Startup Grind Lansing

INNOVATE STATE:
Emerging Leaders: Brittane Rowe | Burgess Institute, FY26

Join us for our Emerging Leaders Speaker Series featuring Brittane Rowe, CEO and Co-Founder of Awkward Games, a tabletop games company on a mission to spark real, unfiltered connection.
—
The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Michigan State University empowers students to lead lives of impact through entrepreneurship. With an education-first approach, we equip Spartans with the mindset, experience, and community they need to create meaningful change.

Repairing the Breach: The Justice League’s Vision for Justice, Belonging, and What Comes Next

There are moments when reflection becomes fuel. When looking back is not about nostalgia, but about clarity. It is about understanding what has been built, why it matters, and where the road is leading next.

That spirit filled the room at the Justice League of Greater Lansing’s 4th Annual Fall Celebration and Fundraiser. This was not simply a gathering. It was a pause. A chance to acknowledge progress, confront unfinished work, and recommit to the long view of justice. From the beginning, the Justice League has made one thing clear. Repair is not symbolic. It is intentional. It is structural. And it demands honesty.

The Justice League exists to address racial disparities by naming them directly and working toward tangible solutions. Central to that mission is normalizing conversations around reparations, not as a provocation, but as a path toward healing. Willye Bryan, co-founder of the Justice League, has long emphasized that repairing the breach means recognizing how history continues to shape access, opportunity, and generational outcomes. This work is not about assigning guilt. It is about acknowledging reality and choosing responsibility.

That framing has allowed the Justice League to become a model for a faith-based reparations initiative extending beyond Greater Lansing, drawing national interest and attention.

Unfinished Freedom and the Weight of History

The evening’s keynote speaker, Nakia Parker, Ph.D., brought scholarly depth and urgency to the conversation with her address, “Unfinished Freedom: Black Struggles for Belonging and Justice.”

As an accomplished historian of 19th-century U.S. slavery, African American life, and American Indian history, and as an assistant professor at Michigan State University, Dr. Parker grounded the Justice League’s present-day work in historical truth. Her perspective reinforced what the organization has long understood. Justice delayed does not disappear. It compounds.

Dr. Parker’s role on the Justice League’s Board of Directors and Advisory Council reflects the organization’s commitment to informed leadership, where lived experience and academic rigor meet.

The Journey That Led Here

The Justice League did not emerge from theory. It emerged from lived disparity.

Willye’s early experiences growing up in the segregated South made inequity impossible to ignore. From secondhand textbooks to clearly drawn lines of access and opportunity, the message was unmistakable. Systems were working exactly as designed. Those realizations did not harden into resentment. They evolved into resolve.

Years later, during the Covid-19 pandemic, that resolve sharpened. As data revealed that African Americans in Michigan, just 14 percent of the population, accounted for roughly 40 percent of Covid-related deaths, the cost of inequality became undeniable. For Willye, observation alone was no longer acceptable. Action was required.

From Outrage to Infrastructure

The Justice League was built not just to respond, but to endure.

Willye’s vision was clear. Create an organization with structure, sustainability, and resources that could outlive any one moment or leader. An endowment. A framework. A commitment to permanence.

That vision found alignment in Prince Solace, whose background in financial services made him a natural partner in turning moral urgency into operational reality. Their partnership moved the Justice League from concept to institution quickly and intentionally. The focus was never short-term relief. It was generational change.

Expanding the Conversation Beyond the Walls

While the Justice League’s roots are faith-based, its reach has expanded with purpose beyond houses of worship. The message of repair has been carried into academic spaces, civic institutions, and community conversations where these topics are often avoided.

This expansion reflects a core belief. Justice is not siloed. It must live wherever people live, learn, and lead. The Justice League’s growing visibility, supported by media coverage through WKAR Public Media, has confirmed that this work resonates far beyond Lansing. People across the country are paying attention, asking questions, and seeking models that move beyond rhetoric.

Looking Forward with Intention

The future vision is bold. Land ownership. First-time homeownership. Full organizational staffing. Infrastructure that supports economic repair at scale. Ambition, however, is grounded in realism. The Justice League understands that lasting change is built step by step, anchored by leadership, clarity of mission, and accountability.

The introduction of Prince Solace as Executive Director marks a significant milestone. For the Justice League of Greater Lansing, it signals maturity, readiness, and momentum.

The Justice League’s journey reminds us that justice is not a destination. It is a practice. One that requires courage, consistency, and a willingness to sit with discomfort long enough to build something better. As conversations around reparations and racial equity continue to evolve, the Justice League stands as proof that faith, structure, and action can coexist, and that repair is not only possible, but necessary.

Because unfinished freedom demands a response.

Honoring Legacies That Grow: Inside Michigan State University’s Landscape Keepsake Program

Some places hold our memories more tightly than others. For many, Michigan State University is one of those places. It’s where friendships were formed, futures were shaped, and moments big and small became part of a lifelong story. The MSU Landscape Keepsake Program exists to honor those stories by transforming memory into something living, lasting, and deeply connected to campus.

Formerly known as the Commemorative Tree Program, the Landscape Keepsake Program offers individuals and families a meaningful way to celebrate people who have made an impact on the MSU community. Alumni, students, faculty, staff, and loved ones with a connection to the university can all be honored through thoughtfully placed tributes that enhance both the campus landscape and the emotional connection people feel when they return.

At its core, the program is about remembrance. It recognizes that honoring someone’s life is not just about looking back, but about creating a place where reflection, connection, and healing can continue. On a campus known for its natural beauty, these keepsakes blend seamlessly into the environment, adding layers of personal meaning to spaces already rich with history.

The experience begins with a story. Donors often arrive with memories they want to preserve and a desire to create something tangible in honor of someone they love. MSU’s Landscape Services team works closely with each donor to guide the process, helping them select a location and keepsake that reflects the individual being honored. Whether it’s a tree planted near a favorite building or a bench placed along a familiar walkway, every detail is handled with care.

Locations across campus offer unique opportunities for connection. Some families choose areas tied directly to personal milestones, such as the place where two people first met or a spot where countless hours were spent studying or relaxing. Others look for peaceful greenspaces that invite reflection. Each site becomes a gathering place, not just for remembrance, but for new moments to unfold.

The process itself is intentionally supportive. MSU understands that this is often an emotional decision, and the team walks donors through each step at a comfortable pace. From the initial conversation to final placement, the focus remains on honoring both the person being remembered and the meaning behind the tribute. For those who wish, a small dedication gathering can be arranged, allowing family and friends to come together and mark the moment.

What makes the Landscape Keepsake Program especially powerful is how it connects personal legacy with shared space. Each tribute contributes to the ongoing care and beauty of campus, supporting sustainability and preserving MSU’s landscapes for future generations. Trees grow, gardens flourish, and benches offer places to pause, all while carrying stories forward.

Donors often describe a sense of comfort knowing their tribute will live on. It becomes part of the everyday rhythm of campus life. Students walk past it. Alumni revisit it. Families return to it year after year. In that way, a keepsake becomes more than a memorial. It becomes part of MSU’s living story.

Choosing a keepsake is a deeply personal decision. Some gravitate toward trees that symbolize growth and renewal. Others prefer benches that invite conversation and quiet reflection. Plaques, gardens, and artistic elements can also be incorporated, allowing donors to tell a story in their own words. What matters most is that the tribute reflects the spirit of the person being honored.

The impact extends beyond individual families. These keepsakes strengthen the emotional fabric of the campus, reminding everyone who passes by that Michigan State is shaped by people and the memories they leave behind. Each tribute reinforces the idea that legacy doesn’t fade when someone is gone. It grows.

For those considering how to honor someone connected to Michigan State, the Landscape Keepsake Program offers a thoughtful, lasting option. It transforms remembrance into something tangible and enduring, rooted in a place that continues to inspire.

In the end, the program is a celebration of connection. It brings families together, reconnects alumni with their past, and adds new meaning to the spaces that define MSU. Every keepsake tells a story. And together, those stories continue to shape the campus, one living legacy at a time.

A Year of Student Impact Across Michigan: Communities In Schools Reflects on 2025 and What’s Ahead

Every year tells a story, and for Communities In Schools of Michigan, 2025 was a chapter defined by commitment, connection, and meaningful change. Across classrooms, hallways, and communities statewide, the organization continued to show what’s possible when students are surrounded by the right support at the right time. As the year comes to a close, it’s a moment to reflect on the impact made and look ahead with optimism toward what’s next.

Communities In Schools of Michigan exists for a simple but powerful reason: to ensure every student has what they need to succeed in school and beyond. The organization understands that academic success doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s shaped by access to resources, trusted relationships, and a sense of belonging. By addressing both in-school and out-of-school challenges, CIS of Michigan works to remove barriers so students can focus on learning, growing, and dreaming bigger.

In 2025, that mission reached more students than ever before. CIS of Michigan supported 62 schools across the state and served more than 33,000 students directly. Those numbers represent far more than scale. They reflect thousands of individual stories of encouragement, stability, and progress. Behind every statistic is a student who received tutoring, a family connected to resources, or a school strengthened by collaboration.

The impact is driven by people. Student Support Coordinators serve as the heartbeat of the CIS model. Embedded directly within schools, they are a consistent presence for students, families, and educators. They listen, advocate, problem-solve, and connect students to the support they need, whether that means academic help, access to food and clothing, or a trusted adult to talk to on a difficult day. Their work often happens quietly, but its effects are lasting.

CIS of Michigan’s approach recognizes that no two students are the same. Support is personalized and responsive, shaped by real needs rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. One student may benefit from one-on-one mentoring, while another may need help navigating housing instability or mental health services. By meeting students where they are, CIS builds a foundation that allows young people to stay engaged in school and move forward with confidence.

None of this work happens alone. Partnerships are central to the CIS model. Volunteers, community organizations, donors, families, and school staff all play a role in creating a network of care around students. When communities come together with a shared purpose, the results are powerful. Schools become safer and more supportive. Families feel less isolated. Students feel seen.

Throughout the year, CIS of Michigan has seen the ripple effect of that collaboration. Graduation milestones, improved attendance, and renewed belief in what’s possible all point back to one core truth: when students know they are supported, they are more likely to succeed. That success doesn’t end at graduation. It extends into stronger communities, a more prepared workforce, and a brighter future for Michigan as a whole.

Gratitude is a theme that runs through every CIS story. The organization continually emphasizes appreciation for those who give their time, talents, and resources to support students. Volunteers who mentor, donors who invest, partners who collaborate, and educators who work alongside CIS staff all contribute to the impact seen across the state. Each act of support, no matter the size, helps move the mission forward.

As 2025 comes to a close, CIS of Michigan is already looking ahead. The work is far from finished. New goals, new partnerships, and new opportunities to serve more students are on the horizon. The organization remains committed to expanding its reach, strengthening family and community engagement, and deepening the support offered in every school it serves.

The story of Communities In Schools of Michigan is ultimately a story of belief. Belief in students. Belief in community. Belief that when people come together with intention and heart, lasting change is possible. As the organization reflects on a year of impact and looks ahead to what’s next, one message remains clear: the journey continues, and everyone is invited to be part of it.

Media, Trust, and the Power of Real Stories: Our Owner Paul Schmidt Reflects on Authentic Storytelling

At the start of every year, our owner Paul Schmidt sets aside space for reflection. Not trends, not algorithms, not chasing attention—but an honest look at why storytelling matters and how it’s evolving. This PaulTalk opens with a topic that’s been shaping media for more than a decade: trust. In a world saturated with noise, misinformation, and increasingly sophisticated technology, the conversation centers on what it means to tell stories people can still believe.

For Paul, the rise of the term “fake news” marked a turning point. What began as skepticism toward certain headlines grew into a broader distrust of media as a whole. Watching respected journalists and longtime professionals have their integrity questioned was personal. These were people who dedicated their careers to accuracy, accountability, and service. Seeing their work dismissed so casually highlighted just how fragile trust had become.

That erosion of trust has only intensified. Today, people question not just articles or broadcasts, but video itself. With AI-generated imagery, deepfakes, and manipulated audio becoming more common, even firsthand visuals can feel uncertain. The result is a media landscape where audiences are constantly asking whether what they’re seeing is real, edited, or entirely fabricated.

Against that backdrop, Paul reflected on why he started telling stories in the first place. Nearly 25 years ago, it wasn’t driven by a love of traditional news cycles or breaking headlines. It came from a desire to capture real people doing meaningful work and to let their stories exist without spin. Video became the medium of choice because of its immediacy and emotional honesty. When done right, it shows what actually happened, not what someone wants you to believe happened.

That philosophy hasn’t changed. In fact, it’s become even more intentional. UnoDeuce Multimedia reinforces a commitment to storytelling built on respect—for the subject, for the audience, and for the truth itself. That means no scripting words that weren’t said. No rearranging sentences to create drama. No embellishing details to heighten emotion. What’s shared is exactly what was given.

This approach is about more than technique. It’s about trust earned over time. When viewers press play, they know what they’re seeing reflects real experiences, real voices, and real moments. That consistency has become the foundation of UnoDeuce’s work.

The focus isn’t on reinventing that foundation, but strengthening it. The year ahead includes more original media, deeper community storytelling, and expanded multimedia projects that combine video, audio, and written content. Each piece is created with the same guiding principle: authenticity first. The goal is not to outshine the story, but to honor it.

Storytelling, when done with care, does more than inform. It builds connection. It fosters understanding. It creates a shared space where people can listen without skepticism and engage without feeling manipulated. Paul believes that kind of storytelling helps rebuild trust one story at a time, especially in a climate where authenticity feels increasingly rare.

Community remains central to that vision. Through new content, newsletters, and ongoing conversations, Paul invites everyone to stay connected and engaged. Not just as viewers, but as participants in a broader dialogue about what real storytelling looks like today. Multimedia plays a key role in that effort, layering perspectives and allowing stories to be experienced, not just consumed.

While technology will continue to change, the principles of honest storytelling do not. Respect the truth. Listen first. Share what actually happened. When stories are treated with integrity, they become something people can rely on.

As Paul reflects at the close of the conversation, the work doesn’t stop. There is always another story waiting to be told, another voice worth hearing, another moment worth preserving. And each one deserves the same care as the last.

In a time when trust feels harder to find, UnoDeuce Multimedia continues to stand for something simple and powerful: real stories, told honestly, every time.