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
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
Women of Color Exhibit Seeks Travel Photos Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - January 9, 2024January 9, 20240 When the Explorers went to Hawaii for a science-focused academy, we decided to climb Diamond Head on the last day. Lydia did not feel she could. I told her I would do it with her. We were the last Explorers to make it to the top, but Lydia made it!
15th Year Kickoff Celebration Highlights Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - December 13, 2023December 13, 20230 If you missed our 15th Anniversary kickoff, watch the TRAILER! Exploring Possibilities Sonya Holins poses with LaToya and Nya Kuhn during the 15th Anniversary Kickoff at the Ladies' Library Association. The event celebrated our 15th season and those in the community who have contributed to our success. See the full program HERE.
Sponsor Thanked for Gift of Travel Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - November 28, 2023November 28, 20230 Russ Schipper contacted the Explorers to inspire them to learn about birds. He didn't know that he would later contribute to an effort to help Explorers see beyond their community through a National Park initiative. Schipper, a member of the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo (ASK), led an effort to teach
