Juneteenth: The past, present and future
This week’s Juneteenth cover story spotlights three local trailblazers who are making a difference in our community. But first, let’s start with the basics. Juneteenth is the oldest known …
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Xiaoxing (Adele) Han — April Lansing Legend
What makes Xiaoxing (Adele) Han a Lansing Legend is her deep ties to the local filmmaker community. Xiaoxing didn’t study film or own a camera until her early 20s. (She has sidestepped questions bout her exact age.) This year, Xiaoxing was crowned Outstanding Filmmaker at the Beijing Winter Olympics Filmmaker Awards and has a documentary screening at the Capital City Film Festival about a Chinese organ player.
Lansing Legend: Dr. Surae Eaton-Sangster
One thing they don’t tell you about being a doctor is that your job doesn’t end once you retire. Dr. Surae Eaton-Sangster, 72, is one of Lansing’s most remembered family doctors. She sees her time working at Sparrow as a blessing and continues to view her profession as a means to connect with her greater community.
Lansing Legend: Barbara Davis
After losing a husband and a daughter, Barbara Davis decided it was time to make a change. At 72, Davis is a master’s student attending Siena Heights University studying clinical mental health. In this interview, Davis takes a break from writing an essay on historical trauma to shed light on her personal journey of self-acceptance, spirituality, and community mentorship.
Lansing Legend: Mitzi Allen
Unless you’ve met Mitzi Allen, 72, you’ve yet to meet Sexton High School’s most die-hard fan. She’s the matriarch leading three generations of Lansing Sextonites and has lived in the same house on Lenawee Street her entire life.
Lansing Legends: Art Austin
Art Austin, 79, is a retired GM employee and still tough as nails. He’s a drag racer who might brag about a perfect driving record, a hard earner who couldn’t run the risk of missing his son’s basketball game. He doesn’t hoard memorabilia from his past, making his recollection of the freedom and friends that fueled his life his most prized possessions.
An alumni perspective on Okemos’ ‘Chieftain’ mascot
Last summer, nearly 1,000 Okemos High School students and alumni signed a petition calling for the school to finish what it started. In addition to demanding a new mascot, the petition also called for a third-party evaluation of the Okemos Public Schools’ 2016-2019 equity plan.
Founders of new artist showcase reflect on 2019
On a Wednesday night in Lansing, one has a greater chance of seeing a horde of stray plastic bags tumbling toward the Capitol building than a line of patrons waiting to get inside a music venue.
Turner-Dodge Festival of Trees honors storytelling through decor
If the story of Rudolph didn’t make the red-nosed reindeer enough of a stud already, how about the time he and two elves built a makeshift hot air balloon to air-lift rescue Santa, Prancer, Vixen and the crew from a wicked crash. Not ringing any sleigh bells?
Lansing street artist Eufoe gives the gift of humor for the holidays
Eufoe, aka Samskee, has been adorning Lansing’s buildings with rainbows and Oldsmobiles for over 10 years. His latest collection of woodcuts are scaled-down versions of his signature tags and cheeky quips.