The Chronicle News Electronic Publication No. 40 November 01- November 15, 2023

The Chronicle News

‘A Journey through time’ Media Showcase

Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop Culture

From the rise of trap music to the change in lyrical expression, hip-hop has been pushing boundaries and influencing mainstream music for decades. 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of what a journey it has been. Hip-hop has changed the landscape of music as we know it – from the artists to the genres and even the instruments.

Hip-hop is an important form of selfexpression for many. From the rise of trap music to the change in lyrical expression, hip-hop has been pushing boundaries and influencing mainstream music for decades. Hip-hop is a movement that speaks truth to power and often challenges the status quo. Hip-hop is more than just music, it is a

culture.

To honor this special milestone in music, the Chronicle News will share, various forms of media to showcase and uplift hip-hop culture. This cultural celebration of media will give audiences a peek into the world of hip-hop through traditional media and Multimedia channels.

Join us as we explore hip-hop through the eyes of community creatives and hiphop culturists. We will travel down the timeline of hip-hop with articles, shorts, biographies, and interviews designed to educate, empower, and inspire.

We are excited to feature DJ Cutt-Nice

as one of our tour guides through the Eras of hip-hop. Cutt-Nice will guide the audience on an audible journey spinning

Meet Rick Ector, Firearms Instructor

Written by Yanice Jackson

Meet Rick Ector of ‘Ricks Firearm Academy of Detroit’ where the mission is; “To empower citizens with the education, training, and mindset to defend themselves in an increasingly violent time”. Not only is Rick a National Rifle Association (NRA) credentialed Firearms instructor but, he is also an author, public speaker, and Guns Rights Advocate.

I recently had the opportunity to train in Rick’s State of Michigan CCW/CPL training class. This experience was well worth it for anyone wanting to learn about the rights and Responsibilities of Gun ownership. Not only did I get to learn key information for firearms handling and safety, but I was also able to hear firsthand why Rick Ector dove into this line of work. After hearing Rick’s account of being robbed at gunpoint, one can understand the need to be prepared to defend

his favorites from Old old-school rap to the Rise of Trap Music.

Extraordinaire

The 18-year-old who made history as the youngest Black mayor in the country

This month, we look back on those who have come before us to pave the way: history makers and world changers. We also highlight those currently making history. This is the case for a mayor in one small Arkansas town.

An 18-year-old college freshman is now the youngest Black mayor in U.S. history.

Jaylen Smith, a recent high school graduate, said although he was “confident” he’d win the runoff election in December, he was still shocked when he received news of the victory.

He will now be the mayor of Earle, a town of just under 2,000 people,

according to 2020 census data, near Memphis, Tennessee.

Smith received 218 votes while his opponent, Nemi Matthews Sr., won 139, according to The Hill. Smith said he decided to run for mayor at the start of his senior year, with the encouragement of his fellow student government association members.

He said he fully understands the historic significance of his win. “It feels awesome. Generations and generations of people will read about this historical moment,” he said.

Kurtis Blow-American Rapper and Hip-Hop Icon

Kurtis Walker, better known professionally known by his stage name Kurtis Blow.

He is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record/film producer, b-boy, DJ, public speaker and minister. He is also one of the founders and creators of recorded rap. His music is timeless, and he is a living hip-hop legend.

Kurtis blazed the trail for early hip hop artists and continues to carry the torch for hip hop music in new arenas. Kurtis is credited with many accolades and was the first rapper to ever be signed to a major label, release a certified gold rap album (The Breaks) tour the United States and Europe, record a national commercial (Sprite), use the drum machine, sample and sample loop, release a rap music video and become a millionaire.

In 1979, at the age of 20, Kurtis Blow

became the first rapper to be signed by a major label. He released ‘Christmas Rappin’, which sold over 400,000 copies and became an annual classic. Its gold follow-up, The Breaks, helped ignite an international “rap attack,” solidifying the new art form. He released 10 albums over 11 years, and his early projects made him an instant success at home and across Europe.

Pioneering records like Party Time introduced the fusion of rap and go-go. Hit songs like “8 million Stories”, “AJ”,

and “Basketball” were simply ahead of their time, and still get spins by DJs today. Fellow rap legend Nas debuted at #1 on the Billboard Charts with a cover of Kurtis’ “If I Ruled the World” in 1997.

Beyond his own hits, Kurtis contributed to the success of The Fat Boys and Run DMC. In fact, Run began his career billed as “The Son of Kurtis Blow.” Among countless others, Wyclef Jean, Love Bug Starski, Sweet Gee, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Full Force, and Russell

Simmons, all have been produced by or have worked with Kurtis in the past.

Kurtis’ multidisciplinary skillset has taken him across the country and overseas to score, produce, and act in various films. Most notably, he played a large role in the production of the hit film Krush Groove. The New York Daily News called his cinematic works a “noteworthy, dynamic presence.” Kurtis Blow’s reach transcends that of your typical entertainer. He has completed multiple world tours since the turn of the new millennium and continues to work on other creative endeavors. His innate ability to reach people is evident in his work as an activist, radio personality, and most recently, an ordained minister and leader of the Hip Hop Church. Artists still pay their respects to Kurtis’ trailblazing in a number of ways. His influence has been mentioned in seemingly every important Hip-Hop film in the past decade, from

McLaren Greater Lansing Provides First Aid During MSU Home Football Games

Game day for college football fans is an exciting day. Visitors wearing green and white pile into the Michigan State University (MSU) Stadium ready to cheer on their team. There is a lot that goes into the day from ticket sales to concessions. For McLaren Greater Lansing’s emergency department, it’s handling the first aid stations.

The Spartan Stadium can pack in around 75,000 fans. Common incidents seen at sporting events include dehydration; minor injuries from cuts, falls and scrapes; and even bee stings, along with more serious medical emergencies.

“During this season, we’ve seen between 20 to 80 people per game,” said Angela Ackley, director of patient care services at McLaren Greater Lansing. “We provide general first aid, alongside Emergency Medical Service (EMS) agencies and police officers.”

McLaren staff delivers first aid in three different rooms throughout the stadium, each staffed with a registered nurse and an emergency technician. They also have

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Rick does an excellent job of sharing compelling stories and providing personalized instruction to each student within the class. His good sense of humor, coupled with his firearms knowledge is amazing. His ability to build rapport with his students helps to communicate the importance of responsible ownership. Rick shared how getting robbed in his driveway after work one day made him rethink his personal safety, leading him to buy a pistol and get a concealed carry license. After sitting in the class for some time, I

an additional emergency technician who acts as the main communication point with an incident command center.

“We’ve passed out a lot of Band-Aids, cleaned and dressed wounds, and provided a safe place for those who need medical assistance,” said Ackley. “That may be for those who have indulged in a little too much alcohol or [who are] dealing with heat-related illnesses and allergic reactions. We’ve also been

able to start treatment for medical emergencies for visitors suffering from chest pain, weakness, and fainting.”

This was the first year that MSU started selling alcohol in the stadium, following a recent change in the state law that permits liquor licenses to be issued at sporting events at public universities. The effort is aimed at reducing the likelihood of binge drinking prior to games. While incidents do still

occur in large crowd settings, having professional emergency responders there when needed is important. Ackley said it has been a positive experience for her department.

“The staff have enjoyed being able to provide medical services to our community as a way of supporting and giving back,” said Ackley. “At the game, there is an exhilarating feeling in the atmosphere; a sense of teamwork, and it has helped strengthen our relationships with other first responders that is in a different setting than the hospital, collaboratively working together to help others.”

McLaren Greater Lansing’s emergency department is a level three trauma center and certified primary stroke center. It is staffed by 24-hour emergency medicine physicians, general surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, and radiologists.

realized he is motivated to teach others, so they can be informed of their rights to protect themselves from imminent danger. Some years ago, Rick saw a story on the news about a black woman being assaulted and killed. Her body was later found discarded at the side of the road. This is the experience which motivated him to hold an annual training seminar for woman. Since 2020 Ector has trained over 1,900 women free of charge. During this annual training he raises funding to provide firearms for use, ammunition, and all protective gear. Rick says, “I am committed to

helping empower woman who would like to educate and protect themselves.”

I am delighted to have had the opportunity to learn from someone so skilled and knowledgeable in Firearms Safety and protection. If you are interested in learning more about Rick Ector’s Training events, you can visit https://detroitcplclass.usgunclasses. com.

Courtesy Photo: MSU First Aid Tent: McLaren Emergency Department Staff provide First Aid at MSU Football Games

Transitions Lansing Poet Laureate Program to the Arts Council of Greater Lansing

LANSING, Mich. — The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is transitioning the Lansing Poet Laureate program to the Arts Council of Greater Lansing (ACGL), allowing LEAP to focus on vital business ecosystem initiatives.

In 2017, LEAP started the Poet Laureate program in partnership with the Residential College for Arts and Humanities (RCAH) Center for Poetry at Michigan State University (MSU) and the Lansing Poetry Club. The program engages the tri-county region in the literary arts to promote poetry as an art form, expand access to the literary arts, connect the community to poetry and showcase poetry as a literary voice that contributes to a greater sense of place, which supports the attraction of global talent and business.

“LEAP remains committed to fostering a strong and vibrant place as possible. This transition of the program will allow LEAP to focus its resources on initiatives such as childcare, housing, and public transit that businesses are eagerly awaiting. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Lansing Poet Laureate founding partners and our appreciation to the ACGL for taking the reins of this program and propelling it to new heights of achievement,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO at LEAP.

“The Arts Council has had a long and successful partnership with LEAP over the years, working together to make public art happen in the Lansing region,” said Meghan Martin, executive director of ACGL. “The program is a unique extension to the creative placemaking movement in our region; it brings poets and lovers of words together in the community, and we are proud to be the administrators of this program going forward. It aligns with our mission to

support, strengthen and promote arts, culture and creativity in the Capital Region, and we are excited to see it grow and expand in the coming years.”

The current regional Laureate, Masaki Takahashi began his term in April 2022. Throughout his term, Takahashi has organized workshops and performances at various educational institutions, including k-12 schools, Michigan State University, Lansing Community College, and Olivet College. Notably, the program featured renowned national poets such as Rudy Francisco, Ebony Stewart, Natasha T. Miller, Siaara Freeman. As he looks ahead to the future, Takahashi is preparing for the second iteration of the Lansing Poetry Festival in collaboration with the Capital Area District Library.

“It has been an honor to creatively engage the community with poetry. We want to give people a platform to tell their story and to highlight the vibrant community we are building in the Lansing region,” said Masaki Takahashi, 2022 lansing poet laureate. Follow the Facebook page for upcoming events and workshops.

In 2019, longtime Lansing resident and associate professor of literacy and curriculum at Michigan State University’s College of Education, Laura Apol, was selected as the second Lansing Poet Laureate.

Ten months into Apol’s term, the COVID-19 pandemic became a challenge for Apol to carry out the Laureate’s duties. “During a time of extreme isolation and anxiety, by virtue of the position, I was able to pivot and create online events that brought together poets, poetry lovers, and notyet-poets to write and read and share and connect. That, to me, is evidence of the sustaining power of poetry, and an important reason to celebrate and to maintain the poet laureate position.” said Dr. Laura Apol, 2019 lansing poet laureate.

Dennis Hinrichsen was selected as the Inaugural Lansing Poet Laureate in 2017. Hinrichsen is a long-time Lansing resident and retired professor of English at Lansing Community College. Dennis’s well-known project during his tenure was the Lansing Sidewalk Poetry Project, which included poems etched

into the sidewalks.

“On a personal level, serving as the inaugural regional Lansing Poet Laureate was the highlight of my writing career. It was a joy bringing this most portable of art forms—poetry—into the tri-county area and helping students and adults share their stories and celebrate the diversity of our lives in this shared space we call home. Bravo to LEAP for its stewardship these last six years and bravo to ACGL for carrying this important program forward,” said Dennis Hinrichsen, 2017 lansing poet laureate emeritus.

“The Lansing Poetry Club is honored to be a supporter of the Lansing Poet Laureate project and excited about its potential to strengthen the human voice and deepen our understanding of one another,” said Ruelaine Stokes, president of the Lansing Poetry Club.

“The RCAH Center for Poetry at MSU is thrilled with the impact of the Lansing Poet Laureate program. This program has significantly increased community engagement with poetry, and we’re grateful to Bob Trezise and LEAP for their support. We’re excited to continue this program with the Arts Council of Greater Lansing,” said Laurie Hollinger, acting director at RCAH Center for Poetry at MSU.

The Lansing Poet Laureate program has significantly increased community engagement with poetry and will continue under ACGL’s stewardship. This transition to the ACGL will take this program to new heights. For updates, sign up for ACGL’s newsletter.

THE HIP HOP NUTCRACKER

EAST LANSING, MI — The mash-up dance party of the century is coming to Wharton Center for one night on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 7:30PM. 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.

A classic story reimagined for contemporary audiences, The Hip Hop Nutcracker blends and remixes music and dance from Tchaikovsky’s 19th century ballet with the diverse influences of hip hop to create one of the most awe-inspiring dance performances of the modern era.

These characters complete feats of pure magic, much like the candy-coated land they explore, that will have you spinning

on your head alongside them! Seeing the action live is worth every second and fills everyone with holiday cheer.

“The Hip Hop Nutcracker turns

—CBS

The performance features talented

artists across many backgrounds including a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and one of hip hop’s founding fathers, MC Kurtis Blow, who opens the show with a short set. The Hip Hop Nutcracker has taken these performers to venues across the country with special performances for PBS and Disney+.

Come in from the cold and warm your hearts with a journey that celebrates love, community, and the magic of the holiday season with The Hip Hop Nutcracker at Wharton Center.

COVID-19 health and safety protocols continue to evolve. Please visit the Wharton Center website at whartoncenter.com/covid-19 to review the most up-to-date information and requirements.

LANSING SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS ‘CARMINA BURANA’

LANSING, Mich. — Join the Lansing Symphony Orchestra (LSO) performing Carl Orff’s iconic cantata “Carmina Burana” for the second MasterWorks concert. Performing with the orchestra will be a 250-voice choir combining the MSU University Chorale, the State Singers and the Choral Union and guest vocalists Penelope Shumate, David Shaler and Babatunde Akinboboye.

“We are thrilled to have so many talented vocalists alongside the orchestra for this MasterWorks concert,” said Timothy Muffitt, LSO music director and conductor.

Shumate has been described as having a “voice with power” and a “welcome fire” on stage. The New York Times

praised her recent performance as the soprano soloist in “Messiah” for her David Geffen Hall debut at Lincoln Center, stating she “sang the soprano solos with appealing bell-like clarity and surpassing sweetness.” For her return to David Geffen Hall, she performed as a soloist in “Carmina Burana,” a work that also marked her Carnegie Hall debut and return engagements.

Shaler is the full-time director of music at Broadmoor United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he has served since 2001 as conductor of choral and instrumental ensembles and as a singer, pianist and trumpet player. Shaler sang as a countertenor for five years with the professional male ensemble Chanticleer, touring > Turn

Tchaikovsky on his head, in the coolest possible way.”

GET BACK TO WHAT MOVES YOU

At McLaren Greater Lansing’s Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute, our goal is to get you back to your life safely, comfortably, and as quickly as possible. From hips to knees to shoulders, expert care is close to home.

Learn more at mclaren.org/lansingorthopedics.

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nationally and internationally in concerts and making several recordings. As a countertenor soloist, he has sung for various collegiate and community groups. He has been a member of professional choral workshops and concerts at Carnegie Hall with conductors Robert Shaw, Peter Schreier and Helmuth Rilling. Shaler was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan.

Nigerian American baritone Akinboboye is a singer of diverse talents known for his enthralling stage presence. His most

recent performances include Daggoo in LA Opera’s “Moby Dick,” Escamillo in Pacific Opera Project’s production of “Carmen” and Lucha’s father in The Industry’s production of “Hopscotch.”

As an advocate for the performance of art song and operatic works written by African and African American composers, Akinboboye has headlined the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry awards in Lagos, Nigeria, performing a fusion of opera and traditional African music, and has been

a featured performer at both the National Association of Negro Musicians Annual Conference and the African American Art Song Alliance Conference.

This thrilling concert opens with the joyous and uplifting “Umoja Anthem of Unity,” a new work by living composer Valerie Coleman. In 1997, Coleman, unhappy with the underrepresentation of musicians of color in the classical music world, founded Imani Winds, a wind quintet. Coleman remains its flutist and composer-in-residence, often

incorporating elements of jazz and the music of the South.

The concert concludes with “Carmina Burana,” an iconic piece of classical music used frequently in commercials, movies and modern culture because of its power, effectiveness and evocative qualities.

In addition to the soloists, the Michigan State University Chorale, State Singers and Choral Union will join the LSO.

Get

Kurtis has a prominent presence on Television. His music appears on shows such as Dancing with The Stars, and SportsCenter. He is also an associate producer on the Netflix hit series ‘The Get Down’.

City Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed the Hip-Hop pioneer to the new Nightlife Advisory Board where Kurtis will advocate on behalf of music venues and clubs, continuing to shape the influence the industry - this time at a policy level!

Ways to Save the Most in 2023

Building your savings for big purchases or emergencies can seem daunting, especially when you don’t know where to start. These steps will help put you on a path toward a strong financial future while you watch your savings grow.

Review Your Spending Habits

The common phrase “time is money” rings true here. Taking the time to review your past few months of spending can save you money in the long run. As you gather average costs for utilities, mortgage or rent, subscriptions, groceries, and other expenses, you’ll

likely see trends you otherwise missed. You also might notice automatic payments you have forgotten about or some that are higher than expected.

Set Your Budget

Knowing your average monthly spending will help you set a realistic budget. Your budget should also include your income and savings. Continue to monitor your accounts throughout the month so you stay within your budget but be open to modifying your budget. Update your budget based on any priorities or expenses that change

over time, and you’ll be on your way to achieving your financial goals.

Automate Your Savings

Once you have determined how much to save each month, set up automatic transfers to your savings account. Scheduling these transfers each payday allows you to pay yourself first and ensure your savings grow.

Earn Rewards when Spending

When you make purchases, consider using a credit card that offers rewards, preferably cash back that can be used

for groceries, gas, trips, or anything else. Cash back rewards can add up and they can be used to pay on balances or deposited into your savings account.

MSUFCU can help you achieve your savings goals with 24/7 access to review your accounts via the MSUFCU Mobile app or ComputerLine®, cash back reward cards like our Visa Signature® Credit Card, a variety of savings options, and financial education seminars. Visit msufcu.org for more information.

HOW AI IS BEING USED FOR VASCULAR HEALTH AND TREATMENTS

“We’re bringing the state-of-the-art technology to the greater Lansing region where our patients now have access to the latest technology for vascular services closer to home.’’

Every day, advancements in health care are being made. With new technology, procedures are taking less time and are becoming less invasive. As the first hospital in Michigan to pilot Cydar Maps software, McLaren Greater Lansing Heart & Vascular Institute is at the forefront of innovation in vascular care utilizing augmented artificial intelligence (AI) technology to improve patient care and outcomes for aneurysm repair.

Dr. Jordan Knepper, director at the Heart and Vascular Center at Michigan State University and a vascular surgeon at McLaren Greater Lansing, treats problems in the blood vessels of patients including areas in the arteries and veins that supply blood throughout the body.

“Cydar Maps is a new technology that brings AI to our operating room, and it helps us more accurately predict where

these blood vessels are located,” said Dr. Knepper. “The goal is to use this smart technology to decrease the risk of the patient through the reduction of contrast dye use and radiation exposure as well as minimizing the operating time whilst being under anesthesia.”

McLaren Greater Lansing is one of 20 sites in the U.S. and the only location in the Midwest region to offer this technology.

“It’s an exciting time in health care to see how the practical application of technology continues to evolve, assisting and further enhancing the capabilities of our skilled providers,” said Dr. Justin Klamerus, McLaren Health Care Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer. “Technology like this means we have the potential to recognize and treat vascular problems with improved accuracy and efficiency.

The best result is improved outcomes for our patients.”

Cydar Medical specializes in medical computer vision, machine learning and cloud high-performance computing. They partnered with Medtronic, a global leader in healthcare technology advance aortic patient treatment decisions. Cydar Maps enables clinicians to create detailed patient-specific 3D maps of their anatomy for procedure planning, image-guided navigation, and postoperative review.

Studies have shown that while using surgical AI mapping software, the patient and clinical team’s exposure to radiation is reduced by 50%. It also reduces the prep time and provides a more precise procedural plan.

“Cydar Maps brings us a step further than what we’ve done before by using

3D mapping of the blood vessels in the patient and it will analyze any changes to the vessels during the procedure and update the mapping in real time,” said Dr. Knepper. “Because of this planning, we’re able to treat more patients, more complex problems, and get in faster and safer with fewer complications.”

With the use of AI to improve the way vascular surgeries are being done, Dr. Knepper is excited to now offer this new technology integration to the community.

“We’re bringing the state-of-the-art technology to the greater Lansing region where our patients now have access to the latest technology for vascular services closer to home,” said Dr. Knepper.

The Mother

Written by Kristen Victoria Freeman

If you ask adults what they would want most in life consistently for the rest of their lives, what do you think the answer would be?

I can imagine “more ‘free’ time” would be up there.

Time to be with children

Time to be with a lover

Time to connect and nurture friendships

Time to travel

Time to explore

Time to rest

Time to meditate and pray

Time to serve

Time to sit and just be still

So why do we in turn begin from such a young age packing the schedules?

At times, we add on just to add on. Our children are in school 8 hours a day, rushing and running to be on time, spending hours in the confines of places where they may (or may not) want to be in one week for the sake of? Upholding the system, the collective culture and the way things have become.

How often do we question how and what

we are conditioning our little ones for?

Discipline is great. Doing challenging things is necessary. Practicing time management is a skill worth having. Persevering through the discomfort of new to grow into enjoying & being good at something is soul food.

But, suffering through, trudging along, spending most of your time doing what you don’t love to get to a small portion of or to strive toward a false promise of TIME to spend with how you please, on what fills you up & feels purposeful is to me… a lie.

It’s the cultural belief we have upheld for so long. Go to school. Go to work to make the money. Even if you hate it. You may not feel a fire. Well, that’s just life. And it continues…

You see, I don’t exactly know how to combat it but I definitely know that our God did not create and design us for a life dwindled down to that.

That material mindset, that rat race, that jam it packed and rush around into an oblivion without time for contemplation lifestyle.

We are created for more inspiring, more thought-filled, loving experiences. We are created for more ♥️

If you had more time, what would you do with it?