A Note from the Publisher:
Honoring Excellence, Inspiring Futures –A Season of Reflection and Renewal
BY YANICE JACKSON
As we close out the year and step into the spirit of the holiday season, The Chronicle invites you to join us in reflecting on the stories, milestones, and moments that have shaped our community. December is more than just the final chapter of the calendar — it is a time to honor the excellence we've witnessed and give thanks for those who inspire us to dream bigger, do better, and believe more deeply in the future.
BY YANICE JACKSON
December arrives with a quiet insistence. The pace slows, lights soften, and something in us leans inward. As we close out another year in Michigan, The Chronicle turns our focus to the people, institutions, and everyday moments that remind us who we are — and who we still have the power to become.
This season has always been more than gatherings and celebrations. It is a time when communities pause, not to look back with regret, but to look forward with intention. We hon-
arents, students, school staff members, and others are encouraged to nominate outstanding public-school educators for the Michigan Lottery’s 2025-26 Excellence in Education awards.
All public-school employees may be nominated for the Excellence In Education awards, which recognize educators who go “above and beyond” to make a
Scenes of Excellence across Michigan-educators, families, Community advocates, and youth leaders whose everyday actions strengthem our communities.
The Legacy of Dr. Mar tin Luther King Jr
Black History
Honoring Excellence, Inspiring Futures: The Giving Legacy of Chadwick Boseman
As the year comes to a close and we enter a season of reflection and giving, it's fitting to honor someone whose legacy embodied excellence, grace, and generosity — the late actor and activist Chadwick Boseman. Best known for portraying powerful Black icons and inspiring millions as Black Panther, Boseman’s impact extended far beyond the screen. He used his fame to uplift others quietly, often without cameras or fanfare. In this season of giving, his story reminds us that true greatness is not just about visibility — it's about impact.
Giving in Silence
What many didn’t know during his lifetime was that Boseman, while pri-
vately battling cancer, was also giving back to children battling their own illnesses. He visited terminally ill kids at St. Jude’s, sent care packages, and made time between shoots — all while undergoing treatment himself.
In the words of actress Danai Gurira, “He was pure-hearted. He did not parade his pain or seek applause for his kindness. He just gave.” His quiet giving was a reflection of his faith, integrity, and commitment to community.
Investing in the Next Generation
Boseman was also passionate about education and opportunity. A proud graduate of Howard University, he often spoke about the importance of historically Black colleges and uni -
versities (HBCUs). In 2018, he gave the commencement speech at Howard, urging graduates to “press on with pride and purpose.”
In 2020, it was revealed that Boseman had helped launch and fund several scholarships, including an HBCU scholarship through Netflix and Howard in his honor — ensuring that future storytellers, scientists, and leaders have access to education without financial barriers.
A Legacy That Inspires
Action
Chadwick Boseman’s legacy reminds us that honoring excellence is about showing up —
Exploring the Impact of the Great Migration on This Day in Black History
BY YANICE JACKSON
December 4, 1915, marks the beginning of The Great Migration, a pivotal moment in American history that significantly altered the demographic landscape of the nation. On this day, millions of Black Americans, driven by the oppressive conditions of the Jim Crow South, embarked on a journey northward in search of reprieve from the pervasive racism and systemic discrimination that had long defined their lives.
This mass movement was not merely a quest for physical relocation; it represented a profound yearning for dignity, equality, and a chance to build a better future for themselves and their families. The Great Migration was fueled by a variety of factors, including the promise of better economic opportunities in northern industrial cities, which were experiencing a labor shortage due to World War I.
As factories expanded and demand for workers increased, many Black Americans saw this as an opportunity to escape the agricultural toil and eco-
nomic hardships of the South, where sharecropping often left them in a cycle of poverty and debt. Cities such as Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia became beacons of hope, attracting those eager to find work and improve their living conditions. In addition to economic motivations, the Great Migration was also a response to the desire for educational
opportunities that were often denied to Black children in the South.
Many families sought to provide their children with access to better schools and a more equitable education system, hoping that this would enable the next generation to thrive in a society that had historically marginalized them. With the migration, communities began to form in these northern cities, creating vibrant cultural hubs that would eventually give rise to significant movements in art, music, and social activism, such as the Harlem Renaissance.
The impact of the Great Migration was profound and far-reaching, reshaping not only the demographics of the northern states but also influencing the cultural and political landscape of the entire nation. As Black Americans settled in urban areas, their voices began to resonate more loudly in the fight for civil rights and social justice, laying the groundwork for future movements. The legacy of this migration continues to be felt today, as it represents a crucial chapter in the ongoing struggle for equality and the quest for a more just society.
Image vi Shutterstock-Chadwick Boseman delivers a heartfelt message of gratitude and purpose during a fan event at TCL Chinese Theatre.
Image Via Wix Stock Photos-A Black family pauses along a Southern road during the early Great Migration, carrying their belongings as they journeyed toward new opportunities in the North.
Smart Budgeting Tips for the Holidays
Contributed by TRUE Community Credit Union
BY TRUE COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
The holidays bring joy, traditions, and togetherness— but they can also create financial stress if you’re not prepared. A thoughtful holiday budget helps you celebrate without overspending or facing a post-season money hangover. Here are some tips to keep your finances merry and bright:
Start with a Spending Plan
Set a total budget: Decide the maximum amount you can afford to spend overall. The general rule of thumb is no more than 1% of your annual income for holiday expenses.
Save early: Even small weekly deposits into a holiday fund add up by December.
Track spending in real time: Use digital banking tools or budgeting apps. You can find a free, fillable, and reusable holiday budgeting worksheet from
our partners at GreenPath Financial Wellness at TRUECCU.com.
Shop Smart
Expect surprises: Budget a small cushion for unplanned expenses (extra gifts, shipping costs, etc.).
Plan meals: Hosting? Create menus in advance to avoid costly impulse buys at the store.
Decorate on a budget: Reuse what you have, swap with friends, or look for secondhand treasures.
Keep the Spirit Focused
Remember, experiences matter: Spending time with loved ones often means more than expensive gifts.
Give the gift of service: Acts of kindness or shared activities can be be priceless.
With a little planning and mindful spending, you can enjoy the holidays without financial stress. By setting a budget, tracking expenses, and focusing on what truly matters, you’ll keep both your wallet and your holiday spirit full.
or those who have given their best in classrooms, neighborhoods, businesses, sanctuaries, and homes. We uplift the youth who show promise, the elders who hold our wisdom, and the families navigating seasons of transition with grace.
What we’ve seen this year is a truth that runs deeper than headlines:
excellence isn’t loud. It’s present. It’s consistent. It’s the educator who goes beyond lesson plans to inspire confidence. It’s the neighbor who volunteers without being asked. It’s local businesses strengthening communities through acts of care. It’s families choosing connection over chaos, purpose over pressure, and renewal over
routine.
As we enter December, The Chronicle invites readers to reflect on what has carried us, what has strengthened us, and what deserves to be preserved. This issue celebrates stories of perseverance, cultural legacy, academic possibility, and community spirit — each one a reminder that excellence is not acciden-
tal; it is cultivated.
Let this season be one of resetting priorities, honoring those who have made an impact, and recommitting ourselves to the futures we hope to shape. Here’s to the lessons behind us, the opportunities ahead, and the power we hold right now — to inspire, renew, and transform our communities.
In this special issue, we spotlight those who have led with purpose, uplifted others, and shown us what resilience and brilliance look like in real time. From youth making quiet waves to elders who’ve left lasting legacies, this is a celebration of impact — both seen and unseen.
As lights go up, calendars wind down, and families gather, may we also take a moment to recommit to our values, our visions, and to one another. Let us carry the lessons of this year forward with grace, gratitude, and renewed determination.
Wishing you peace, joy, and purpose this season and beyond. Here's to honoring excellence — and inspiring futures.
With heartfelt thanks,
Yanice Jackson Publisher, The Chronicle Media Group
difference in the lives of children. To nominate a public school educator, go to https://www.michiganlottery.com/ excellence-in-education.
“The Excellence in Education awards are our way of honoring the phenomenal work being done by educators in communities throughout Michigan,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli. “These dedicated professionals do so much more than teach; they are a constant, supportive presence who instill lifelong skills and inspire students to believe in themselves.” The Michigan Lottery established the Excellence in Education awards in 2014 to recognize outstanding public-school educators across the state during the school year.
One outstanding educator will be selected each week and will receive a $2,000 cash prize. At the end of the school year, one of these weekly award winners will be selected to receive the
Lottery’s Educator of the Year award and will receive a $10,000 cash prize.
Winners of the weekly award are featured in a news segment on the Lottery’s media partner stations: WXYZTV in Detroit, FOX 17 in Grand Rapids, FOX 47 in Lansing, WNEM-TV in Saginaw, WWTV-TV in Traverse City, and WLUC-TV in Marquette.
The winner of the 2025 Educator of the Year award was Kelly Herberholz, a science teacher and administrative intern with Dakota High School in Macomb.
Hundreds of educators were nominated during the 2024-25 school year, which was the 11th year of the Excellence in Education awards program. Thirty-four of these nominees, including Herberholz, were selected to win a weekly award.
Previous winners of the Educator of the Year award:
2024 – Samantha TwoCrow, the director of the Indigenous Education Program for Suttons Bay Public Schools in Suttons Bay.
2023 – Kathryn Kluzak, a kindergarten teacher with Robert L. Green Elementary in East Lansing. 2022 –Spencer Vanderheide, a high school teacher with Kenowa Hills High School in Grand Rapids. 2021 – Janice Smith, a school social worker at Fisher Magnet Lower Academy in Detroit.
2020 – Megan Sidge, an Autism Spectrum Disorder teacher at Hickory Woods Elementary in Walled Lake. 2019 – Stewart Kieliszewski, an Earth science, biology, mechatronics, and media teacher for eighth through 12 graders at the Ubly Community Schools. Scan to read full story
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A Chronicle Family Review: Dog Man: The Musical Lights Up Wharton Center with Joy, Laughter, and Community
BY YANICE JACKSON
The Chronicle recently enjoyed a bright and heartwarming afternoon at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, attending Dog Man: The Musical with press seating provided through Wharton Center’s continued support of local journalism and community storytelling.
For me and my Junior Executive, Liam, the production was nothing short of magical. Adapted from Dav Pilkey’s beloved series, the musical bursts with color, humor, music, and a message of redemption that resonated with families across generations. Liam sat wide-eyed and fully engaged from the opening scene to the final bow, whis-
pering excited commentary that only a five-year-old can deliver without consequence.
But the heart of the day came backstage.
We had the privilege of meeting Diamond Destiny, the talented actress who brings Flippy to life with charisma, warmth, and undeniable star power. Diamond greeted Liam like a true community ambassador, posing for photos and proudly holding both The Chronicle News and my book, Notes from the Trail.
It was a perfect Chronicle moment: art, literacy, representation, and connection all in one frame. If you’re looking for a family outing that blends laughter, imagination, and meaningful storytelling, Dog Man: The Musical is highly
recommended. Wharton Center once again reminded us why access to the arts is essential for our children and for our sense of community.
The Chronicle News Acknowledges Wharton Center
Press Access Provided Courtesy of Wharton Center for Performing Arts
The Chronicle Media Group extends sincere appreciation to Wharton Center for providing press seating and backstage access for our coverage of Dog Man: The Musical. We value Wharton Center’s commitment to arts education, family programming, and community partnerships that uplift local storytelling across Mid-Michigan.
Photo Credit:The Chronicle media Group-Liam poses outside Wharton Center, ready for a fun-filled afternoon at Dog Man: The Musical.
Honoring the Legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
BY YANICE JACKSON
Before the Civil War, higher education for African Americans in the United States was nearly nonexistent. But with freedom came determination—and a fierce commitment to education. Between 1861 and 1870, African American missionary associations and the Freedmen’s Bureau helped establish seven colleges and thirteen teaching schools dedicated to educating newly freed Black citizens. These early institutions laid the foundation for what would become known as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The Roots of Black Higher Education
The first degree-granting institution for African Americans was Ashmun Institute, founded in 1854 in Chester County, Pennsylvania by a Quaker couple. It was renamed Lincoln University in 1866 and today continues its legacy with undergraduate and graduate programs serving over 2,000 students. Among its dis-
tinguished leaders was Dr. Horace Mann Bond, father of civil rights icon Julian Bond and one of many influential presidents to guide the institution through its pivotal role in American history.
Between 1854 and 1954, Lincoln University alone produced:
• 20% of the nation’s Black physicians
The Morrill Acts and the Birth of Land-Grant HBCUs
In 1862, Senator Justin Morrill championed federal legislation to allocate land and funding for colleges focused on agriculture, science, and en-
gineering. While the initial act helped establish public colleges across the country, Black Americans were largely excluded from these opportunities.
In response, the Second Morrill Land-Grant Act of 1890 required that states either integrate their land-grant institutions or create separate HBCUs to ensure access for Black students. This led to the formal recognition and funding of HBCUs like Alcorn State University (founded in 1871), and over a dozen others between 1870 and 1910.
These institutions didn't just provide education—they cultivated leaders, activists, entrepreneurs, artists, engineers, and scholars who helped shape every sector of American life.
Celebrating the Legacy, Championing the Future
The Chronicle Newspaper proudly honors the impact of HBCUs yearround. Below is a list of 30 iconic Historically Black Colleges and Universities that have shaped generations of excellence:
College Pathways – Preparing High School Seniors for FAFSA, Scholarships, and Opportunity
If you’re a student preparing for college—or a parent supporting that journey—the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a critical step in securing financial support.
For many high school seniors, winter marks the beginning of their transition into adulthood. College applications, FAFSA deadlines, scholarship searches, and financial planning can feel overwhelming, but early preparation makes the journey smoother.
Start with FAFSA — Early and Accurate
Students and families should complete the FAFSA as soon as the application opens. Even those who believe they won’t qualify for aid often do, and many colleges require FAFSA for institutional awards.
Scholarships: Local Money Is the Best Money
Mid-Michigan offers dozens of local scholarships through credit unions, nonprofit groups, fraternities/sororities, community foundations, and civic organizations. These awards are often less competitive and incredibly impactful.
Meet with School Counselors
Guidance offices can assist with deadlines, transcripts, recommendation letters, and matching students to local financial aid opportunities.
Explore All Postsecondary Options
College is not one-size-fits-all. Universities, community colleges, trade schools, apprenticeships, and certificate programs all provide pathways to economic stability and meaningful careers.
Image Via Pixels-For the 2026–27 academic year, several updates are being introduced to make the process faster, simpler, and more equitable.
• Over 10% of Black attorneys
Students gathered in front of an iconic HBCU campus building—a symbol of pride, perseverance, and the power of Black education. For generations, institutions like this have nurtured leaders, challenged injustice, and created safe spaces for cultural brilliance to thrive.
Experience the Magic of The Wiz: The Legendary Broadway Show Live at the Wharton Center
December 9th-14th
EAST LANSING, MI—Everybody look around! The Tony Award® winning Best Musical that took the world by storm is back and coming to Wharton Center on Tuesday, December 9, through Sunday, December 14, 2025.
Producers Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland, Ambassador Theatre Group, Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker, and NETworks Presentations are thrilled to announce The Wiz will be at Wharton Center for 8 performances from Tuesday, December 9 to Sunday, December 14. Tickets are available 2 through the Wharton Center Ticket Office, online at whartoncenter.com, or by calling 517.432.2000 or 1.800.WHARTON. SeatGeek is the only official partner of the Wharton Center Ticket Office.
The Baltimore Sun raves “Powerhouse performances. Stunning choreography. Visionary sets,” and the Chicago Sun-Times proclaims THE WIZ is “An eye-popping and high-intensity revival!”
This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broad-
way—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world.
The principal cast includes Dana Cimone, making her national tour debut, as Dorothy, Alan Mingo Jr., returning to the role he originated on the pre-Broadway tour and played on Broadway as The Wiz, also making their national tour debuts Sheherazade as Glinda and Kyla Jade as Aunt Em/Evillene, D. Jerome (MJ the Musical, Hamilton) as the Tinman, Cal Mitchell (The White Rose, The Color Purple) as the Lion, and Elijah Ahmad Lewis (Ain't Too Proud, Motown The
Musical) as the Scarecrow.
The ensemble features Maati Kheprimeni Angaza, Sai Anthony, Joseph Armon Boyd, Aliyah Caldwell, Lawrence Dandridge, Cyniah Elise, Amitria Fanae’, Kaiyla Gross, Gregory Hamilton, Maya Imani, Jesse Jones, Micah Jeremiah Mims, Moriah Perry, Leon Ray, Ephraim Takyi, Josh Walker, Lyn Webber, Kameren Whigham, Mikayla White, and Chanse Williams.
Featuring a book by William F. Brown and a Tony Award® winning score by Charlie Smalls (and others), director Schele Williams (The Notebook), award-winning choreographer
JaQuel Knight (Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” Black is King), additional material by Tony® nominated and Emmy-nominated writer and TV host Amber Ruffin (“The Amber Ruffin Show,” “Late Night With Seth Meyers”), Joseph Joubert (music supervision, orchestrations, & music arrangements), Allen René Louis (vocal arrangements, music arrangements), and Emmy Award-winning music director and Grammy Award-winning writer, Adam Blackstone and Terence Vaughn (Dance Music Arrangers) conjure up an Oz unlike anything ever seen before. A dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road.
THE WIZ design team includes scenic design by Academy Award-winning Hannah Beachler (Black Panther, Beyoncé’s Black is King, and Lemonade), costume design by Emmy Award-winning and
Southwest Lansing Gears Up for a Festive Community Celebration: Holiday in the Square
LANSING, MI — Southwest Action Group (SWAG) is excited to announce Holiday in the Square, a festive community celebration bringing together families, neighbors, and local partners for an evening of holiday magic on Saturday, December 6, from 4–6 PM, at the Pleasant Grove Town Square (behind 1910 Food Market).
Holiday in the Square is designed to uplift and unite the Southside community with two hours of family-friendly fun. Attendees can look forward to festive activities, including photos with Santa, s’mores roasting, hot cocoa, pony rides, music, and lively holiday jams, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
“This event is all about bringing joy and togetherness to Southwest Lansing,” said Paul Anderson, Executive Director of SWAG. “We’re excited to create
a fun and festive space where neighbors can connect and celebrate the season.”
The event is free and open to the public, thanks to the generous support of Rathbun Insurance, Lansing Board of Water & Light, and the City of Lansing.
4Event Details: Holiday in the Square
4Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 4:00–6:00 PM
4Pleasant Grove Townsquare (behind 1910 Food Market)
4Free activities, treats, and holiday fun for all ages
Holiday in the Square reflects SWAG’s commitment to strengthening the Southside through small business support, strategic placemaking, and community engagement
For more information, updates, or press inquiries, please contact SWAG at paul@joinswag.org.
Courtesy Photo-Cast of the Tony Award Winning Musical The Wiz
