Explorers Take Part in Poetry Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - March 12, 2021March 12, 20210 The Merze Tate Explorers took part in their first Poetry Out Loud competition. The national competition is held at school, state, and national levels. After a socially-distant competition, Sierra Ward won first place in the Explorers' first Poetry Out Loud event and went on to compete for the state title.
Explorers Give Backpacks to Kids Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - March 4, 2021March 4, 20210 The Merze Tate Explorers are learning the importance of philanthropy. The youth council has led fundraising efforts that have helped youth around the globe! Not only have the students contributed $1,000 of their fundraising dollars to a girl in Tanzania for a year of education, they are providing supplies to
WMU Celebrates Merze Tate Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - February 24, 2021February 24, 20210 Merze Tate graduated from Western Michigan University in 1927. Not only did she graduate with the highest academic record at that time, she later left more than $1 million to the school that helped in her success. Tate is featured in various articles and news casts for Black History Month.
Explorers Featured for BHM Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - February 19, 2021February 19, 20210 Kalea Barnes and Maya Daniels represent the Explorers during a Black History Month feature of Merze Tate with WOTV-41 ABC! Sonya Bernard-Hollins shares the history of Merze Tate with reporter Kyle Mitchell of WOTV-41 ABC! Kalamazoo (MICH) - The Merze Tate Explorers were featured on WOTV-41 and ABC affiliate in honor
SCBWI Features Explorers Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - February 13, 2021February 13, 20210 The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators shares the story of the Merze Tate Explorers! Thanks, SCBWI for your continued efforts to highlight authors and what we do to share the world with children through books! Read the story on The Mitten HERE!
Your Turn Woman Feature Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - February 3, 2021February 3, 20210 Carolyn Williams was Kalamazoo's first African American female judge! The Merze Tate Explorers honors her in their Your Turn: African American Women of Kalamazoo activity book series and a mini-doc project. The efforts of the nonprofit are supported in part by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, Public Media Network, and the
Minidocs & Book Celebrate Local Women in History Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - February 1, 2021February 1, 20210 Abbey Lincoln made history as an African American actress nominated for a Golden Globe. This Kalamazoo Central graduate has made local history. Her journey is inspiring to the Explorers who have met her. Lincoln is just one of 16 women of Kalamazoo, Michigan featured in the coloring book, Your Turn:
Explorers Recognized for Social Justice Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - January 8, 2021January 11, 20210 Explorers Maya Daniels, Sierra Ward and Syann Hollins were recently recognized by the City of Kalamazoo as youth dedicated to social justice. The young ladies will be recognized during the City Commission meeting on January 19th by Mayor David Anderson. Each will receive a $300 scholarship toward college. Maya earned
Fundraising Success! Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - January 7, 2021January 7, 20210 *Headline image: Explorers pose with Stacey Randolph-Ledbetter during the gift wrapping fundraiser. While COVID-19 held many nonprofit youth organizations hostage to virtual activities, the Explorers worked through it to provide scholarships for girls locally and abroad! During a Krispy Kreme Doughnut fundraiser and 4th annual Gift Wrapping Fundraiser, the Explorers raised
4th Annual Gift Wrap Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - December 17, 2020December 17, 20200 For the 4th year, the Merze Tate Explorers will wrap gifts at the Crossroads Mall in Portage, Michigan. The event will be held for 5 days only! In the past, the annual event helped provide scholarships for summer academy and study abroad adventures. This year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic,
