Explorers Interview History Maker Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - July 17, 2024July 17, 20240 Kalamazoo (Mich.)- Believe in your dreams was the message Justice Kyra Bolden shared with the Merze Tate Explorers during an exclusive interview in Kalamazoo's Warner, Norcross, and Judd law firm. Attorney James Liggins invited the Explorers to ask questions of Justice Bolden about her challenges and triumphs on her road
Flashback! WMU Names College in Tate’s Honor Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - June 10, 2024June 10, 20240 KALAMAZOO (MICH.)- The COVID pandemic was in full effect when Western Michigan University honored Dr. Vernie Merze Tate. In the fall of 2021, Tate's alma mater named the Merze Tate College for the 1927 graduate. The Explorers and more than 200 others attended to celebrate this historic recognition in the
Explorer Honored by YWCA Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - May 28, 2024May 28, 20240 (KALAMAZOO) MICH - Explorer Aliah Ward is passionate about giving back to her community. As a member of the Merze Tate Explorers, she serves as Community Service Chair, a leader for your Explorers, and a recently published author of the book Aliah Goes for the Gold, highlighting the Girl Scouts
Spinx Musicians Inspire Explorers Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - May 7, 2024July 17, 20240 KALAMAZOO (MICH.)- According to Symphony.org "People of color now make up about 21 percent of orchestra players nationwide...according to a study by the League of American Orchestras." Thanks to the Sphinx Virtuosi, string musicians of color have a place to shine. The Explorers and their families enjoyed a night
Remembering Merze Tate Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - April 29, 2024May 28, 20240 BLANCHARD (MICH.)- The Merze Tate Explorers had the opportunity to honor Merze Tate after a recent visit to her hometown of Blanchard. Historian Dan Shaw took Explorers on an eye-opening tour of what life was like for Tate during the early 20th century. The students ended the tour with a
Explorers Go Old School at CMU Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - April 28, 2024May 28, 20240 MT. PLESEANT (MICH.)- Korie Pritchett Evans raised her hands excitedly when Explorers were asked, "Who wants to wear the dunce hat?" She didn't know what "dunce" meant, but the pointy hat in the corner looked fun. Once she was told that the dunce hat was for students who were not
Exploring Indigenous History Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - April 8, 2024October 22, 20240 KALAMAZOO (MICH.)- Korie Pritchett-Evans jumped at the chance to wear an authentic Choctaw shawl. She swayed from side to side to the rhythm of a Pow Wow candance drummer. Although she and other Explorers were in a classroom, author Shonda Buchanan shared the history of native chants, Pow Wows, and
Fox 17 News Inspires Young Journalists Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - March 19, 2024May 28, 20240 Grand Rapids (Michigan) - How many careers are involved in producing the news? The Explorers met the team of Fox 17 News in Grand Rapids to learn more about their careers, why they love what they do, and the various career paths that help make the news happen. From advertising
Explorers Meet Space Explorer Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - February 5, 2024February 5, 20240 KALAMAZOO (MICH.)- Before the 1960s, space flight was the figment of Hollywood movie producers' imagination. Could humans visit, let alone live, in outer space? The successful moon landing of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in 1969 made that dream more of a reality. Merze Tate wanted to experience it for
History Comes to Life at the Wright Museum Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - February 1, 2024February 5, 20240 DETROIT (MICH.) - Lena stood at the exhibit slightly longer than the others. Her eyes were glazed with sadness as she peered through the exhibit window and into the eyes of the mannequin, which hung by its neck on a tree. "This doesn't feel right," her voice quivered. "They shouldn't
