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THE BI-STATE
National Black Business Month
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Dr Carmen Thomas Multifaceted Servant Leader and Community Connector
Meet Dr. Carmen Thomas, is a best Community Connector remarkable individual with a multifaceted life journey. She inspires, promotes, and connects women to people, information, and resources to help them live their best lives.
She is an emotionally Intelligent Servant Leader born in Albion, Michigan, and raised by a village of people who set good examples for her personally and professionally. Her family worked in various careers, owned businesses, and were in political positions.
Dr. Carmen Thomas wears many hats. She is an author, entrepreneur, servant leader, volunteer, wife, mom, and grandmother. In addition to these roles, she works as the Chief Government Relations Officer for an exceptional organization that supports the community.
The Unstoppable Movement: Dr. Carmen’s journey began in 1991 when she was hired by a Real Estate Developer to oversee a major rental property transformation project. Despite the property’s distressed state (528 units
Michigan Lottery: More than $28 Billion to Support Public Education Since 1972
The Michigan Lottery is celebrating 10 years of the Excellence in Education awards! Established in 2014, the Excellence in Education awards recognize outstanding Michigan public school educators. Every week during the school year, the Michigan Lottery selects one outstanding educator to receive the Excellence in Education award. The award winner receives a $2,000 cash prize! All public school educators are eligible, so be sure to include teachers, ad-
that had reverted to the original owner), Carmen led its transformation, resulting in its successful sale within seven years. This pivotal experience ignited her belief that, with faith in God, she could accomplish anything—she became unstoppable.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Carmen is the Founder and Executive Director of Transformation GEMS, a nonprofit organization based in Lansing, MI. Through this initiative, she has empowered several women to start and sustain busi-
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The Legacy of Dr. Mar tin Luther King Jr
Black History
Arsenio Hall: A Trailblazer in Entertainment
Arsenio Hall is a renowned American comedian, actor, television host, and producer who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Born on February 12, 1956, in Cleveland, Ohio, Hall rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s with his groundbreaking talk show, "The Arsenio Hall Show."
Hall's journey to success began in the 1980s as a standup comedian, performing in local comedy clubs and eventually landing a spot on "Star Search." His charismatic stage presence and witty humor caught the attention of television executives, leading to his first talk show, "The Arsenio Hall Show," which debuted in 1989.
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"The Arsenio Hall Show" was a game-changer in latenight television, offering a
fresh perspective and platform for diverse voices. Hall's show featured a mix of comedy, music, and interviews with A-list
celebrities, politicians, and social activists. His iconic "Dog Pound" audience chant and fist bump became a cultural phenomenon, symbolizing unity and excitement.
Throughout his career, Hall has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "Coming to America," "Harlem Nights," and "Married... with Children." He has also hosted various award shows, including the NAACP Image Awards and the BET Awards.
Hall's impact extends beyond entertainment. He has been an advocate for social justice and education, supporting organizations like the NAACP and the United Negro College Fund. In 2012, he
won season 5 of "The Celebrity Apprentice," donating his winnings to the Magic Johnson Foundation.
In 2019, Hall returned to late-night television with a new iteration of "The Arsenio Hall Show" on Netflix. The show's revival cemented his status as a trailblazer and pioneer in the entertainment industry.
Arsenio Hall's legacy is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and passion for his craft. As a black entertainer, he has paved the way for future generations, breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes. His contributions to comedy, television, and social justice continue to inspire and influence new generations of artists and activists.
‘Good Times’: 50 years ago, Norman Lear changed TV with a show about a working-class Black family’s struggles and joys
BY ANGELA M. NELSON Associate Professor of Popular Culture, Bowling Green State University
Iloved watching Norman Lear’s trailblazing television shows when I was growing up in Dalzell, South Carolina, in the 1970s.
“Good Times,” my favorite, debuted on Feb. 8, 1974 – nearly 50 years ago. CBS aired the show about the daily struggles and triumphs of the working-class Evans family until Aug. 1, 1979.
Lear, who died at 101 on Dec. 5, 2023, forever changed sitcoms. His characters were more diverse, and their predicaments included situations that had previously been out of bounds for humorous TV programs, such as child abuse, unemployment and alcoholism. As a result,
they more accurately reflected modern life in America than their counterparts that predominated through the 1960s.
“Good Times” stood apart from Lear’s other successful comedies because it featured, as Lear put it, the “first full black family on television.”
I have been researching “Good Times” and other shows with primarily Black casts since 1989. Along the way, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the show’s strong female characters and its many nods to Black popular culture.
“Good Times” stood apart from Lear’s other successful comedies because it featured, as Lear put it, the “first full black family on television.”
I have been researching “Good Times” and other shows with primarily Black casts since 1989. Along the way, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the show’s strong female characters and its many nods to Black popular culture.
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Photo-Getty Images
Esther Rolle, right, and John Amos starred in the pathbreaking 1970s Black sitcom. Moviepix via Getty Images
First Ever Lansing Citywide Class Reunion
On August 17, 2024, the first-ever Lansing CityWide Class Reunion for the classes of 1976 through 1979. This event will be hosted at the Hilton Garden Inn, 633 N. Canal Rd, Lansing, MI 48917.
The reuiom starts at 5:00 PM and will end at 10:30 PM. The reunion theme is " A Reunited Lansing". The event is intended rekindle historical friendships & memories while also creating new ones.
There is a $75 registration fee per attendee until the deadline of August 17th. The event includes a buffet dinner, a cash bar, live entertainment, reunion photos, dancing, prize draw-
ings, and a 50-50 raffle.
Dress Attire: Business Casual/Dressy Casual
To donate or sponsor money or prizes to make this event a success please send via: Cash App: https://cash.app/$citywideevents517 Venmo: @CityWide-Events
Make checks payable to: "CITY-WIDE EVENTS" and send to:
City-Wide Events
P.O. Box 182 Okemos, MI 48805
For all inquiries, email citywideevents517@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for helping to support this event.
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New Initiative Encourages Sports Fans to Explore ‘Cities of the Big Ten’
LANSING, MICH. – July 29, 2024 –Choose LansingTM and Destination Ann Arbor are excited to announce their participation in the new Cities of the Big Ten passport initiative, a collaborative effort designed to encourage visitors to explore beyond athletic events and discover the unique attractions of the Big Ten cities. This joint effort, facilitated through a digital passport developed with Bandwango, aims to showcase unique attractions in each Big Ten destination and promote a richer travel experience.
“Being a part of the Big Ten conference strengthens the bond between our communities,” said Amy Karbo, Vice President of Marketing of Destination Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan and the 2023 College Football National Champions. “This initiative provides a wonderful opportunity to highlight and share the unique attractions of each of our destinations, encouraging visitors to explore all that we have to offer. Ann Arbor is known for its vibrant culture, lively arts scene and iconic landmarks. We are thrilled to be part of this initiative that not only brings sports fans to our city but also encourages them to explore everything else Ann Arbor has to offer.”
Tracy Padot, Chief Marketing Officer of Choose Lansing, agrees. “As home to the State Capitol and Michigan State University, there’s so much more to see beyond Spartan Stadium when visitors come for a football game. Whether it’s one of our attractions, museums, great dining, or outstanding accommodations, we are a welcoming destination for all.”
Working with destination experience technology company Bandwango, the group developed a digital passport featuring 10 must-see attractions for each of the 17 Big Ten cities representing 18 schools. The free passport is easily accessible from a mobile device, providing instant access to the most popular things to see and do in each location.
The passport features a curated list and dynamic mix of places to visit and explore, aiming to help sports fans traveling to support their team, or anyone interested in new travel adventures, get better acquainted with the cities of the Big Ten.
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Highlighted Attractions in Lansing include:
4State Capitol Building/Heritage Hall
4Michigan History Center and Archives of Michigan
4Impression 5 Science Center
4R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
4High Caliber Karting
4Zap Zone XL
4Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum
4MSU Horticulture Gardens
4Abrams Planetarium vMSU Dairy Store
Highlighted Attractions in Ann Arbor include:
4Zingerman's Deli
4Big House Tour
4Law Quad on Campus
4Main Street
4Michigan Theater & State Theater
4The Nichols Arboretum
4Kerrytown
4Ann Arbor Distillery
4Winewood Organics
4Farmer's Market
Both Spartan and Wolverine communities, along with their Big Ten counterparts including the incoming West Coast additions, are pleased to participate collectively in this initiative. “While rivalries are fun, we both like to promote our destinations and tourism is about providing a positive experience and creating lasting memories,” Karbo said. “We look forward to welcoming all our Big Ten visitors and showing them what Pure Michigan’s hospitality is all about.”
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LAFCU accepting donations through Aug. 16 for annual back-to-school supply drive
Credit union encourages community to drop off supplies at 10 branches for students in need
LANSING, Mich. — The community is invited to participate in a back-to-school donation drive designed to ease the financial strain on parents and set local kids up for a successful school year.
LAFCU’s Back-to-School Extravaganza is an annual event held in collaboration with Two Men & A Truck, and The Village Lansing.
“This annual event is a great opportunity for the community to band together and
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ensure that local children have the essential supplies they need for a successful start to the school year,” said Shelia Scott, LAFCU’s community financial education & business development officer. “It also helps alleviate the financial pressure on parents and guardians caused by back-to-school
costs and allows them to focus on what matters – the kids.”
Donations can be dropped off through Friday, Aug. 16, at any of LAFCU’s 10 branch locations during business hours.
A list of LAFCU branches can be found online at www.lafcu.com/contact-us/locations/ branch-locations.
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School supplies needed for donation include:
4Backpacks
4Notebook paper
4Three-ring binders
4Pencils and pencil bags
4Pens
4Rulers
4Pocket folders
4One-subject notebook tablets
4Index cards
4Crayons
4Colored pencils
4Erasers
4Kids’ scissors
4Glue sticks
4Composition notebooks
4Highlighters
4Dry-erase markers
4Geometry sets
4Hole punchers
Personalized hygiene supplies needed include:
4 Toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, shampoo, and conditioner, all in travel size.
4 Toothbrushes
4 Sanitary pads
4 Disinfecting wipes
4 Tissues
The third annual ‘Back-toSchool Extravaganza’ will be held Sunday, Aug. 18, at The Village Lansing, 3525 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite G, in Lansing. Free backpack and school supply pick-ups for K-12 students will be available from 2 to 5 p.m., or while supplies last.
For more information about LAFCU’s Back-to-School Extravaganza, visit www.lafcu. com/backtoschool.
Community Day of Care and Prayer "Free Clothing, Shoes and More Giveaway
LANSING, MI - Pilgrim Baptist Church is thrilled to extend a warm invitation to all for our Community Day of Care and Prayer. This event, featuring a "FREE" distribution of new to gently used clothing, coats, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and children, will take place on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 8:00 AM until noon at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 5200 Pleasant Grove Road, Lansing, MI 48911, (near the intersection of Pleasant Grove and Jolly). Feel free to visit our website at www.PRBCLansing.org. We emphasize that this
event is FREE and open to everyone, operating on a first-come, first- served basis while supplies last.
At our event, everyone wil be treated with utmost respect and dignity upon entering the campus. They wil receive a shopping bag for their items, and our dedicated church volunteers will assist individuals and/ or families with their shopping. Moreover, prayer and refreshments wil be served throughout the "FREE" event.
We eagerly look forward to serving you on this remarkable day of community support and care.
The mission of the Com-
munity Day of Care and Prayer is to provide "FREE" clothing, coats, shoes, prayer, and refreshments ni a clean, inviting, non-threatening environment for those ni need.
Our primary goal is not to gain a profit but to supply a need to people who otherwise would not be able to buy for themselves or their families. As Lisa Benjamin, our Event Coordinator, aptly outs it, "God brings things to you, to go through you; to someone else."
Scan to read
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Travis Sanders and Marcel Mayberry: Cutting a Path to Success - Lansing Barber College's Fresh Start
BY YANICE Y. JACKSON
Meet Travis Sanders and Marcel Mayberry, cousins, and business partners who share a passion for nurturing legacy through entrepreneurship. As co-owners of Lansing Barber College, they have dedicated themselves to promoting excellence in barbering education.
Both Mayberry and Sanders attended Lansing Barber Styling College as students. Sanders graduated from the college in 1988, while Mayberry graduated five years later in 1993. Afterward, they opened T-Styles I and T-Styles II Barbershops in the Lansing and East Lansing areas.
Travis entertained the idea of starting a school to teach the
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craft of barbering. Soon afterward, his cousin presented the option of buying the Lansing Barber College after learning it would be closing in 2020. Marcel and Travis acquired Lansing Barber College to pre-
nesses over the last decade. Recently, Transformation GEMS partnered with the Mid-Michigan Credit Union Association and CASE Credit Union to provide grants to women of color in the Greater Lansing Area. These grants support business growth and sustainability. In December 2021, Transformation GEMS secured a six-figure grant to empower women in the Lansing area further.
Transformation Community Connector Empowerment Solutions: Carmen also owns and founded Transformation Empowerment Solutions
MICHIGAN LOTTERY
ministrators, coaches, and support staff in your nominations!
serve its legacy and continue providing opportunities for students to gain extensive experience in the barbering industry. They are committed to helping students create their destinies, just as they did three decades
(TransformationbyCarmen.com). For over ten years, she has successfully consulted and coached executive teams and individuals. Her expertise lies in transformational leadership, culture, and developing women entrepreneurs.
Educational Background: Carmen holds a Doctorate Degree from Bakke Graduate University in Transformational Leadership with an emphasis on culture and women entrepreneurs. She is an alumnus of Spring Arbor College, with a master’s degree in Family Studies and a Bachelor’s Degree in Manage-
ago.
The duo is passionate about sharing their experiences and helping students gain job skills in this gratifying and rewarding field. They continue the legacy of providing great service and opportunities for extensive experience in the barbering industry. They recently purchased a new building at 4414 S Pennsylvania, offering 8,000 square feet of space across two floors. The additional space (soon to open) will allow for newer equipment, upgrades, and rental opportunities. Marcel and Travis are dedicated to helping students become skilled professional barbers and better human beings. Through their journey, they have learned that with determination and a positive mindset, anything is
ment & Organizational Development. Additionally, she is a self-esteem expert and an International Certified Holistic Life Coach.
Servant Leadership and Community Impact: Carmen is a Transformation Strategist with certifications in Lean Process Improvement (Green Belt) and Emotional Intelligence. She has facilitated workshops on servant leadership, foreclosure prevention, credit repair, home buying, marriage and family dynamics, and self-esteem.
Overcoming Adversity: Carmen’s
possible. Look no further than Barber Styling College of Lansing to learn from the best in the industry.
About Lansing Barber College:
Established in 1982, Lansing Barber College has been a premier institution for barbering excellence. The program is designed to prepare students for success, from passing the state licensing exam to building a thriving career. The college offers education and training in shear cuts, clipper cuts, hair color, and razor shaving, preparing students to pass their state licensing exams. To find out more about Lansing Barber Styling College, call (517) 482-8083 or visit https://www. lansingbarbercollege.org.
journey includes overcoming significant financial challenges. She went from being a million dollars in debt without filing for bankruptcy to achieving remarkable success.
Dr. Carmen Thomas’s impact extends far beyond her professional accomplishments. Her commitment to empowering others and creating positive change exemplifies true leadership. If you want to be part of this transformative movement, visit Transformationgems.com and get connected. Let’s empower our communities together!
At the end of the school year, the Michigan Lottery selects one weekly winner to
Each winner also receives a plaque and their own news segment featured on WXYZ-TV in Detroit, FOX 17 in Grand Rapids, FOX 47 in Lansing, WNEM-TV, Saginaw, and WWTV-TV in Traverse City.
receive the Lottery’s Educator of the Year award and a $10,000 cash prize.
All public school employees may be nominated for the Excellence in Education awards. To nominate a public school
educator for the 2023-2024 school year, To learn more about the Excellence in Education program, please visit https:// www.michiganlottery.com/excellence-in-education.
DR CARMEN THOMAS
Courtesy Photo-(L to R) Travis Sanders and Marcel Mayberry
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MEDICAID MATTERS TO YOU YOU MATTER TO US
As a busy parent, your time and money is limited. So when you or your kids need a doctor, access to quality health care shouldn’t be a luxury. We’re committed to ensuring that you receive the quality health care that’s right for you, and for your family. Our statewide network of locations, plus the convenience of online appointments, means we’re always close when you need us.
Learn more at mclaren.org/medicaidmatters
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McLaren Greater Lansing Invests in Early Lung Cancer Detection with New Robotics Technology
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Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, accounting for about one in five cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. Screening and early treatment offer the best chance for survival, and McLaren Greater Lansing just made a large investment into new technology that will enhance lung cancer screening.
With the addition of the Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy, a platform for minimally invasive peripheral lung
biopsy, physicians can view deeper into the lungs and biopsy smaller, previously unreachable suspicious nodules in the peripheral tissue, allowing them to accurately diagnose the nodule as benign or cancerous and begin treatment before the disease advances.
“This state-of-the-art technology signifies a major milestone in the realm of medical innovation, providing a comprehensive solution for diagnosing and staging lung cancer in a single session,”
said Dr. Aboubakr, Pulmonologist at McLaren Greater Lansing. “By eliminating the need for multiple biopsies, this system offers a more efficient and cost-effective approach, potentially saving patients weeks or even months in their diagnostic journey. Its minimally invasive nature allows for targeted...
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Courtesy Photo-Dr. Aboubakr with new Ion technology. Photo provided by McLaren Greater Lansing
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BI-STATE
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The Daily 4 Red Ball Double Draw promotion runs for Monday - Saturday evening drawings only.