Carolyn Williams was Kalamazoo’s first African American female judge! The Merze Tate Explorers honors her in their Your Turn: African American Women of Kalamazoo activity book series and a mini-doc project. The efforts of the nonprofit are supported in part by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, Public Media Network, and the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo!
Abbey Lincoln made history as an African American actress nominated for a Golden Globe. This Kalamazoo Central graduate has made local history. Her journey is inspiring to the Explorers who have met her. Lincoln is just one of 16 women of Kalamazoo, Michigan featured in the coloring book, Your Turn: African American Women of Kalamazoo.
Explorers Maya Daniels, Sierra Ward and Syann Hollins were recently recognized by the City of Kalamazoo as youth dedicated to social justice. The young ladies will be recognized during the City Commission meeting on January 19th by Mayor David Anderson. Each will receive a $300 scholarship toward college. Maya earned the Dr. Lewis Walker Social
*Headline image: Explorers pose with Stacey Randolph-Ledbetter during the gift wrapping fundraiser. While COVID-19 held many nonprofit youth organizations hostage to virtual activities, the Explorers worked through it to provide scholarships for girls locally and abroad! During a Krispy Kreme Doughnut fundraiser and 4th annual Gift Wrapping Fundraiser, the Explorers raised enough funds to provide
For the 4th year, the Merze Tate Explorers will wrap gifts at the Crossroads Mall in Portage, Michigan. The event will be held for 5 days only! In the past, the annual event helped provide scholarships for summer academy and study abroad adventures. This year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we will use all funds
Congratulations to Explorers Sierra Ward and Layla Wallace! Both made local and national news on the same night for their passion for their community. Sierra was recognized on WWMT in Kalamazoo, Michigan for being among the first African American girls in the city to earn a Gold Award from Girl Scouts. This honor, the highest
In honor of African American women who have made history in our communities and beyond. Their Your Turn: African American Women of Kalamazoo activity book features 16 local women in history. This multi-media project allowed Explorers to continue their media training during the Covid-19 pandemic. The project was made possible through the grants provided by
*The Merze Tate Explorers watched as Kamala Harris accepted the nomination for Vice President in August. Today, Harris has made history as the first woman Vice President of the United States. Watch the top winning video essays created by Explorers! Arianna Milliner was awarded 1st place and Kimyah Babineaux was awarded 2nd place. Great job,
*Explorers watched as Kamala Harris accepted the nomination for Vice President on August 19th. As Harris makes history as the first woman Vice President, we reflect on the winning articles and videos the students created. 1st Place Essay: By Alayna Kuhn California Senator Kamala Harris made history as she accepted the nomination for Vice President
The Merze Tate Explorers recently elected Sierra Ward as Youth Board President. Ward, a senior at Loy Norrix High School, has been a member of the Explorers since 5th grade. Her dedication to the organization, outgoing personality, and passion for community service were among her many attributes her fellow Explorers noted in their selection of