Members of the Merze Tate Explorers entered their short video projects in Public Media Network’s Say Something! Media and Ideas Festival in April. The students’ works were viewed to a studio audience and were recognized among media makers of all ages. Tirrea Billings, an Explorer mentor, won for her documentary, “The Arcus Center for Social
On the Merze Tate Explorers YouTube Channel, Explorers have designated 28 amazing African American women to highlight during their Moments in Black History Series. From Oprah Winfrey to Oscar winner Ruth Carter, Explorers give you a snippet of the lives of these phenomenal women in 60 seconds! Enjoy more of Explorer Moments in Black History!
Before Ruth Carter became the first African American to win an Oscar for Best Costume Design, she spoke with the Explorers! Thanks to Ruth for her patience and interest in the Explorers who asked her about her career, inspirations, and mentor, Spike Lee! Check out the interview posted in collaboration with Public Media Network! See
Oscar nominated costume designer Ruth Carter sat down for an exclusive interview with the Merze Tate Explorers. Ten of the Explorers traveled to Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan where Carter was one of the college’s featured speakers for their annual series. Look for video and more stories from the Explorers soon!
For the second year, the Merze Tate Explorers wrapped gifts for hurried Christmas shoppers at the Crossroads Mall in Portage, Michigan. Gifts of all shapes and sizes were wrapped for donations to support the study abroad scholarship fund for the Explorers. The 2019 study abroad destination is Japan! Selected Explorers will travel to Numazu, the
In the 10th year of the Merze Tate Explorers, we are excited to welcome new students and parents to our amazing organization! During our orientation, all learned of our mission and upcoming year of educational, volunteer, and media exploration. Parents also took part as students interviewed them about their own lives and what they want
Explorers have many talents…one is that of thespian. Congratulations to Sanaa Olivacce-Shabazz who stars in the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre production of Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang, as Jemima! Thanks to the Explorers who came out to the final dress rehearsal to support and cheer her on!
The Merze Tate Explorers partnered with the Boy Scouts HEROES program to honor Mayor Bobby Hopewell. Kalamazoo’s longest serving mayor was recognized by the Southern Shores chapter for his role as a community leader, Eagle Scout, and supporter of youth. The event was held at Pretty Lake Adventure Centre and Camp in Mattawan, where Hopewell
The Explorers celebrated the organization’s 10th anniversary with family, friends, and community supporters. After an exhibit display that focused on their recent STEAM study in Hawaii, Explorers changed into beautiful white dresses to celebrate the evening. Explorers from 4th grade to college graduates, were led into the banquet by three women who have made history
The Merze Tate Explorers hosted its first Flip n’ Flick Movie Talkback fundraiser with the movie, The Hate U Give. The film, shown at Kalamazoo 10 Theater was highly anticipated by the Explorers who also read the book, donated by Kalamazoo Public Library. Nearly 100 supporters packed the theater for this fundraising event. The