KALAMAZOO (MICH.) – The Merze Tate Explorers is truly a community youth organization. For more than a decade, the student Explorers have met with hundreds of women who rock in their chosen careers. As Explorer travel writers meet phenomenal women, they enhance their communications skills as journalists. Through article writing, photography, and videography, students learn
KALAMAZOO (MICH.) – Actress Giovonnie Samuels of such films as Freedom Writers and Bring it On, will host a “How to Audition for Hollywood,” workshop for youth in grades 3rd-12th. The workshop will be held from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Conference Center, 601
The Merze Tate Explorers will celebrate everything from its graduates to state monologue finalists at its annual Girls Can! celebration. This year the event will feature a keynote address by actress Giovonnie Samuels who is best known for her roles in Freedom Writers and Bring it On! The fundraising reception will be held from 2-4
Explorer Aija Hodges, a junior from Kalamazoo Central High School, was a state finalist in the National Next Narrative True Colors Monologue Competition. The event was held on May 2, at the Apollo Theatre in New York City. Although Aija did not place nationally, she did a phenomenal job in her riveting performance of “One
Six members of the Merze Tate Explorers held their breath as they awaited the results. The young women in grades 9th-12th, had just competed with nearly 30 other youth in the inaugural virtual True Colors Next Narrative Monologue Competition. Their hard work had paid off as students competed virtually for two spots to perform in
The Explorers were excited to meet the bestselling illustrator, Brittany “Bea” Jackson. As we explore possibilities, we share the stories of those we meet in our quarterly magazine, social media, and public media projects. In this edition, we celebrate the students who came up with the winning cover design for our issue. Sasha Hollins, Sanaa
The Merze Tate Explorers used their media skills to share how Sonya Hollins has made an impact on their lives. As Hollins introduces the youth to amazing career and college exploration through media and travel, students say they treasure these experiences that jumpstart them to find their passion. Hollins was presented with the Mary Sutton
*Header image: From left: Sonya Bernard-Hollins, founder of the Merze Tate Explorers, poses with Explorer Brittany Wright and her mother, Shelly after Brittany earned the Life EMS Social Justice Youth Award from the City of Kalamazoo. As 2022 begins, the Explorers are off to a great start! The Michigan Afterschool Partnership www.miafterschool.org has recognized the
Thanks to our partners at the Crossroads Mall in Portage, Michigan, the Explorers had another successful gift-wrapping fundraiser! Our goal for our 5th year of fundraising was $6,000. While we were a bit short of the goal, we were very close, thanks to the Explorers, their families, and community members who contributed their time, and
Sierra Ward was asked to create a special message for the donors who attended the Donor Appreciation Luncheon on November 11th at the WMU Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. Her message opened the event where nearly 150 donors, staff, and administration of WMed celebrated students of color who received scholarships. Sierra’s poem is used