PORTAGE (MICH.-) La’Niya had one job, to record the reactions of the Explorers when Jackie Joyner Kersee entered the room. But, starstruck, she put down the recorder and clapped along with the other students and parents as Mrs. Jackie entered the boardroom of the Portage District Library. It’s not often that girls have the opportunity to sit in the room with an Olympic legend. But for the Explorers, they were more than just spectators, they were reporters.

The City of Portage hosted Joyner Kersee on February 1, as part of their Black History Month recognition. As in the past, Explorers received their blessing to interview the keynote speaker before her public presentation. Youth reporters Jasmine and Juliana Liggins, and Ziggy Jones, were lead reporters as Sasha Hollins and La’Niya Taylor operated the cameras along with Dare’l McMillion, technology instructor.

The interview will be released in March as part of Girls Talk Books’ podcast launch. The podcast will feature Sonya Hollins, founder of the Explorers, and Explorer reporters who meet and interview diverse women in the publishing industry.

Check out https://www.girlstalkbooks.com for more information.