Left: Artist, educator and activist, Judith F. Baca is featured in the exhibit Our Journeys/Our Stories: Portraits of Latino Achievement

Smithsonian traveling exhibit: Our Journeys/Our Stories: Portraits of Latino Achievement will be at the Michigan State University Museum located on West Circle Drive, East Lansing from September 16, 2008 to January 4, 2009. 

Left:  Barack Obama gives a
passionate speech

Bottom: A police car on fire the morning Senator Obama came to Lansing

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama
New Energy for America
Michigan State University
Monday, August 4th, 2008
Lansing, Michigan
 

LANSING, MI -- Jolinda Wade, mother of Miami Heat's Dwayne Wade and Christine Johnson, mother of Earvin “Magic” Johnson will speak about health issues affecting the family on September 6, 2008 at Bethlehem Temple located at 1518 S. Washington Avenue.  Several Issues will be covered (subject to change):

The world is going to be quieter without actor/comedian Bernie Mac and soul legend Isaac Hayes. 

Both men died a day apart.  They are both featured in the movie Soul Men that is scheduled to be released in November 2008.

Kenneth “Cookie” Frazier, Jr. tragically drowned at a Mid-Michigan state park.   It happened at Tawas Point State Park in East Tawas on Friday, July 25, 2008.  He drowned in Lake Huron while on a weeklong camp trip with other students from the Lansing area.

As a young boy, Quassan Castro, started receiving messages for the people around him.   His visions first came to him in dreams and he didn't quite understand the depth of the messages.   Not sure how people would respond he kept the messages to himself. Even more interesting, he didn't want to invade in others personal spaces by offering them a message without asking.

Top: Eastern student Karalyn Grimes performed haikus.
Left:  Featured poet, Logic, writes while
waiting to read his poetry.  Logic is also a host on the late night show “TextMe TV”.  He
performs with the Ann Arbor Slam team and hosts a poetry reading at the Green River Cafe at 307 Mac Ave. in East Lansing in the Fall.

'Your happiness is the air that I breathe, and I’d do anything just  to take one last breath' - from “Crushed” a poem written by Logic

Left: Jolinda Wade, mother of Miami Heat’s Dwayne Wade and Right: Christine Johnson, mother of Magic Johnson to speak about health issue affecting  the family on September 6, 2008 at
Bethlehem Temple.

Grand Marshall Mrs. Dorothy Kennedy surrounded by children at the Letts Community Center during a press
conference about the parade and
festivities.

Photo by Michael Jennings

LANSING, MI – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed legislation that offers a Michigan income tax credit to individuals who make in-kind food donations to food banks, food pantries, and homeless shelters as part of a matching program with a participating food retailer.

Reading is Fundamental:  Tim Wong, who's a former student of Marilouise Smith-Mays visited her recently.  Mays specializes in teaching adults how to read or improve their reading skills. Photo by Quincy Allan Hodges

MICHIGAN -- Michigan has had more than its share of economic hardships in recent years, but when Michigan voters were asked the biggest economic problem facing their family, the cost of fuel trumped everything. Gas prices have risen to $4.15 across the nation. 

Is Eddie Murphy getting tired of the Hollywood grind? While plugging his upcoming film "Meet Dave," due in theaters July 11, the actor told "Extra's" Tanika Ray that he may leave movies for good and return to his roots on stage.      

LANSING, MI - Ken Wyniemko was convicted of a rape he didn't commit in 1994. Wyniemko was freed from prison in 2004, after spending 9 years locked up.   The results of DNA test of a cigarette butt and semen stained nylons showed that it didn't match his DNA.  Although, Wyniemko professed his innocence, he was convicted of rape and burglary.   A court appointed attorney assigned to Wyniemko's case had less than a week to prepare for his defense.  The jury also heard from a jailhouse informant who was spared a life sentence for his testimony that Wyniemko confessed.  Even though the victim was blindfolded and the attacker wore a ski mask, she said she was certain that it was Wyniemko.  A judge exceeded the sentencing guidelines because Wyniemko didn't show remorse and sentenced him to 40 - 60 years in prison.

Dr. Judi Brown Clarke, Silver Medalist in the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California

The 12 jurors who set R. Kelly free of child pornography charges Friday were reportedly in agreement that the singer was actually on the tape, but could not find him guilty because there was "not enough evidence to prosecute."

Tammy Banovik stands on her front lawn where a tree had fallen on 2213 S. Washington Avenue.  Sue Jenkinson was outside cleaning up some falling branches during a recent storm in Lansing when it occurred.   Photo by Nicole Wallace

When Walter Swift was freed after being wrongly imprisoned for 26 years he told the crowd that he feels like a bird has been let out of a cage.  He is shown with lawyers from the Innocence Project, a group that works to free those who are wrongly imprisoned.  Courtesy Photo

 After threat of bench warrant for  report Jim DeRogatis due on stand

The Case of Claude Mc Collum: Attorney Hugh B. Clarke,Jr.; Cheryl Bartz, who is on the Committee for Social Justice at Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing and Claude McCollum who was recently released from prison for a crime he didn’t commit.  TNCP Photo.

Presumptive Republican nominee talks about views on Obama and plans for black America

 Li Pei Han (Jade)  a 20-year old college student visited here last summer with the Visiting International Professional Program.  She gives us insight to her experience writing in English as her second language. 
Courtesy  Photo.

The idea that there's one definition of family is changing. Families are becoming more diverse. There are single career as well as dual career families, two parent as well as single parent families, "intact" as well as blended families, married as well as unmarried cohabiting parents, heterosexual as well as same sex parents, single race as well as interracial families, two- as well as three-generational families.

David E. Smith,  Sous Chef and Brett Telder, Executive Chef standing in front of their
modified salad bar at the Cadillac Club. They’re whipping up sweet concoctions to tantalize your taste buds.  Experience the Chocolate Fountain of d’Elegance along with other signature dishes like the slow roasted prime beef on Mother’s Day and weekend brunch.
Photo TNCP.

Allhiphop.com is reporting that Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter is in the process of setting up an educational trust for the children of Sean Bell, the unarmed African American man who was shot and killed by New York City police officers hours before his wedding.      
     The Web site says sources have confirmed that the mogul is working with Nicole Paultre Bell, Sean Bell's widow, to establish stock-based trust funds for both of their children.

Elizabeth handing Pat a coupon from Kroger for dry cleaning services at Sunshine Laundromat & Dry Cleaners.
Photo TNCP.

When Judge Greg Mathis was a child growing up in gritty streets of Detroit a different type of “street law” was implemented during the turbulent times of the 70's.

As a child, laying in bed at night in an apartment in a Detroit housing project, he would have never dreamed that he would be one of the most popular judges in the nation.  More exciting, is that he was one of the original pioneers in reality television providing viewers a syndicated courtroom show with a stream of colorful litigants.

Understanding the Sikh Turban
  
  The turbans (dastaar) that Sikh Indians wear aren’t just for show, their turbans are a sign of respectability and an article of faith.
    Turbans are a part of Sikh history.  Most Sikhs don’t cut their hair and keep it covered. 
    Since 9-11, many Sikhs have been unfairly targeting for wearing turbans.  They are misidentified as Muslims, primarily because Osama bin Laden wears a head wrap.
   Sikhs are not Muslim they follow the religion of Sikhism, which originated in Punjab.  Turbans are a part of their strength.
  Over the centuries they have fought and died  to continue the right to not cut their hair and wear a turban.
     Tying a turban is an art and wearing one is a right. 

  LANSING, MI -- “A Daughter’s Love Continues to Shine” has continued to garner comments from across the community.  In the April 13, 2008 - April 26, 2008 edition, we wrote about Jasmine Miles, who was struck and killed by an auto on St. Joseph Street.  Her mother, Michelle Miles, bravely talked about the events that lead up to that fateful day.

 LANSING, MI --  On Saturday, December 15, 2007, Kahlil Hoard was shopping for gifts for his siblings, mother and grandmother for Christmas with 50 other young boys.

LANSING, MI --  When Michelle Miles heard about  11-year-old Kahlil Hoard being seriously wounded when he was hit by a car on December 18, 2007, it struck a nerve, which was still raw from the death of own daughter, 13-year-old Jasmine Starr Miles.    It seemed like yesterday that Jasmine had been tragically killed by an automobile on her way home from school on May 13, 2003.

From 2000-2006, 653 people have been hit while walking or bicycling in Lansing. The number averages to 120 people each year and 1 person every 3 days. 13 people have died.

LANSING, MI -- As a continuation of our commitment to keep you updated on our “Most Interesting and Most Influential, we are featuring Calvin Jones, who was featured in our 2006 edition.

EAST LANSING, MI -- A gathering of statewide community leaders to discuss diversity and inclusion had many participants concerned about the event's apparent exclusion of certain groups.

Efren Paredes, Jr. has been imprisoned for 15 years for a crime he says he didn’t commit.  A group of local citizens wants the court of public opinion to hear about the facts in this case.

This April the theme is "Put a Poem inYour Pocket." 

Getting the most for your money?  Have you checked on your insurance rates lately?  You may just have an opportunity to save money by reviewing your car insurance policy and getting new estimates.

Judi Brown Clarke,Ph.D. Director of Multicultural Affairs and Inclusion in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences Michigan State University

Michigan Women’s Historical Center and Hall of Fame is located at 213 West Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI.  Their newest history exhibit is “Ladies of the Lights:  Michigan Women in the U.S. Lighthouse Service”.

For hours and other exciting exhibits call 517-484-1880.

Don’t  let your phone service be one of the first casualties of your quest to save money.  Assistance may be available.

African American businessman offers laughter, conversation and advice at an affordable price to all who seek it... but most of all he gives back to the community that he serves

Barber Shop Lessons:  Mo Ogden is a making history in one of the oldest professions to provide African American males opportunity for entreprenuerism.  Here Mo shows Rami Marsh his new haircut. He also offers advice on how to stay well groomed by giving the Shabazz visitors new hair brushes. Photo by Dr. Eugene Cain

The stars were out in force Wednesday night helping to raise $3.7 million for the UNICEF and two other organizations in its effort to help impoverished and sick children around the world.

You learn something new everyday. On Jan 8th while watching the presentation “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at The Wharton Center, I learned theater could be simultaneously entertaining and educational.

“While you may not be able to open your home during the holidays to an aged-out foster youth like me, there are many ways that you can get involved to make a difference in the lives of children and youth in care. One way is to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate or CASA volunteer.” - Amanda D. Johnson

To learn more about CASA call 1-888-805-8457 for more information or visit the National CASA Association online at www.nationalcasa.org.

"It would kill her to see me like this," continued Moore. "After all she’s been through, I can’t tell her that her baby sleeps on the sidewalk at nights." -- James Moore regarding how his mother would feel if she knew he was homeless.

Legendary daredevil Evel Knievel died on November 30, 2007  just days after announcing his meeting with Kanye West that led to a settlement over the rapper's video for "Touch the Sky."

Jimi Hendrix memorabilia is still in hot demand, judging from a recent Christie's auction of rock 'n' roll memorabilia.

The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) Bureau of Career Education Programs, Office of Postsecondary Services, has revoked the proprietary school license from, Joanne Benton, owner and operator of James Monroe School of Health Sciences, Inc., located in Monroe, Michigan.

A  state lawmaker in a runoff election in Louisiana called a black civil-rights veteran who had helped her campaign "Buckwheat," angering the NAACP, which urged voters to kick her out of office, reports the Associated Press.    

Prosecuting Attorney Stuart Dunnings III initiated a recent probe regarding the wrongful conviction of Claude McCollum with the Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox’s office.  He said it was the right thing to do. Photo by Michael Jennings

"I requested the investigation because the people are entitled to have an independent review of what
happened...”
           Prosecuting Attorney Stuart Dunnings III, regarding the wrongful conviction of Claude McCollum     

Rapper leaves European tour to attend services; Jay-Z, Beyonce, Anita Baker, John Legend among mourners.

“Everyone is welcome. We all have talents within us.”
Nadia Sellers, co-owner of
U & I Model and Talent Management

New Modeling and Talent Agency needs

Models
Actors
Designers
Dancers
Comedians

Please bring your best photos to their open call on
November 17, 2007.

Joseph Johnson is a model and actor with U& I Model and Talent Management and he seen above modeling cookware. Photo by Steve Ragland

17-year-old DeAndre Way - AKA Soulja Boy Tell'em - utilized internet marketing to make his production and raps a must-have by music consumers. With tens-of-millions of people visiting his website and Myspace page, his single “Crack That” became a #1 hit, and one of the most popular singles of 2007. Signed to Collipark Music/Interscope Records, Soulja Boy Tell'em's career, like his website, could remain popular for years to come.

The presidential election of 2008 will be historic in several ways. For the first time ever, a woman and an African American both have a viable shot at being the Democratic nominee.

The initial accreditation was awarded by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

(This is a Two Part Interview- Part I was in the previous edition.)

D.L. Hughley has a natural gift for comedy, yet trained himself to better at his profession. He recently performed at the Wharton Center in Lansing, MI and sat down for a heart-to-heart.  Family life was part of his workout.

Cornerstone University announces expansion to Lansing offering degree programs designed for busy adults.

Before the Nazi Holocaust, it was a generally-held belief that protecting human rights was the concern of individual governments. But the international alliance formed during World War II, combined with the final revelation of the horrors that had taken place at the hands of the Nazis, convinced many people of the necessity of making human rights a universal concern monitored under universal standards.

16-year-old Justin Tolchuck, played brilliantly by Dan Byrd and Pakistani Muslim student Raja played by Adhir Kalyan in “Aliens in America”.  Courtesy photo

They will Move Ahead with Federal Court Case Including Termination of Disney's
Rights Which Are Worth $12 to $15 Billion and Seek $2 Billion in Damages

     Alvin Haynes Sr. who was affectionately known as “Big Al” walked into the arms of Jesus on September 29, 2007 due to complications from diabetes.  He was born on August 18, 1941 to Oscar and Emily Haynes.

Entertainer says she's 'really coming from the soul with it.'

Need a bit of humor in your life?  Well get ready to roll, the incredibly funny D.L. Hughley is set to perform at Cobb Great Hall on Michigan State University’s campus. 
Courtesy Photo

A Civil Rights worker from Detroit who was murdered by members of the Ku Klux Klan following the March to Montgomery in 1965 is the subject of a dramatic new exhibit at the Michigan Women's Historical Center.

Investigation concludes Association did not violate tax laws or commit undue political intervention

Source: NAACP

BISHOP WEEKS HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE:
Juanita Bynum's husband maintains there are 'two sides to every story.'

 Michigan has 14,600 acres of vineyards making Michigan the fourth largest grape-growing state.

  Michigan’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federally funded, low-income residential energy conservation program. The program provides free home energy conservation services to low-income Michigan homeowners and renters. These services reduce energy use and lower utility bills, thus creating more self-sufficient households.

Rock star Tommy Lee posted a message on his official Web site explaining his scuffle with Kid Rock during MTVs Video Music Awards, and apologizing to Alicia Keys for the incident taking place during her performance.

Series would follow shenanigans with ex-wife he accused of trying to poison him.

Team owner said it’s not in the team’s ‘best long-term interest.’

Linda Ann Adams-Everett-Hall-Hollies - March 29 to
August 18, 2007

  The WKAR.org website for The War: Michigan Voices includes repeat times, an honor roll listing service details for all those interviewed, transcripts for the veterans' complete interviews, selected articles about some of the veterans, and a “Share Your Story” section that allows visitors to share their stories or memories of their family members' experiences in World War II.

       A Web site offering a doggie chew toy named after NFL quarterback Michael Vick is the target of several copyright lawsuits – from the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons and Vick himself.

 As a graphic artist with the Michigan Department of Transportation Brian has won many national awards for his work on projects such as the 2001 design of Michigan's official State map, graphics for “The Line Drive Home”: How to get to and from the 2005 MLB All-Star Game, and for the illustration's in the children's book “Bridget & Little Mac's Birthday Trip.”

                     Brain Whitfeild

“Families and children can volunteer together for some jobs – helping clean up a playground or a beach, simple repairs in low-income housing, working at a
community food bank or facility for elderly people...”

Dr. Anita Guerin, NYU Child Study Center

Ms. Hallman and her daughter, Councilperson Carol Wood were chosen as two of our 2007 Most Interesting and Influential edition which is posted on www.tncp.net.  They were the first mother and daughter to be featured in the same edition.

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today reminds residents that local jurisdictions in 52 counties across Michigan will hold primaries and special elections Tuesday, Aug. 7.

Derrick Quinney City Council at Large

A’Lynne Robinson Third Ward

Willie Fuller City-Council At Large

William Hubbell Third Ward

Artis White, accused of murdering his wife, is still on the short list of suspects.  He spends his free time filming a documentary about those who have been falsely accused of crimes.

Two sister-in-laws return home to Lansing to visit their friends and family. They are home for good in October.

When the door of the Book Burrow opens, its manager greets those waiting with a big smile. Inside the bookstore, the manager and volunteers are busy carrying book carts, sorting out and shelving books. All of them look excited and happy, thinking of all the good these books will do in the community.  Located in the basement of the Lansing’s Main Library, the Book Burrow is the hidden treasure of the library where people can fully enjoy browsing through thousands of neatly shelved books and get many different books at great prices.

Davyn Cuffie appears in the Transformers movie that opened on July 4.

      As summertime couples prepare for their weddings, we wanted to give you a glimpse into the life of a couple who are getting married in August.  Maybe the article will rekindle your relationship or just to let you know that you're not the only couple going through planning for many months for the one perfect day - your wedding.

MCB Business Enterprise Program Summer Employment, June 18 through August 10, is an eight-week food service and vending internship in MCB's Business Enterprise Program for blind and visually impaired youth ages 15-22.  Participants work 20-30 hours per week, at $6.95 per hour. The June 18 through August 10 timeline is flexible.  For more information, contact Lucy Edmonds at 517-373-3459.
 

CCCAN collected over 1, 500 books in 7 weeks!!!

Definitely Michigan’s Idol -  LaKisha Jones came in first place in the eyes of the hundreds of fans who relaxed in front of the Capitol steps while cheering her on.  Photo by Michael Jennings 

As summertime couples prepare for their weddings, we wanted to give you a glimpse into the life of a couple who are getting married in August.  Maybe the article will rekindle your relationship or just to let you know that you're not the only couple going through planning for many months for the one perfect day - your wedding.

Harold L Singleton Sr.

Gladys Beckwith

Melvin S. Williams

Dr. George T. Rowan

Brian McGrain

Maria Zavala

Michael A. Blake

Tammy Pitts

Terri Lee

Pastor Nathan Dixon

Jamie Schriner-Hooper

Shani Peters

Reverend Walter Ray Gibson, Jr.

Shanelle Jackson

Deana Newman

     Stevie Wonder recently visited Lansing, MI when he was honored as one of 12 Michigan notables in the first group inducted into the Michigan Walk of Fame.

   The New Citizens Press' 2007 Best Brightest and Most Beautiful were chosen with great care this year.  This is our third edition and each year we ask ourselves can we be surprised anymore about what Lansing and beyond have to offer.  This edition is not about who people think they are to the community but what they are to the community.    This edition also shows that there is a connection between Lansing and other areas of the United States of America.

Chris Holman