They’re the names you know. They’re the names you love. No. 13 in your program, but No. 1 in your heart. We took to the streets to ask: Who’s someone in Lansing you think deserves legendary status — and why?
Nicholas Richardson, M3 Group
Tom Izzo. He isn’t just a coach, he’s a living, breathing institution. For nearly 30 years, he’s turned Spartan basketball into a national force. He did it with loyalty, grit and a whole lot of heart. National titles. Final Fours. Big Ten banners. The resume speaks for itself. But what makes him legendary isn’t just the wins. It’s how he stays rooted. He backs his players for life. He never left East Lansing. He made East Lansing feel like the center of the hoops universe. For a sports fan like me, Tom Izzo is the blueprint.
Polo Reo Tate, author
Sheri Jones, longtime WLNS-TV 6 news anchor in Lansing, truly deserves legendary status. With over 35 years in broadcasting, she’s earned honors from the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and the Silver Circle of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, along with Emmy nominations and awards from the AP and MAB.
Beyond journalism, she’s led international teams to Japan, China and Africa, advancing causes like economic growth and Habitat for Humanity. She’s also a strong advocate for opioid awareness, mental health, gun safety and anti-trafficking efforts, and has worked with Crime Stoppers to help catch mid-Michigan’s most wanted. Sheri is more than a news anchor — she’s a journalist, leader and tireless community advocate.
Allan Ross, GüD Marketing
Berl Schwartz, publisher of the City Pulse, singlehandedly kept independent journalism alive in Lansing for the last 25 years. Now more than ever we need an alternative newspaper that isn’t afraid to irk the powers that be by holding them accountable for their words and actions, and at the same time highlighting some of the area’s exceptional arts and culture leaders. Berl is a true Lansing legend.
Julie Reinhardt, Brick & Mortar Retail Consulting Group
Silvia’s Sudsery, Nubian and Jollof Afro Caribbean restaurant are three of my favorite businesses that really exhibit the dedication, innovation and hustle to make a fabulous, successful business.
Dave Busch
Dave Busch is a creative advertising writer with a knack for big ideas and memorable messaging. Off the clock, he and his wife have a hobby farm populated by rescue animals – including goats, chickens, peafowl, ducks, cats, a dog and one potbelly pig named William.
