The Chronicle News Electronic Publication No. 48 March 1st – March 7th, 2024

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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 feminin-

Black Woman Entrepreneur Launches US Book Tour and Starts Publishing Company to Promote Diverse Authors

In light of the growing trend of self-publishing, which is dramatically changing the landscape of the publishing industry, Author Yanice Jackson is embarking on a US book tour... and has also established her own new publishing company. The tour, which will cover ten cities across

the country, aims to promote her new book and connect with readers from various communities.

Yanice Jackson, an accomplished writer, and the current Publisher of the Chronicle News stated, 'I have always had a passion for writing and helping aspiring authors achieve their dreams.'

With the launch of her new publishing company, Chronicle Publishing Co., she aims to provide high-quality and afford-

US Book Tour and Publishing Company during Womans History Month 2024

A Celebration of Women - You are Essential and Unconditionally Loved

ity, 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 experiences enhance their creativity, which enriches our world in countless ways.

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The Chronicle News #communityknowswhatcommunityneeds www.thechroniclenews.com Follow us @thechroniclenews86 Vol. 5 No. 48  March 1st – March 7th, 2024 CONNECTING COMMUNITIES SINC E 1986 Scan to visit our website Connecting Communities
BLACK WOMAN...
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CELEBRATION...
 A
Photo Credit: Tay Ford-Heart of the City Photography-Yanice Jackson, Chronicle News Publisher, The Sunday Chronicle Radio Show, and Author launches

The Chronicle News

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

A Look In The MirrorLorraine Hansberry (1930 - 1965) Playwright

Lorraine was born in 1930 in Chicago, Illinois. Her mother was a teacher, while her father was a real estate broker. Their family was one of few African-American families in an all white neighborhood when she was young. She studied at the University of Wisconsin Madison, where she became involved with the civil rights movement. Following two years, she transferred to New York City and pursued a career as a writer. Her play, "A Raisin In The Sun," premiered on Broadway in 1959 and quickly became a hit. It was the first play by an African-American woman to be produced on Broadway. Set in Chicago, the story focuses on various themes such as racial discrimination and poverty.

The inspiration for the play came from Hansberry's experiences growing up in segregated Chicago. It was praised for its honest depiction of African-American life.

Throughout her career, Hansberry has tackled various social and racial issues. She was active in the civil rights movement and worked with prominent individuals such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Hansberry also supported LGBTQ rights and women's rights.

Hansberry died at the age of 34 due to cancer. Despite her death, her legacy continues to influence other writers and activists. Her work has helped pave the way for many aspiring African-American playwrights. Her dedication to equality and social justice will continue to motivate people for a long time to come.

Black History and the Black Woman

The most confusing thing about today's black community outside of the fact that it is imploded due to a false narrative of female independence, make ignorance, and total fear of generational success is the constant and repeated depreciation of its history. From the struggle of oppression to the victory of freedom, there is undeniable evidence that the written narrative of equality has always been nothing short of mythology. Our ancestors were vibrant. Despite being transplanted, they were

landowners. The intellectual and critical thinkers question why they have failed despite making tremendous

progress.

With each generation, since the Civil Rights Act was created, debated, and

ultimately signed into law, those that would benefit from such a law have not only taken it for granted but ignored it's the significance of the Act while simultaneously complaining about the fictional lack of freedoms they do not have. The discovery of the subconscious subliminal failures' is addressed openly if chronological methodologies are followed through social science.

After Jim Crow ended, there was a moment within both Black and Brown communities and awareness

of self and ambition. While many worked hard to get out of poverty, attain entrepreneurial success, and attended colleges and universities. Those that fell prey to the gaslighting of quick cash, sex, and power began to infiltrate the communities and create the narrative of struggles and racism remnant of Jim Crow instead of rising above it.

2 4 March 1st – March 7th, 2024 www.thechroniclenews.com BLACK HISTORY
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Photo Credit: Darren Thomas

An Open Letter to New Mothers

Dear sister, in the depths of postpartum, I see you.

I was you.

I am you.

Whether you are having a day of pure adoration, bottomless gratitude, of immense love for this new chapter in life, or you are battling internal conflict, confused thinking "what have I done?" If you are wondering if you can survive this season and hold all the responsibility of taking care of this precious, tiny human, you are not alone. Whether you feel achy, celebratory, tender, unraveled or you feel all of it in one swift moment, I see you. Your feelings, your sensations, and your emotions are valid.

You may be the mom who woke up in a puddle of her own breastmilk this morning. Laundering the sheets each day and wondering, "when will the oversupply regulate? When will the pain of engorgement subside? It will, eventually. You may be the one cringing, skin crawling with each latch, just waiting on the month mark you promised yourself. You may be evading the guilt you

would feel if you 'gave it up' now. You may be the one anxiously awaiting your milk to come in, squeezing your breasts each time you are in the shower to check and see if there is anything in there. You may be the mom whose milk never did come in, the one who never had the chance to try feeding her baby from her body. You may be carrying some shame about that. If so, I pray it lifts off you soon.

Chronicle News Graphic

You may have been the mama with a flailing baby, contorting and squirming and screaming themselves to sleep in your arms last night. You may have been the one crying right along with them, letting the noise machine drown you both out. You may have gotten six hours of sleep last night and still, you

Should kids be in the kitchen?

You have had a full day. You want to hang out with your child. You also don’t want to hang out with your child. You want some time alone. You want to make dinner for your family instead of going to grab food out or ordering in. You may be setting intentions to eat at home more often.

You want to do it all. Some evenings, you are just too tired to try to do it all. Is there enough time or enough energy to make it happen, tonight?

I’m your friend, encouraging you, here: there is!

It may not look exactly as we envision. We may be called to release some of the control and per-

fectionism we have been gripping onto. All of the veggies may not be diced to uniform size. Our children may have to spend time with us in a different way than how they initially

feel exhausted. You may be the mama who says “it's fine” when you know deep down, you need every bit of help you can get. You may be the mother in desperation wondering when 'the village' will come to the rescue. You may be the one who misses her social life, her work life, her love life. You may be the mama who cannot imagine going back to work in a couple of weeks or a couple of months. You may be the mom looking into a toddler’s disappointed, tearful eyes as you reject playtime yet again to take care of the baby’s needs. You may secretly (perhaps, shamefully) wish and want for just one more day as a mom of one.

Yes, I see you, too.

requested to.

It’s compromise, though. We can spend the time with our children; they can spend time with us. We all can prepare the hot meal, together. The key is inviting our children to be a part of that task with us as opposed to banishing them.

I vividly remember a time in the beginning of my motherhood when I hyper- compartmentalize everything. I wanted dinner to be prepped and done without my child at my feet. I thought the only time I could have alone time was when my child was with someone else, somewhere else. I wanted to get the house clean only when my daughter was out and about with her dad or napping for two hours.

I found this compartmentaliz -

You may be the mom who wept in the rocker, holding your sleeping, beautiful baby, wishing your own mom was still alive to share in this experience. You may find peace in knowing she is your guardian angel, looking over you and your baby, now. You may be aching over the disconnect and fractures in your own relationships that now boldly reflect back to you when you dream of everything you want for your child.

You may feel broken.

You are not broken.

You are healing.

You may be the postpartum mom with a saggy, bloody diaper, wondering if you could ever feel sexy or desirable again. I quietly promise you, you can and you will. It just may take some time and acceptance. You may be feeling like a deflated balloon. You may be horny. You may be unable to imagine having sex again. It is all okay. Remember, normal is a full spectrum. The idea of normal presented to most of us is fake. Ditch the comparisons.

ing made me increasingly frustrated and restless because I felt I was never able to get the things done I needed and wanted done. I waited until my child was away or asleep to be fulfilled in myself and the tasks that would bring my home a sense of peace. I quickly learned I would have to shift my mindset into one where I saw everyone’s needs as important- mine and my child’s, equally.

I learned and am still learning how to live in and cultivate fulfillment and satisfaction with my children by my side.

3 4 March 1st – March 7th, 2024 www.thechroniclenews.com LIFESTYLE
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10 Greater Lansing Woman-Owned Businesses you will want to Try

In honor of Women's History Month, we found the women who are making history in our community right now. With their sensations and creations, they all own and operate brick and mortar businesses in the Greater Lansing area. From gluten-free, vegan sweets, to healing herbs, to diversity-driven bookstores, to pottery-making courses and more, these shop owners are re-imagining useful products and services in innovative, fun ways. They are drawing on the brilliance of what it means to be a woman- their unique styles and expressions of femininity- to offer it back into their community.

SWEET ENCOUNTER BAKERY & CAFÉ

After six years of operating her business out of her home, Nikki Thompson Frazier now has a storefront dedicated to her decadent sweet treats. Inspired by her daughter’s numerous allergies, she specializes in the creation of glutenfree, soy-free, peanut-free and vegan desserts- making desserts that neither compromise health nor taste to inclusively satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. She also provides classes for those who are interested in learning from her genius.

https://www.sweetencounterbakery.com/ (517) 730-5005

 A CELEBRATION

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 over-

@sweetencounterbakery

300 S. Washington Square Suite (Inside Knapp's Building off Washtensaw) Lansing, MI 48933

SOULFUL EARTH HERBS

Soulful Earth Herbals began from Kathaleen Parker’s journey of walking with plants, a passion for learning how to create personal products, and making simple herbal medicines without the use of chemicals or other potentially harmful ingredients. Soulful Earth Herbals is a connection between nature and the ability to listen to your body, then respond. Take a peak at some of the products available online right now.

https://soulfulearthherbals.com/

(517) 316-0547

@soulful.earth.herbals

1131 South Washington AVE

REO TOWN

Lansing, MI 48910

SOCIALIGHT SOCIETY

Featured in The New York Times and Black Atlanta Star, Socialight Society is a local independent bookshop, celebrating Black women and Black literature. They offer classic, contemporary, and children’s titles predominately authored by Women of Color, who often lack representation in traditional bookstores. The founder and owner Nyshell Lawrence said, “My life and work is a celebration of Black womanhood. I started Socialight Society as a creative safe space where Black women can feel seen and celebrated.” https://www.socialightsociety.com/ @socialightsociety

5454 W. Saginaw Hwy. Lansing, MI 48917

(Inside Lansing Mall)

RECORD LOUNGE

Headed by a record expert of sorts, the shop specializes in collectable, new, used and rare vinyl records. The vinyl selection here graces every genre from the last 150 years of recorded sound. Heather Frarey has been in business for 15 years now, remaining one of Michigan’s only female-owned record stores.

https://www.therecordloungereotown.com/ (517) 862-1976

@recordlounge

1027 S. Washington Avenue Lansing, Michigan 48910

COCO’S OFF THE RACK

Owner Colleen “CoCo” Adams has owned her special-occasion fashion business in East Lansing for over 10 years. The boutique specializes in Bride, Mother of the Bride, Prom and Gala-type attire and gowns. Adams enjoys seeing generations grow up, as she serves them through recital wear to prom dresses and years later on their big day as Brides.

https://www.facebook.com/CocosOffTheRack

517.708.8434

3320 E. Lake Lansing Road East Lansing, Michigan

come countless obstacles and challenges throughout history. Women have been fighting for their rights and equality for centuries, and their perseverance and determination have paved the way for future generations of women.

Fourthly, women's strength is often overlooked, underestimated, and side-eyed. Women possess physical power, emotional resilience, and mental strength. They can accomplish extraordinary feats, and their contributions to sports, the military,

corporate America, and other physically and mentally demanding fields prove this.

Without women, this Earth would be without femininity, motherhood, grit, creativity, strength, and unconditional love. Women play an essential role in shaping families and society, and their contributions are, without mistake, invaluable. It is always wise that we recognize and appreciate the vital role that women play in our lives as sisters, mothers, aunties, lovers, and friends and ensure that they are treated with the

respect and dignity they deserve.

Essential to all things under the sun, my only request is that you please take care of your mind by taking the necessary time off to decompress and meditate; take care of your body to stay healthy and strong to take care of yourself, your partner and children; and maintain a healthy spirit, for there is where your metal is tested, generational curses are broken, and legacies are made. We honor you, we need you, we celebrate you, yet above ALL things, we love you.

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Step Afrika at the Wharton Center of Performing Arts

EAST LANSING, MI — Step Afrika! the world’s first dance company dedicated to stepping, is coming to

Wharton Center for one night only on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 7:30 PM. Tickets are on sale now through

the official Wharton Center Ticket Office, online at whartoncenter.com, or by calling 517.432.2000 or 1.800. WHARTON.

Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, traditional West and Southern African dances, and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor, and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.

The evening will feature Step Afrika's, signature performance, sharing the step tradition of audience participation

and closes with a complex, polyrhythmic percussive symphony that brings audiences to their feet.

“Always visually and musically exciting.” —The Washington Post Founded in 1994, Step Afrika! is the world’s first professional dance company dedicated to stepping. In their 30 years, they have traveled across the globe, have an exhibit at the Smithsonian, and performed for U.S. Presidents. With their notoriety, the company educates tens of thousands of college students every year, and in 2023, they were inducted into the National Association of Campus Activities Hall of Fame, the first dance company to earn this honor.

A chat with the artists will also take place after the performance for interested audience members. Wharton Center is proud to host Step Afrika! in the Cobb Great Hall on March 9, 2024.

Wackadoo! Emmy Award-Winning Phenomenon Bluey Brings

First Live Stage Show to Wharton Center

EAST LANSING, MI – Grab the sticky geckos, break out the duck cakes, and alert the grannies! It’s time to meet the much-loved Heeler family, who will be coming to Wharton Center on Tuesday, May 28, and Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 6PM with the Bluey live show, Bluey’s Big Play: The Stage Show! The Emmy Award-winning animated preschool series, which airs on Disney Junior, Disney Channel, and Disney+, will be “taking the show on the road” to Wharton Center. Tickets are on sale now through the official Wharton Center Ticket Office, online at whartoncenter.com, or by calling 517.432.2000 or 1.800.WHARTON.

Fans of all ages will get to see Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli as they’ve never seen them before, as the Heelers embark on their very first live theater show in the U.S. featuring puppetry, live actors, and iconic sets. Based on an original new story written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, Bluey’s Big Play: The Stage Show also contains new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush.

“After seeing the amazing reaction,

the show received during its Australia run, we are delighted to bring this standout live theater show to U.S. audiences,” said director Rosemary Myers of Windmill Theatre Co.

ABOUT BLUEY

The series follows Bluey, a sixyear-old Blue Heeler dog who loves to play and turn everyday family life into

extraordinary adventures that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family, friends, and community into her world of fun.

Bluey has won the hearts of kids and parents around the world since it first launched in Australia in October 2018, and has quickly become a global hit.

In Australia, Bluey is the number one kids show on broadcast television

and is the most-watched series ever on ABC iview. In June 2019, BBC Studios struck a global broadcast deal with Disney to premiere Bluey in all territories outside Australia, New Zealand, and Greater China; it now screens in over 60 countries. In the US on Disney Junior, since March 2021, the show has been the #1 most watched TV series with kids ages 2-6. In the UK, Bluey was the most watched show on CBeebies in January 2022 and is also available on Disney+.

Bluey has also won multiple awards, such as the International Emmy Kids Award in the prestigious Preschool Category in 2020 and has picked up the AACTA Award for Best Children’s Program for three years running (20192021). Bluey recently won four Kidscreen Awards in February 2021.

Bluey is produced by multi-Emmy award-winning Ludo Studio for ABC Kids Australia, co-commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios, and distributed internationally by BBC Studios outside of Australia.

5 www.thechroniclenews.com ENTERTAINMENT 4 March 1st – March 7th, 2024
Photo Credit: Darren Thomas

YOUR HEART IS IN GOOD HANDS

At McLaren Greater Lansing’s Heart & Vascular Institute, our cardiologists perform complex heart procedures through a minimally invasive approach. This means you have access to the latest advances in heart care closer to home, so you can get better faster.

Find a cardiologist at mclaren.org/lansingcardiology.

Is it arthritis or nerve damage? An EMG test might be able to tell you

When you are dealing with pain in your back, arms, legs, hands, and feet, it might not always be clear as to why that pain is happening. Arthritis and nerve pain are both common sources of discomfort, but they stem from quite different causes.

Arthritis primarily results from inflammation and degradation of joints. People who suffer from arthritis describe the pain as a chronic ache or stiffness in the joints that may be accompanied by swelling. Nerve pain, or neuropathy, arises from damage to the nervous system

and can cause a sharp, burning, or tingling sensation. Understanding the differences between these two types of pain is critical for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you are experiencing pain that is sharp or has burning or tingling in your extremities, an electromyography (EMG test) might help narrow down what is causing that pain.

“EMG is a test to look at the electrical activity of your nerves and muscles,” said Michael Andary, MD, MSU Health Care who performs electrodiagnostic testing at McLaren Greater Lansing’s EMG

Clinic. “There are two aspects of the test. The first is we see how nerves conduct electricity; there are small shocks to the nerves and record the responses and see how fast the nerve is, how many are there, and we can estimate how many are injured.”

The second test that can be performed is a needle EMG, which uses an electrode (needle) and puts it into the muscle. If the nerve is dead, muscles act funny electrically, and the needle EMG test can determine where the normal and damaged nerves are, helping the provider diagnose the condition.

“The test results can help your doc-

tor determine the best treatment options for you,” said Dr. Andary. “If the nerve is dead, it may push your doctor to be more aggressive in treating.”

Many conditions are diagnosed by using an EMG test, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), carpal tunnel syndrome, muscular dystrophy, radial and sciatica nerve dysfunction, Myasthenia Gravis, and peripheral neuropathy to name a few.

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Save on Internet Affordable Connectivity Program IE_XM_LANS 5/23 Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Limited to residential customers who qualify for Internet Essentials and the Affordable Connectivity Program. Advertised price limited to Internet Essentials with 1 Xfinity Mobile Unlimited line. Equipment, taxes, fees and other charges extra, and subject to change. Internet Essentials: Limited to Internet Essentials (“IE”) residential customers 18 years of age or older meeting certain eligibility criteria. If a customer is determined to be no longer eligible for the IE program, regular rates will apply to the selected internet service. Subject to Internet Essentials program terms and conditions. Home drop-off and professional install extra. Advertised price applies to a single outlet. Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed visit xfinity.com/networkmanagement. Affordable Connectivity Program: Only eligible households may enroll. Benefi is up to $30/month ($75/month Tribal lands). After the conclusion of the Affordable Connectivity Program, you’ll be billed at Comcast’s standard monthly prices, including any applicable taxes, fees and equipment charges. Once you have successfully enrolled, you will see the Affordable Connectivity Program credit toward your internet and mobile service. For complete details visit xfinity.com/acp. Xfinity Mobile: requires residential postpay Xfinity Internet. Line limitations may apply. Equipment, international and roaming charges, taxes and fees, including regular recovery fees, and other charges extra, and subject to change. $25/line/mo. charge applies if Xfinity TV, Internet, or Voice post-pay services not maintained. Pricing subject to change. In times of congestion, your data may be temporarily slower than other traffic. After 20 GB monthly data use, speeds reduced to a maximum of 1.5 Mbps download/750 Kbps upload. No rollover data. For Xfinity Mobile Broadband Disclosures visit: www.xfinity.com/mobile/policies/broadband-disclosures. © Comcast 2023. All rights reserved. Get Internet Essentials from Xfinity and one Xfinity Mobile Unlimited line with 5G together for only $24.95/month when you qualify for and enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Apply today if you participate in programs like Lifeline, SNAP/EBT, Medicaid, or free and reduced price school lunch. For more eligibility information, visit xfinity.com/getIE. Don’t settle for just your cell phone. Get Internet Essentials and Xfinity Mobile. Apply now $24 95 After ACP credit Go to xfinity.com/getIE Call 1-855-846-8376 Visit an Xfinity store Scan the code with your phone’s camera Standard data charges apply. Per Month + Tax Xfinity Internet required. Reduced mobile speeds after 20 GB of data usage/line. Home Internet and Unlimited Mobile with 5G IE_XM_DontSettle_5x5.25_Ad_LansingChronicle.indd 1 5/19/23 11:46 AM and Watch Your Savings Grow Start growing your savings today! Learn more at msufcu.org/savingsbuilder Whether you’re starting a financial safety net or putting money away for your next adventure, earn more with an MSUFCU Savings Builder SM 7 www.thechroniclenews.com 4 March 1st – March 7th, 2024

Legally Armed in Detroit presents "Lethal Force

Aftermath: Survivor Stories 3"Saturday, March 9, 2024 - 12 Noon to 2:00PM Free Admission

Attend to hear factual real-life "Survivor Stories" from our latest panel of invited speakers who were forced to fend for themselves after being selected for victimization.

What You Will Hear and Learn

Our last "Survivor Stories" panel shared their deeply personal stories before our group of attendees who intently listened to their tales of survival. Most folks present took detailed notes and asked profound questions to find lessons and strategies to enhance their own personal protection plans.The last panel discussion and presentation of individual testimonies was predicted to be the only time an event of this type would ever be held.

Fortunately, we were able to coax another group of courageous survivors to step forward and share their experi-

ences to possibly help other law-abiding citizens.Each of our invited speakers are not employed by any law enforcement agencies. As such, they are "regular" every-day citizens such as yourself

who managed to survive the worse 60 seconds of their lives.Listen to our panelists individually share their mindset and level of awareness before they were attacked and compare that with the les-

sons they learned in the aftermath.

Discover the realities of being attacked and how they each managed to survive their lethal force encounters. Info shared at this seminar can help you survive, if you are ever targeted by purveyors of violence.Also, you will hear their individual accounts of what happened in the aftermath. Our confirmed panelists have widely varying experiences. One panelist was severely injured and is here to tell the his story. The other panelist was forced to use defensive force against a determined adversary.Both panelists will answer your questions about surviving a violent attack.

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8 www.thechroniclenews.com 4 March 1st – March 7th, 2024
FREE to attend. FREE Registration is required.Liberty General Baptist Church, 3545 Joslyn Rd., Auburn Hills, MI
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Lansing/East Lansing (MI) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated will Honor ATHENA Award Recipients While Celebrating Women’s History Month

Lansing/East Lansing (MI) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated will Honor ATHENA Award Recipients While Celebrating Women’s History Month LANSING – The Lansing/East Lansing Chapter of Links, in partnership with Black K.A.R.E (Kidney Awareness, Resources and Education), a program created by Baxter International Inc., will celebrate Women’s History Month by hosting the Links’ 2024 White Rose Gala on Thursday, March 21st. The dinner event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Eagle Eye Golf & Banquet Center, 15500 Chandler Road, Bath, Mich. During the event, themed The Wealth of Wellness, the Links will present the Young Professional Leadership and Organizational Leadership ATHENA Awards and will highlight the chapter’s ongoing community service efforts. This distinguished event provides the community with an opportunity to network with leaders from the business, legal, health, and education sectors.

Mable Martin-Scott, Esq., is the President of the Lansing/East Lansing Links. As the chapter prepared to celebrate Women's History Month, she asked members to reflect on the words of Ethel Isaacs Williams, J.D. National President of The Links, Incorporated, who asked all members to answer the following questions as we present

programs and award scholarships within our communities: “Is it really better for all of us? Is it better for the least of us and the community we serve as friends? And most importantly, do we still care enough to genuinely be our sisters' and brothers' keepers?” President Martin-Scott has urged each member to answer those questions honestly and sincerely for oneself and to consider the questions as we reviewed the work and contributions of this year's recipients, who she believes have, too, answered these questions with a resounding ‘yes’ as they continue their excellent and much-needed work in our community.

Dr. Shimia Isaac, DO, MPH, will receive the Young Professional Leadership Award. “I am truly humbled and thankful to have been nominated and awarded the 2024 ATHENA award,” said Dr. Isaac, a family medicine physician with Lansing’s Sparrow Medical Group. “Being a recipient of this award has motivated me to continue being

authentic in the care I provide to those in this community but to also do even more with my compassion, skills, creativity, and interests.”

Comerica Bank will receive the Organizational Leadership Award. “The Lansing/East Lansing Chapter of The Links has had a profound impact on our community, and its extraordinary service for the past 50 years has uplifted women

and improved the lives of our youth,” said Debra Van Hevele, Comerica Bank Senior Vice President, and Retail Regional Director. “We are humbled to be bestowed the honor of this year’s ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award. Our steadfast commitment to diversity, such as fostering the growth of women leaders at Comerica, further strengthens our culture and bolsters how we help serve our customers and communities.”

Sponsorships remain available at various levels and tickets are available for purchase. For more information, contact any member of the Lansing/East Lansing Links or access the organization’s website: https://www. lansingeastlansinglinksinc.org/whiterose-gala.

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able resources to writers of all genres, including non-fiction, fiction, creative writing with illustration, children's books, and self-help books.

To kick off this exciting endeavor, Jackson will be hosting an official book signing and meet and greet event at the Socialight Society (a one-of-a-kind black-woman-owned bookshop) in Lansing, Michigan. The Book signing/ Meet & Greet takes place on Thursday, March 14th from 5-7 PM.

This event will not only allow readers to meet the author in person but also a chance to purchase limited copies of her new book. Attendees can expect an engaging and friendly atmosphere, as Yanice is known for her warm and approachable tone of voice.

The US book tour will cover the following cities: - Lansing, Michigan –Grand Rapids Michigan, -Detroit, Michigan - Chicago, Illinois - Indianapolis, Indiana- Atlanta, Georgia - Dallas, Tex-

as - Washington D.C. and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and New York, New York.

For more information about Yanice Jackson's book tour and her new publishing company, please visit her website at https://www.yaniceyvette.com. You can also reach out to her via email at info@thechroniclenews86.com or visit the Chronicle News website at www.thechroniclenews.com.

Join Yanice Jackson on her US book tour as she embarks on this exciting ad-

venture, promoting her new book and sharing her passion for writing with readers across the country. Don't miss the opportunity to meet the author in person and discover the valuable resources offered by Chronicle Publishing Co. Mark your calendars for the official book signing and meet and greet event in Lansing, Michigan, and stay tuned for further updates on tour dates and locations. Get ready for an unforgettable literary experience!

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 BLACK WOMAN ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................From
LIFESTYLE 4 March 1st – March 7th, 2024
Courtesy Photo-Dr Shimia Isaac, DO, MPH
10 www.thechroniclenews.com 4 March 1st – March 7th, 2024
The Daily 4 Red Ball Double Draw promotion runs for Monday - Saturday evening drawings only.

Freelancers: Turn Your Work Into a Successful Small Business Using These Helpful Tips

In 2019, Fast Company reported that freelancers made up 35% of the U.S. workforce. The continued expansion of the gig economy — as well as work-from-home opportunities — has likely increased this figure even further.

While the pandemic has brought added work to some freelancers, many who work with small business owners still face losing clients due to financial hardship. Additionally, opportunities to find new clients through networking are few and far between.

One solution to this problem is to transition from freelancer to small business owner. As a business owner, it is easier to reach a wider audience and to promote one’s services online. It is also an excellent way to boost credibility and to further expand service offerings.

If you are a freelancer who has been considering opening a small business, we offer the following tips to help you achieve success as soon as possible.

START WITH A BRAINSTORMING SESSION

Before making the leap from freelancer to business owner, you need to establish the basics. To facilitate this process, schedule an in-depth brainstorming session.

At this stage, you’ll need to decide what services you want to offer, the name of your business, service pricing, and so on. According to Inc. Magazine, it is also beneficial to create short and long-term business goals. Depending on how much you’ve thought about opening a business to this point, you may need to schedule additional brainstorming sessions to clarify all of the important points.

When brainstorming, don’t limit your ideas. Write down everything, and let the creativity flow. One of the best aspects of being a freelancer-turned-business owner is that you get to make all of the decisions. There is no one who will be judging your ideas, or who will get the final say. Get all of your ideas out

of your head and on to paper, and make changes later on.

EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE

You’re an expert in your industry, but you likely have little (or no) formal business education/experience — which is totally ok!

Consider enrolling in an online MBA program to learn more about how to thrive in the business world. These programs are flexible enough to fit any schedule and will build your knowledge of leadership, business strategy, management theory, and self-awareness. The best part is that you don’t have to wait until you graduate from the program to start your new business endeavor. Taking classes concurrently will give you the ability to build your firsthand experience alongside your education.

ENLIST THE HELP OF OTHER FREELANCERS AND LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS

Arguably, the most exciting part of building your business is the creative work. This is the stage where you’ll begin to see your vision take on a tangible form. While you will be able to handle some elements on your own (depending on your skillset), you will need the help of others to create a professional and credible image.

Enlist the help of fellow freelancers and small business owners to create various pieces of your brand. Hire experts to build your website, design your logo, take all needed pictures, and write your website/social media content. Utilizing the skills of other freelancers and business owners will not only support local creatives and the local economy, but it will also give you a more custom experience.

SET A LAUNCH DATE AND START PROMOTING

Once you have all elements in place, it’s time to choose a launch date. Consider what commitments you currently have while selecting your grand opening. After settling these details, it is time to promote your business. Create social media pages (such as a Facebook and Instagram business page), change your work details on LinkedIn, run ads, and begin networking with local professionals. Getting the word out before you launch will increase your chances of signing new clients from day one.

The decision to open a business can be a challenging one. With so much to do and learn, the thought alone can be intimidating. But for freelancers who are looking to grow and expand their client base, starting a business can be one of the best career decisions they will ever make.

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