Halatu Musa | Community Member Spotlight
Who are you? Give us a little peek into your background, lifestyle, interests, and goals.
Halatu Musa, Greater Lansing resident
My name is Ragis Musa, also known as Halatu or Living OutRagisly, and I’m someone who truly loves community, connection, and creativity. I’m a growing content creator who enjoys highlighting the beauty of Lansing through food, culture, and people.
At my core, I’m a storyteller. I love sharing experiences, uplifting local businesses, and creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and inspired. My goals are simple but meaningful; to grow in my purpose, continue using my voice to uplift others, and shine a light on everything good happening in our community.
Tell us about a recent local event you enjoyed attending.
One of my favorite recent events was the Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) Walk in October. The vibes were so good, the weather was perfect, the energy was uplifting, and everyone came together for an amazing cause. It was beautiful to see the community show up in such a strong way. Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCEDSV) does incredible work, and it’s truly a great organization to support and donate to.
If you could only eat at only ONE locally-owned restaurant for an entire month, which would you choose (and why)?
This is such a hard question because Lansing has so many great places to eat, but I would choose Elite Eatery. They have a food truck that serves such amazing food you would think you are eating at a five star restaurant. The flavor, the quality, and the creativity in their dishes make them a spot I could enjoy every single day.
Which locally-owned business deserves way more attention than it gets?
Nubian in Downtown Lansing definitely deserves more attention. It is a family owned shop filled with beautiful cultural items, meaningful gifts, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home the moment you walk in. It is not easy paying rent downtown, and small businesses like theirs need real community support to keep their doors open. They bring so much culture, warmth, and value to the city, and supporting them truly makes a difference.
What’s a piece of life advice you’d like to share with anyone reading this?
Move with love, trust your path, and allow yourself to grow into the person you are meant to be. Surround yourself with people who support your peace, choose joy with intention, and let God guide every step you take.
And always remember to keep living OutRagisly. To me, that means showing up as your real and authentic self and giving yourself permission to explore, evolve, and experience life fully. It means trying new things, stepping outside your comfort zone, and never shrinking who you are to make others comfortable. Living OutRagisly is confidence, curiosity, and courage. It is a reminder to keep shining, keep putting yourself out there, and keep creating a life that feels good to you from the inside out.