Operation Oxford: Celebrating Tate’s Legacy Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - September 6, 2024September 6, 20240 When Merze Tate stepped off the train in 1932 Oxford, England, she had a dream. She had already succeeded in every educational endeavor she pursued. She had earned a bachelor's degree in teaching from Western Michigan University, making her the first African American to earn the honor at that institution.
Flashback! KVCC Welcomes Dr. Washington Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - July 26, 2024July 26, 20240 KALAMAZOO (MICH.)- It's hard to believe that it has been more than five years since the Merze Tate Explorers interviewed Dr. L. Marshal Washington, the third president of Kalamazoo Valley Community College. In the fall of 2019, the young reporters included Sasha and Syann Hollins, Shemaiah Lawler, and Layla Wallace.
Explorers Interview Space History Maker Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - July 26, 2024July 26, 20240 KALAMAZOO (MICH)- What do you pack for a trip to outer space? How do you use the bathroom in a spaceship? Where do you land when you come back into the atmosphere? These are some of the questions curious Explorers asked Sian Proctor, the first African American woman to pilot
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
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
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!
