Explorers Make the News Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - December 11, 2020December 11, 20200 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
Explorers Celebrate History Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - November 11, 2020November 11, 20200 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
Sierra Ward: Explorer Youth Board President Uncategorized by Alayna Kuhn - November 5, 2020November 5, 20200 The Merze Tate Explorers recently elected Sierra Ward as Youth Board President. Ward, a senior at Loy Norrix High School, has been a member of the Explorers since 5th grade. Her dedication to the organization, outgoing personality, and passion for community service were among her many attributes her fellow Explorers
Explorers Top in Community Service Award for NAACP Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - November 2, 2020November 2, 20200 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 Series: The Velvelettes Uncategorized by Sasha Hollins - October 12, 2020October 12, 20200 The Explorers created 16 mini-documentaries on African American women in Kalamazoo History. Learn how a teenage girl became the lead singer in a Motown recording group! Explorers Cienna Hobson and Sasha Hollins bring their story to life!
Your Turn: Mini-Doc Youth Media Series Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - October 6, 2020October 6, 20200 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? Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - August 18, 2020August 18, 20200 Explorers Compete for Best Book Review What happens when life throws you a curve? Do you throw in the towel and quit? Or, do you find new, creative ways to overcome your challenge? This is the theme of the book, Who Moved my Cheese? Teen Edition by Spencer Johnson M.D. Several
Explorers Compete for Best Virtual Spa Story Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - August 18, 2020August 18, 20200 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 Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - August 18, 2020August 18, 20200 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 Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - June 22, 2020June 22, 20200 @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
