.
At just four years old, she already knew she wanted to become a pediatrician.
Her journey began as a single mother navigating life without a strong sup-
Along the way, community organizations and individuals stepped in, offering resources, mentorship, and opportunities that helped her move forward. Those moments of support left a lasting impression.
Today, more than 26 years into her medical career, Dr. Cannon serves as a Senior Staff Attending Physician at Henry Ford Health in Detroit and is recognized as a Physician Champion for Childhood Wellness, dedicating her life to the health, development, and future of children.
But her work extends far beyond the exam room.
Dr. Cannon’s journey into medicine was shaped by purpose and reinforced
during her training at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, one of the nation’s most respected historically Black medical institutions. The school’s mission to serve the underserved deeply influenced the path she would take.
That mission continues to guide her work today.
Practicing in Detroit, a city where nearly 75 percent of the population reflects her own identity and where over a third of residents live in poverty, Dr. Cannon re-
BY AL SMITH
EP14 - Pop That!
Occasionally the viral game show “Pop The Balloon” shows up in my feed.
I’ll admit… it’s entertaining.
But at the same time I can’t help but wonder: Who on earth would willingly subject themselves to humiliation just to be seen?
Clearly… thousands.
As the father of four beautiful daughters, these things hit differently. As they get older and conversations about dating start to happen, the discussions around character, respect, and social media become more important than ever.
Today’s world is loud.
Everyone is performing.
Everyone is comparing.
Everyone is trying to be chosen.
But one of the things I always tell my daughters is this:
Pay attention to what people are showing you from the beginning.
Not just how they approach you.
Not just what they say.
But also:
What does their social media presence
say about them?
How do they talk about other women or men?
What kind of energy do they celebrate publicly?
Because if someone constantly promotes degrading women, chances are… one day that disrespect will land on you too.
And the same goes the other way around for them.
Another thing I tell them is simple but powerful:
People will often adjust their behavior to get you.
But eventually, their true colors always show up.
Good or bad.
So when someone tells you who they are early on… believe them.
Sometimes the loudest message isn’t what people say after the balloon pops…
It’s what they told you before you ever picked it up.
MY FELLOW GEN Xr's HAVE ANY COMMENTS TO SHARE? POST BELOW....
Some stories are not just about success.
They are about legacy.
When you listen to the story of Lavel and Dr. Patricia Lucas-Perry, you quickly realize their journey was never simply about careers or accomplishments. It was about building something enduring together, brick by brick, year by year, family by family.
Their love story began at the University of Detroit, where Patricia first noticed Lavel at a basketball game. Lavel admits he immediately knew he had met someone special. Patricia, however, was not easily persuaded.
But Lavel did something that would later define both their marriage and their legacy. He kept showing up. According to Patricia, the reason their relationship blossomed
For four decades, The Chronicle News has amplified voices, honored culture, and preserved the stories that shape our community. On Saturday, June 6, 2026, we invite you to celebrate this milestone at the Michigan Room at Lansing Community College.
The 40th Anniversary Legacy Gala will be an unforgettable experience featuring a locally owned business showcase, a vibrant mix and mingle reception, live music and entertainment, a dinner experience,
and keynote remarks from Judge Wanda Stokes.
This celebration honors Greater Lansing’s first African American owned newspaper and the generations of readers, partners, and leaders who have supported its mission.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations that believe in community, culture, and legacy. Time and ticket information coming soon.
For inquiries, contact info@ thechroniclenews86.com
was simple. “He kept pressing.”
That persistence grew into a partnership that has now spanned more than four decades of marriage, five children, eleven grandchildren, and a family legacy that continues to shape communities across Michigan.
In a video created by their children, Lavel describes their relationship in a way that feels both humble and powerful.
“We were like two mules pulling a wagon.”
Not glamorous.
Not flashy.
Just steady, determined teamwork.
They planned together, supported each other’s dreams, and shared responsibilities while staying com-
mitted to the same values. Both came from strong academic backgrounds. Lavel earned degrees in engineering and business, while Patricia pursued a career in dentistry, eventually becoming a trailblazer in the profession.
Despite demanding careers, their approach to family and life remained simple. They operated as a team.
Patricia describes Lavel as her rock, someone who remains calm even when emotions run high. His steady presence created a space where she could grow personally and professionally without feeling limited by marriage or family.
In Patricia’s words, Lavel’s superpower is his ability to remain easygoing
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BY YANICE Y. CARTER
LIFETIMES’ A SHORT DOCUMENTARY DIRECTED BY LANSING LOCAL, AMBER LOVE, TO HAVE HOMETOWN PREMIERE AT THE CAPITAL CITY FILM FESTIVAL
“Lifetimes,” a short documentary commissioned by PBS and Firelight Media, will have its local premiere at the Capital City Film Festival on April 7, 6pm at the Lansing Public Media Center (2500 S Washington Ave, Lansing, MI 48910). It will play before the documentary feature, “The Sun Rises in the East.”
“Lifetimes” features Lansing locals Rachel Willis and her mother, the late Robin Lewis. The film explores how their family has dedicated themselves to community service for three generations. It is directed by former Lansing resident Amber Love.
For tickets and more information: https://capitalcityfilmfest.com/event/the-sunrises-in-the-east
FILM DESCRIPTION (SHORT)
LIFETIMES meditates on the practical and emotional labor of fighting for racial equity long-term through a portrait of one family, encompassing four generations of Black community leaders in Lansing, MI.
FILM DESCRIPTION (LONG)
For three generations, the Lewis family has been
BY YANICE Y. CARTER
The Chronicle News salute those who fought for the rights of all women. Women's Equality Day is celebrated in the United States on August 26 to commemorate the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex.
Woman's Equality Day was first celebrated in 1971, designated by Congress in 1973, and is proclaimed each year by the United States President. Thanks to all who advocate on behalf of others on their pursuit of happiness!
pushing for racial equity in the Midwest. Through an emphasis on sharing family history and the importance of local leadership, each generation of the Lewis family has been raised to contribute to their communities in their own way, even knowing they might not see the results of that labor in their own lifetime.
Now, as Rachel Lewis runs for City Council, a new generation of Lewises is being exposed to the family’s long line of community organizing. Lifetimes is a meditation on the practical and emotional labor of fighting for racial equity long-term through a portrait of one family in Lansing, MI.
Amber Love is a filmmaker and festival programmer based in Chicago, IL. Her work has
Jayne
explored Afrofuturism, alternative families, and Black heritage, and has been supported by IF/Then, Short of the Week, Next Doc, and the Sundance Art of Editing Fellowship, as well as festivals across the country. Her forthcoming short film LIFETIMES, about a family of Black community leaders in Lansing, MI, is funded by the Firelight Homegrown: Future Visions initiative, and her upcoming feature ONE ANOTHER was selected for the Kartemquin 2022 Diverse Voices in Docs program. Amber is also part of the 202223 HBO and Gotham Documentary Development Initiative and is developing her second feature with HBO Documentary Films.
This film was funded as part of an initiative supported by Firelight Media, the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM), and PBS. It is one of eight films in the HOMEGROWN: Future Visions collection.
More information about the initiative: https://firelightmedia.medium.com/firelightmedia-pbs-and-caam-announce-filmmakers-s electedfor-new-collection-homegrown-future-8849e0d4d585
Film’s website: https://www.amberlove.org/ lifetimes
Short trailer: https://vimeo.com/804432543
Before it became common to see women covering major sports, there was Jayne Kennedy.
In the 1970s, Jayne Kennedy broke barriers as one of the first Black women in sports broadcasting, stepping into a male-dominated industry with confidence, intelligence, and undeniable presence.
Many first knew her as a beauty queen and actress, but she proved she was far more.
An Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, television host, and actress, she built a career that opened doors for generations of women to follow.
And let’s be honest… She wasn’t just talented. She was effortlessly stunning.
From Body and Soul to iconic television appearances, Jayne Kennedy brought elegance, strength, and star power to every role she touched.
She didn’t just show up…she set the tone.
Film & Television Highlights
• Body and Soul (1981)
• The Muthers (1976)
• Wonder Woman
• The Rockford Files
• The Love Boat
• The Six Million Dollar Man
By Yanice Y. Carter
As a publisher, I have the honor of telling powerful stories, but every now and then, one becomes personal. Dr. Evelyn Lucas-Perry (Dr. Cheek) is not only part of the incredible Lucas-Perry dental legacy, she is also my dentist.
During a time when I was experiencing severe dental pain and struggling to get the care I needed within the Greater Lansing area, her team stepped in with compassion, urgency, and professionalism.
From the moment I walked in, the staff was impressive, warm, attentive, and fully present. They didn’t just treat the issue, they made sure I was heard, cared for, and comfortable.
That level of service reflects strong leadership, and it shows throughout the entire practice.
What stood out to me immediately was the environment. The equipment was state of the art. The level of care, the setup, the overall experience… it felt like I was in a major city such as Atlanta, Chicago, or Washington, DC. I hadn’t experienced that level of advanced, in-house capability in quite some time.
And that matters. Because when you’re in pain, you don’t just need treatment… you need confidence in where you are and who is caring for you.
It’s one thing to build a successful practice. It’s another to truly show up for people when they need it most.
And that… is what this legacy is built on.
Summer camps are now enrolling!
Full- and half-day camps for students in grades 2-12. Scholarships and beforeand aftercare available.
Register now at lcc.edu/seriousfun.
Her path reflects a powerful blend of creativity and strategy. Carter earned her Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications and Film from Eastern Michigan University and later received her MBA in Marketing from Clark Atlanta University, where she also participated in an international business program in Barcelona, Spain.
Her professional career began in telecommunications, where she was selected for AT&T’s leadership development program and went on to build a corporate career in marketing, public relations, and university relations.
She later worked as Campus Recruiting Program Manager at CUNA Mutual Group, leading national recruitment marketing strategies and strengthening employer branding across universities. Yet even while excelling in corporate spaces, the call to legacy and community never left.
Her commitment to civic engagement led her into public service and political involvement. In 2016, she worked on a presidential campaign, gaining experience in national messaging and grassroots organizing.
Yanice served in the Ingham County Treasurer’s Office from 2018 to 2022, balancing public service with the continued growth of the Chronicle. Carter also ran for Lansing City Council AtLarge in 2017 and 2019, advancing to the general election in the 2019 race.
While she did not secure a seat, the experience strengthened her commitment to civic accountability and community voice, reinforcing her belief that informed communities are empowered communities.
The Chronicle News, founded in May 1986 by her parents during the height of the War on Drugs, was created to provide accurate representation of Black life and culture. Originally known as The Capital Chronicle, the publication has always centered truth, community, and excellence. Carter grew up around the paper, contributing as a writer in her youth, and formally joined as Managing Editor in 2015. After the passing of her father in 2022, she stepped into the role of Publisher, leading the organization into a new era.
Under her leadership, The Chronicle has transformed into a multi-platform media brand, expanding beyond print into digital publishing, podcasting, social media storytelling, and community events. She is not only preserving a legacy, she is modernizing it, ensuring its relevance for future generations while maintaining its original mission.
In addition to publishing, Carter is an author and creative visionary. Her first book, Notes from the Trail: A Journey of Life, Love, and Self-Discovery, was released in 2024, reflecting on resilience, leadership, and personal growth. She is currently preparing her second book, 31 Love Letters, The Day I Fell in Love with You (You Is Me), a deeply personal collection exploring healing and self-love. Through Chronicle Publishing, she also supports other writers through manuscript coaching,
author development, and independent publishing services, building pathways for stories that deserve to be told.
She is also the voice behind The Sunday Chronicle, a podcast and radio show that blends news, interviews, and cultural conversations, continuing her family’s legacy in broadcasting while expanding into digital platforms. As founder of Community Catalyst, Carter extends her impact even further, creating opportunities for media education, storytelling workshops, and community empowerment initiatives that help individuals take ownership of their narratives.
Currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, Carter is also deepening her commitment to mental health advocacy, working to normalize conversations around healing and emotional well-being in communities where those conversations are often overlooked. As a single mother, she brings lived experience into her work, leading with both strength and vulnerability.
Carter’s journey has not been without challenges, but she views each obstacle as a lesson in growth. Through every transition, she has remained anchored in purpose. Today, she stands as both a bridge and a builder, honoring the past while pushing forward into the future.
For Carter, leadership is not about
recognition, it is about responsibility. It is about showing her children, Jillian and Liam, that legacy is not simply inherited, it is lived. Every edition of The Chronicle is more than a publication, it is a continuation of a promise, one rooted in visibility, unity, and power.
What Inspired this Work:
“I’ve always loved writing and storytelling. I’m a visual learner, so crafting stories through words and imagery has always been my passion.”
“I hope women see that they can take control of their own narrative no matter the hand life deals them. As a single Black mother and a divorcee, I want women to see resilience and possibility.”
Stop waiting for permission to be successful, Be bold and blaze a trail.
— Yanice Yvette Carter
For more than half a century, the name Jesse Jackson has echoed through the halls of justice, church sanctuaries, college campuses, and city streets across America.
His voice, steady and unmistakable, carried the same message wherever he stood: every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and a seat at the table.
Born in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1941, Jackson rose during one of the most pivotal moments in American history. As a young activist, he became deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement and worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, helping organize marches, voter registration drives, and economic justice campaigns.
But Rev. Jackson was never content simply following the movement. He expanded it. He helped push the fight for civil rights into new territory, focusing not only on voting rights and desegregation but also on economic empowerment, corporate accountability, and global human rights.
In 1971, Jackson founded Rainbow PUSH Coalition, an organization dedicated to promoting social justice, education, and economic opportunity for
marginalized communities.
The coalition’s mission was simple but bold: build a “rainbow” of people from all backgrounds who believed that fairness and opportunity should not be reserved for the powerful or privileged.
Under Jackson’s leadership, the organization pushed corporations and institutions to open doors that had long been closed to women, minorities, and working class Americans.
His advocacy helped bring attention to hiring disparities, minority business inclusion, and educational access, creating pathways that many communities still benefit from today.
In 1984 and again in 1988, Rev. Jackson made history when he ran for President of the United States.
At the time, the idea of a Black candidate mounting a serious national campaign was almost unimaginable. Yet Jackson built a powerful grassroots movement that energized voters across the country.
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His campaign focused on a message of unity and justice that he called the “Rainbow Coalition.”
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 de-
gree 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 governmental operations training.
Beyond his government service, Mr. Leatherwood continued to shape leadership across Michigan. He served as President of Larry Leatherwood & As-
sociates, 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, delivering ethics and governance training to public officials statewide.
Most notably, Mr. Leatherwood founded the Uplift Our Youth Foundation in 2002. Through this work, the foundation awarded more than $140,000 to Lansing-area organi-
zations 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, January 2, 2026. 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.
Make
