Congratulations to Explorers Sierra Ward and Layla Wallace! Both made local and national news on the same night for their passion for their community. Sierra was recognized on WWMT in Kalamazoo, Michigan for being among the first African American girls in the city to earn a Gold Award from Girl
Author: Sonya Bernard-Hollins
Explorers Celebrate History
In honor of African American women who have made history in our communities and beyond. Their Your Turn: African American Women of Kalamazoo activity book features 16 local women in history. This multi-media project allowed Explorers to continue their media training during the Covid-19 pandemic. The project was made possible
Explorers Top in Community Service Award for NAACP
Congratulations Explorers! The seniors of the Merze Tate Explorers were named top honorees in the recent Metropolitan Kalamazoo NAACP annual awards ceremony. The students were recognized for their contributions to the community through the Dr. Charles Warfield Youth Community Service Award. The annual NAACP event highlights the work of African Americans
Your Turn: Mini-Doc Youth Media Series
Who was the first African American female pilot to graduate from Western Michigan University's School of Aviation? Who was the first African American female mayor of Kalamazoo? Who was the first African American female realtor in Kalamazoo? New coloring book highlights history. Pilot Monique Grayson poses with young Explorers. Copyright Merze
Who Moved My Cheese?
Explorers Compete for Best Virtual Spa Story
The Explorers are keeping their skills as journalists fresh as they write about virtual experiences. In one recent Zoom workshop, students learned the importance of healthy skin and how to maintain it. Guest presenter and Mary Kay Consultant Dr. Justine Franklin, provided items to Explorers in advance for a Spa
Explorers Celebrate Women
In partnership with Albion artist Jerome Washington, the students created 2-minute documentaries on the women based on research. The students used editing to bring their voices together with images of women who broke glass ceilings in areas of Education, Medicine, and Entertainment. The multimedia project will be released on September
Travel Flashback: Black Music Month
@merzetate TRAVEL FLASHBACK MOMENT! In honor of Black Music Month, Explorer Sierra Ward poses with Michael Jackson and Beyonce wax figures at Madame Tussauds in Tokyo, Japan. Ward along with other Explorers "explored" the historic cultural, education, and business of Japan during a 2019 visit to Numazu, Japan with the
Video Featuring Explorers Goes National!
KALAMAZOO (MICH.)- Last Fall up-and-coming film director MJ Harrell shared a video with then co-worker Sonya Bernard-Hollins. Harrell had provided hands-on training in videography to members of the Merze Tate Explorers. He would even accompany them to record an exclusive interview with costume designer Ruth Carter, just days before her
