Driving into History Exhibition Wins Big Uncategorized by Ben Staples - October 19, 2026October 19, 20260 Merze Tate Explorers earn MotorCities 2026 Award of Excellence for bringing overlooked stories of Black women and automotive history to life KALAMAZOO, Mich. (Oct. 19, 2026) — History is hitting the road! After attracting thousands of visitors to the Gilmore Car Museum, Driving into History: Black Women, Cars, and Courage is
Celebrating Lori Moore Uncategorized by Ben Staples - October 5, 2026October 5, 20260 Lori Moore poses with Explorer Shadae Hillsman and Sonya Bernard-Hollins during the Lori Moore Show through WWMT. Copyright - Merze Tate Explorers Her voice was distinct. Her laugh was contagious. Her impact on the Kalamazoo media scene will be remembered. The Merze Tate Explorers join the Kalamazoo community in remembering the life
Standing Where History Spoke Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - September 30, 2026September 30, 20260 “While standing at a pulpit once associated with some of America’s great abolitionist voices, I shared the story of Merze Tate and the courageous family legacy that helped shape her extraordinary life.” Sonya Bernard-Hollins Sonya Bernard-Hollins stands at the pulpit at Putnum Presbyterian Church in Zanesville, Ohio, where abolitionists such as
Driving into History Featured on Fox 17 Uncategorized by Ben Staples - September 9, 2026September 9, 20260 Driving into History: Black Women, Cars, and Courage is making the news. Check out this latest feature on Fox 17's Grand Rapids, Michigan outlet. Learn more about this exhibition at DrivingIntoHistory.com Sonya interviews with Fox 17 host Todd Chance. Fox 17 monitor shows the original and recreated images inspired by the book Picturing
Explorer Headed to Vietnam Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - September 16, 2025September 16, 20250 Sonya Hollins and a young Maya Daniels in 2014. KALAMAZOO (MICH.)- Maya Daniels entered the dorms of Kalamazoo College with her favorite pillow and her small suitcase. The little red-headed girl with the braids smiled as she saw familiar faces and some new ones. She would be a college student for
Explorers Use Media to Highlight Donors Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - June 10, 2025June 10, 20250 When we teach kids how to use media for good, they can bring a new perspective to old marketing techniques. I am super proud of these Explorers who created the series, "Why I Give," to highlight our most dedicated donors over the past 18 years. Diane Lang, a new
Congrats Explorer Grads! Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - June 3, 2025June 3, 20250 We are excited to celebrate our Explorer college graduates! Maya Daniels - Spelman College Daniels received a Bachelor of Arts in International Education and will head to the Peace Corps in the fall to work at a school in Vietnam. Sierra Ward - Western Michigan University Sierra received a Bachelor of Business
Explorers Investigate Kalamazoo Parks Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - April 23, 2025May 10, 20250 By Park InvestigatorsKaylee Hampton, Cianna Hobson, Sasha Hollins, Korie Thomas-Pritchett, and Aliah Ward Review Full Report HERE Reporter Aliah Ward waits as Tyler Bell, 8, and his mother Vernice, complete a park survey. Copyright - Merze Tate Explorers KALAMAZOO (MICH.) - Malcolm Jolly couldn’t wait to share what he liked most about Upjohn
Explorers Interview a Legend Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - April 1, 2025April 7, 20250 https://youtu.be/cFedfUqPz8o?si=-9WfT27vApP_HBWI 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
Explorer Auditions Featured on Fox 17 Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - February 13, 2025April 7, 20250 Kalamazoo (Mich.-) How do you become an Explorer? Over the past 18 years, the nonprofit organization has welcomed girls who have a passion for media and travel. On February 8, girls in grades 3rd–9th were invited to audition for a place in the 2025 academy class. Students were selected based
