Thanks to all those who participated in our inaugural Race Around
the Aisles!
minutes of fun + in food = pounds of food to Loaves and Fishes Merze-Tate Travel Club & Family and Consumer Science (K-Central)
WWMT
Congrats to Townsquare Media for winning Race Around the Aisles!
Loaves and Fishes
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan
Merze-Tate Travel Club
Public Media Network
PUBLISHER’S VOICE
WE’VE HEARD IT SO MUCH IT COULD BE the lyrics to a Top 40 hit entitled “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child.” But, when it came to providing 15 girls the opportunity to experience college life, meet amazing women in business, work with journalists and create their own magazine, the village rocked! For the second year, girls from Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, Michigan took part in the Tate-Stone Travel Writers Academy hosted by the Merze Tate Travel Club. Some businesses came through with everything from food to T-shirts. Others donatEditor and Merze Tate Travel Club Founder Sonya Bernard-Hollins ed the use of their staff with 2014 Travel Writers Academy girls. and valuable equipment. Those who answered the call on GoFundMe gave amounts from $25 to $1,000, to sponsor girls and provide them with a valuable week of possibilities. And still others wrote checks to pay for the girls’ rooms, transportation and college intern assistance. This issue highlights just some of the unique opportunities the girls participated in during the week of July 7-12, on the campus of Kalamazoo College. We hope you learn about someone you may not have known before, or see a place you would like to visit. Enjoy this 2nd Annual Volume 03, Issue 03 Girls Can! Magazine. See you online! Founders Arlene & James Your Washington Community, Your Voice Sonya MULTI-CULTURAL NEWS SOURCE
For more information visit www.comvoicesonline.com write: Community Voices P.O. Box 51042 Kalamazoo, MI 49005 or call: 269-365-4019
Community Voices is published quarterly by Season Press LLC, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Free issues are available throughout West Michigan. Subscriptions are available. No parts of this magazine may be reproduced without permission.
(2005-2010) Publisher Season Press LLC (2010-) Editor-In-Chief Sonya Bernard-Hollins Graphic Design Fortitude Graphic Design Creative Director/Designer Gabriella Fox Reporters/Photographers Tate-Stone Travel Writers Kyra Hudson Contributing Photographer/ Videographer Soreya Nelson
www.comvoicesonline.com
FALL 2014 |
3
Meet the Girls of Mer
Shamya Banks-6th Grade Traveler Award/ Geography pg.20
pg.7
Maya Daniels-6th Grade Traveler Award/ Geography pg.10
Korryn DeGrote-6th Grade Traveler Award/ Geography pg.20
Claire Khabeiry-10th Grade 5-Year Travel Club Award & Leader Award 4
| FALL 2014
Azariah Blackwell-6th Grade Best Reporter Award
Natasha Mahonie-10th Grade 5-Year Travel Club Award & Leader Award pg.6
www.comvoicesonline.com
Kavia Couvillion-6th grade Most Energetic Award pg.27
Shadae Hillsman-5th Grade Best Laugh Award pg.27
Rickelle Portes- 11th Grade Golden Lens Award Photography pg. & Leader Award 11/26
ze Tate Travel Club
Sasha Hollins- 3rd Grade Most Inquisitive Award pg.24 Best Roommate Award
Reyna Snell-5th Grade Best Personality Award pg.14
Syann Hollins-6th Grade Most Prompt Award pg.8
Kayla Raymond-6th Grade Best Smile Award pg.12
Aliah Ward-3rd Grade Most Inquisitive Award pg.24
Best Roommate Award
Soreya Nelson, Junior Western Michigan University Charter Member Award & Leader Award
Sierra Ward-6th Grade Golden Pen Award pg.26
Gabriella Fox, Intern Creative Designer & Leader Award www.comvoicesonline.com
FALL 2014 |
5
By Natasha Mahonie
Merze Tate Day at Kellogg O
| FALL 2014
www.comvoicesonline.com
he group.
6
passion in life, which led them to work at Kellogg’s. We met Teresa Lindsey-Houston, Senior Director, Global Marketing; Melissa Craig, Manager of Shared Services Packaging Innovation & Technology; Tia Cummings, Brand Manager, Morning Foods; Tracy Joshua, Vice President, Procurement Indirect and Danelle Woodall, Manager, Customer MarketVentra B oyk ing. The women gave us words of in encouragement that movitated us to succeed in school and to find our passion. We were then treated to lunch and a tour of Kellogg’s Company. We even had a chance to sit at the board room table in the Tony the Tiger room! After the tour we took a group picture with organizers, including Jay Johnson, associate manager-finance. Then, sadly it was time to leave. We had a wonderful time. Thank you, Kellogg’s! t res pi is
ne of our adventurous days during the Travel Writers Academy led us to Battle Creek for a visit to Kellogg’s. With the help of our wonderful hosts, Ventra Boykin and Jay Johnson of Kellogg’s African American Resource Group (KAARG) we had an experienced tailored just for us. Our day started with a tour of the Kellogg Pilot Plant. This is the place where new foods are tested and produced in small quanitities before being mass produced for the world. We had a chance to see a new flavor of Pop Tarts and other items being made–everyone had a favorite. We were very lucky to have this tour because not many people get that opportunity. After the tour we came into a room where we each had our own bag of Kellogg’s foods. The bags were flled with foods like Frosted Flakes, Famous Amos Cookies and even Pringles (which we had no idea Kellogg’s made). We then met five of Kellogg’s most amazing African American women executives. In addition to Boykin, the Senior Global Manager, Procurement, we had a chance to hear how other women found their
Geared up and ready to go on the plant tour with Fred Linabury of WKKI Operations.
TIA CUMMINGSGetting Her Dream Job
O
By Azariah Blackwell
f all the women we met during our Day at Kellogg’s, Tia Cummings was the most interesting to me. She is a brand manager and leads marketing strategy for big brands like Pop Tarts. She came to Kellogg in 2002, because she was interested in food science. Tia Cummings, a native of Virginia Beach, Va., attended Hampton University, an Historically Black University. She came to the school as a Presidential Scholar, which is a national program that honors some of our nation’s most accomplished high school graduates. She earned her bachelor of science in chemical engineering in 2002. She also has an MBA (Master of Business Administration) from the Krannert Graduate School of Management at Purdue University, where she was a Business Opportunity Program fellow. “I had a lot of good times at Purdue,” Cummings said in a video she shot for the Purdue Alumni Club of New Jersey. “I made so many great friends, so many wonderful professors. I loved the whole environment. I loved the people.” When she started her professional career, she began working for large companies such as L’Oreal USA, and Johnson & Johnson, managing a variety of brands such as: La-Roche Posay skin care, Reach toothbrushes, and Stayfree pads. She worked as a brand manager, and she said in the video that her true passion is marketing.
Tia Cummings, Brand Manager-Kellogg’s Company
How can you get your dream job? Cummings says that you need to have something that sets you apart. “Have a sense of what it is you’re looking for and make sure that comes across,” Cummings said. “Have your story together. What is your personal brand? That’s something you can start building in school. What makes you, you?” Cummings strongly believes in giving back to the community. For the last 12 years she has been actively involved in mentoring youth through programs such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Junior Achievement, Citizen Schools, New York Needs You, and through her sorority Delta Sigma Theta Inc. In her free time, Cummings enjoys traveling,reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Middle image Tracy Joshua, Vice President, Procurement Indirect; above girls with hosts; below Danelle Woodall gives presentation.
Teresa Lindsey-Houston, Sr. Dir., Global Marketing
www.comvoicesonline.com
FALL 2014 |
7
at the
backstage barn By Syann Hollins
F Writers Academy saw live EduTainment at or the second year the Tate-Stone Travel
np
ract ice dance.
Shh! It’s a secret. An actress shows the compartment of the bed used to hide the ghost.
Sy an
the Barn Theatre. This year we were students of the Barn Theatre School for Fiddler on the Roof. The play starred Robert Newman, an Emmy nominated actor of the Guiding Light, along with various other talented actors. We learned the secret of the ghost in the bed from one scene and went backstage to see makeup, props, sound and other theater trades. The most fun was attempting to dance a routine with cups on our heads! Kavia Couvillion was the only one of us who completed the dance all the way through without dropping a& It’s avi K . her cup. a bala ng act nci
Ready to take the stage, an actor gets final touches on hair and makeup.
The girls in a behind the scenes tour.
8
| FALL 2014
www.comvoicesonline.com
WE’RE GIVING PATIENTS WITH INOPERABLE
HEART DISEASE
WHAT THEY NEVER EXPECTED.
A CHANCE.
Our advanced capabilities are putting Bronson Heart & Vascular at the forefront of cardiac care. We are the only hospital in the region approved to perform four approaches to a lifesaving treatment called transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). It’s the only option available for those considered too high risk for traditional open heart surgery. Our team has the most TAVR experience in southwest Michigan, helping us change the lives of many patients. And by partnering with physicians from Lakeland HealthCare, we can help even more people get the care they need. To learn more, visit bronsonhealth.com/TAVR.
BRO130022_4Approach_TAVR_PR_VERT_CV 1
8/1/14 9:45 A
By Maya Daniels
my first visit to Chicago, my Mom and D uring I saw a pair of Lamborghinis as we walked
Maya pictured with her dad, Brian Daniels.
back to our hotel. One was parked next to the curb while the other was stopped in the street waiting for a parking spot. We asked the owner of the second car if we could take a picture with it. To my surprise, he let me take pictures both simple motto that he learned when he was my age, “What my mind can inside and outside of the car. After I took the last “What my mind can perceive, and I believe, I can achieve!” picture, he said, “I used to be a cab driver here perceive,and I believe, Because of what I learned from Mr. Lamborghini and in Chicago, but now I I can achieve!” Dad, my goal is to be a vetam successful enough to erinarian. I recently learned have this Lamborghini. I that cancer is the number-one disease-related got here because I had a dream. You should have one also. Never stop pursuing your dreams, no killer of dogs and cats. It makes me sad to see any pet suffer. In order to accomplish my goal, matter what people say to you.” I came home excited and shared this story with I will plan to attend the Math & Science Center my Dad. He agreed with the former cab driver in Battle Creek and ask for extra-credit assigna.k.a. Mr. Lamborghini. Dad told me that all ments to improve my grades. One day, I hope dreams are possible no matter how big or small. to find a cure for pet cancer and other harmful To help me remember this, he taught me a animal diseases.
“Linking Youth With Community To Enhance Leadership Development” The Kalamazoo Chapter of The Links, Incorporated salutes the young ladies of The Tate‐Stone Travel Writers Academy.
10
| FALL 2014
www.comvoicesonline.com
t ! e s e s Sw Succe tes e Por ickell R y b s Photo
There’s nothing sweeter than success. When retired teacher, Nancy Knobloch decided to open a cupcake shop she didn’t have any knowledge of how to run a business. She did have a passion, and that’s what led to the success of Garden Gate Café. The Travel Writers had an opportunity to meet Nancy, hear her story and most importantly, decorate AND EAT cupcakes in this cozy spot of good food and smiles. Visit 230 S. Kalamazoo Mall in Kalamazoo, or check out the website at: www.gardengatecupcakes.com
The Travel Writers enjoyed an afternoon treat of cupcake making, etiquette lessons and inspiration at Garden Gate Café.
www.comvoicesonline.com
FALL 2014 |
11
s ’ t e L
Go Downtown
T
he Travel Writers find new adventures in far away places and even in our own backyard. During the summer academy we ventured downtown Kalamazoo. We saw many places that we didn’t know about. In 1959, Kalamazoo had the first outdoor mall in the United States. It first was a walking only mall. People started calling Kalamazoo the “Mall City” because of that. In 1998, the mall reopened to cars. Now, people who drive through the mall can see all the many stores and restaurants along the way. We saw the State Theatre that was built in 1927. We took pictures with some concert posters. One of the newer places downtown is a shop called Down Dog Yoga Center. The Down Dog Yoga Center just opened this summer and is for people who want to live healthier with yoga. You can find this fun place at 316 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 108. Another shop of much history is JP’s Coins Collectibles and Antiques. John Prange owns the shop at 420 S. Burdick St. Travel Writer Reyna Snell interviewed him about why he started the shop. We saw old records, coins, dolls and even old cameras. Many of us have been to the Nature Center with our class, but we had not been to the Nature Connection store downtown. They have a lot of cool things like Scorpion suckers, rocks, books, really cool stuffed animals and astronaut ice cream. We saw people working downtown, eating and even a guy who was cleaning the windows of the Epic Center with his job, Fish Window Cleaning. 12
| FALL 2014
www.comvoicesonline.com
By Kayla Raymond
After looking through the windows of places like Morrison’s Jewelry (where we saw lots of diamonds) we took a break at the fountain in front of the bank. We took lots of pictures before going into MLive’s Kalamazoo Gazette, to write our stories with the help of the reporters and editors there.
Clockwise: Sierra Ward interviews worker at Tudor House Tea & Spice, Reyna Snell interviews John Prange, girls pose at State Theatre, and a window greets the girls with a smile.
VoIcEs FoR SoCiAl JuStIcE OcT 4 - JaN 20 FrEe Panel Discussion October 5, 1:30 p.m. In this oral history project, several Kalamazoo residents speak about their work, ideals, hopes, and dreams for a Kalamazoo community that fully embraces social justice. What does an equitable society look like? Find out what a few of your neighbors think, and participate in the conversation! The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its Board of Trustees
kalamazoomuseum.org 269.373.7990
M O N D A Y octoBeR 6 6:30-8:00 PM Located at Kalamazoo Valley Community College Texas Township Campus
www.kvcc.edu/collegenight
www.comvoicesonline.com
FALL 2014 |
13
FUN with My By Reyna Snell
[sponsors] I
had one of the best summers of my life this year as a part of the Tate-Stone Travel Writers Academy. My mother and I planned to go to family and friends to sponsor me for the weeklong camp, but I found out that I had been sponsored. I was so excited. When I met Erfan and Janene Pirbhai, I felt comfortable around them. They were like a flaming ball of energy. They visited our dorm at Kalamazoo College as one of our Geography Nights presenters. They shared of their adventures. Erfan talked about growing up as a boy in Tanzania, Africa and trying to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro when he was only 15 years old. He told us how he came to the United States when he was 19 years old and didn’t really know how to speak English. Now, he and his wife travel a lot and shared their scrapbook with us. They talked about their son, who (at age 16) became of the youngest to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Erfan climbed the mountain with his son. I think they are really brave to climb a mountain where so many people risk their lives to make it to the top. The week before our academy, Erfan visited Brazil to see the World Cup soccer competition.
14
| FALL 2014
www.comvoicesonline.com
How great is that? I can only imagine what they eat in Brazil or what language they speak. The Pirbhai’s are really motivating. You can tell they really enjoy traveling because they own Kalamazoo Safari Company. Their company helps plan trips to East Africa. They inspired me to want to go to Africa. They also told us that we all should plan to go to college and become successful. They said to work hard and never give up on your dreams. We had the most fun with them when they took our Landmark test. They (and other speakers who visited during the week) had to see how many of the 20 landmarks from around the world they could name in 60 seconds. They were the only ones to get them all right! When I grow up, I want to be able to sponsor someone for the Travel Writers Academy just like the Pirbhai’s sponsored me.
GOLD SPONSOR!
Battle Creek Enquirer media training day at Cereal Festival 2014.
Congratulations to the Tate-Stone Travel Writers on their 2nd Annual Girls Can! Magazine
1600 Douglas Avenue * Kalamazoo, MI * 49007 * www.hammondroto.com www.comvoicesonline.com
FALL 2014 |
15
When journalists from across the country came together to inspire more African American students to venture into the field of journalism, they created week long residential writing camps. In 1985, a Kalamazoo Central High School junior received a scholarship to participate in one such program at Olivet College in Michigan. The experience was so life-changing that she became a journalist. That journalist was yours truly! The chance to pay-it-forward and provide girls with POSSIBILITIES inspired the creation of the Travel Writers Academy. For the second year, area girls have the opportunity to meet amazing women, travel to places within and outside their communities and live on the campus of Kalamazoo College as travel writers. Their goal is to create a magazine based on their experiences that will encourage its readers to venture out and explore. In addition, they are taught world and state geography to inspire them to be global citizens. The generous support of those who donate funds, services, time, resources and encouraging words affirm the saying, “it takes a village to raise a child.� Their sponsorship
allowed girls to participate in the free program. Parents and teachers referred their own daughters, nieces and students to be a part of an experience unlike any other. The Merze Tate Travel Club began in 2008, as a Saturday program for girls. Nora Curtis of Great Minds of Tomorrow served as a fiduciary agent, women such as Jaye Johnson, Pat Bates, Karol Ford, Karika Phillips, Bette Boulding, Deb Warfield and others, volunteered their time to help girls learn everything from how to make applesauce to how to produce a film about the life of Merze Tate. We traveled on trains and visited Motown Museum. We learned the history of Stryker Instruments, were members of the Best Buy Geek Squad for a day and were special guest of the late Robert Jones at the State Capital in Lansing among many other adventures. The Tate-Stone Travel Writers Academy began in 2013 to provide an opportunity to expose girls to campus life, writing workshops–and travel! Those who saw the vision and gave initial support were Hammond Roto-Finish, the Black Arts and Cultural Center, Ladies’ Library Association and Lewis Walker Institute. Then, others came along. This year the support continued with even more donors.
Some of my former employers pitched in to help. The staff of the Battle Creek Enquirer provided a media training during its annual Cereal Festival. My former colleagues MLive’s Kalamazoo Gazette served as media sponsor, coaches and hosts for our magazine unveiling. In addition, Public Media Network provided laptops for the girls to use during the week and featured our program as the first Community Spotlight. So many women opened their doors to share of their passions. Gazelle Sports’ On the Move program provided morning workouts, and the Kellogg’s Company African American Resource Group (KAARG) provided an entire day for the girls to have exclusive access to everything from the pilot plant to lunch with women executives. This Girls Can! Magazine is filled with stories written by girls and features their photography. It has been made possible because of those who truly believe that the young travel writers can become whatever they set their minds to…especially when they are exposed to the possibilities. Enjoy!
18
| FALL 2014
www.comvoicesonline.com
Silver Sponsor
www.comvoicesonline.com
FALL 2014 |
19
Success...One Stitch at a Time
By Korryn DeGrote
Michelle Hughes of Decorative Threads poses with Travel Writers from left: Sasha Hollins, Shamya Banks, Maya Daniels and Korryn DeGrote
Michelle Hughes owns a business called Decorative Threads. Her business is located at 841 Gibson St. in Kalamazoo. While we were there we saw threads of all imaginable colors, a computer, many embroidery machines and catalogs. Some of her popular embroidery work was displayed on her wall. She embroiders shirts, hats, patches, jackets, bags, sweatshirts and all sorts of items. One of her best work is our Merze Tate Travel Club logo and shirts! Her business is located at 841 Gibson St., Kalamazoo, MI.
Running Trinity Warehouse Services By Shamya Banks, Maya Daniels, Korryn DeGrote and Sasha Hollins
* In this interview with Karen Arvanigian, the team learned what she does at Trinity Warehousing Services. Team: What does your business do? Karen: We sell extra space for companies who need it and lease space to buildings who run their companies here. Team: What do you do? Karen: I do several jobs like advertising for our company, running our website and paying the bills. Team: How long have you worked here? Karen: I have worked here for 26 years. This is a family business that started with Arvco Containers by making boxes for companies. We then bought property and decided to sell or lease space on those sites to businesses. Team: Who works with you? Karen: We have people on lift trucks who help store things for clients and load them onto trucks. We have people who help take care of the buildings and the landscaping around it. 20
| FALL 2014
www.comvoicesonline.com
Karen Arvanigian, president of Trinity Warehouse Services poses with the team after their interview and tour of the warehouse.
Team: Did you go to school for this job? Karen: Yes. I graduated from Kalamazoo College with a degree in business. I grew up knowing I would work for the family business. Team: If you could travel anywhere, where do you want to go? Karen: Italy. Trinity Warehouse Services is located at 841 Gibson Street, Kalamazoo, MI www.trinitywarehouse.com.
Dr. Merze Tate Tate Neither the girls of the Travel Club or I have ever had a chance to meet our program namesake, Merze Tate. It is her determination and success in an era when African Americans and women were limited that has inspired us to reach great heights in our careers, travels and giving, just as Tate did. 1905- Born Vernie Merze Tate in Blanchard, Michigan. 1920- Graduated from Blanchard High School as Validictorian–she was only in the 10th grade. Her school burned down that year leading her to attend Battle Creek Central High School where she worked as a maid for room and board. She graduated with all A’s. 1927-Graduated from what is now Western Michigan University as the first African American to earn a bachelor’s degree there. She completed the degree in three years with the highest academic record of that time. 1928-Started a Travel Club (shown here) at Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis, Ind. 1935-Became the first African American graduate of Oxford University.
Learn more at: www. merzetate.com!
World Traveler. Educator. Inspiration to all.
1941- Became the first African American women to graduate with a Ph.D. in political science from Radcliffe College and Harvard University. 1950-Served as a Fulbright Scholar in India. Also: Best selling author, expert in disamament, Bridge champion, inventor, world traveler and philanthropist. She left millions of dollars to universities who inspired her to dream! www.comvoicesonline.com
FALL 2014 |
21
By Gabriella Fox
y ps Ba f Cam n o w A vie Cape Tow
On the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town
in
the P Outside o alace of f in Pa Versailles ris
T
he world playground.
is
my
For as long as I can remember, traveling has always been an essential part of my life. I’ve traveled to 40 states and three countries. My parents used to call me their personal tour guide because I would heavily research the places we would travel to and create detailed itineraries. When traveling to new places I always try my best to live like the locals and gain a better understanding of different cultures. My first big trip abroad was to Paris, France for a short-term study abroad. I could not get enough of the amazing architecture, the lite Eiffel Tower in the night sky, the incredible fashion or the croissants. I also gained an abundance of knowledge regarding the business of French fashion. This past winter I had the opportunity to travel to Cape 22
| FALL 2014
Town in South Africa. Although the 24-hour flight was incredibly long, I was enraptured by the culture and mesmerized by the beauty around me. After an excursion up Table Mountain, I remember looking out onto the horizon in awe of the picturesque scenery. One of my favorite adventures during my time in Cape Town was a safari. Words can not describe the excitement of seeing the cheetahs, lions, giraffes and other wild animals. I will always cherish the memories I made in Cape Town. Most recently, I traveled to Barcelona and Madrid, Spain with my family. Spain is a beautiful country with a fascinating culture. The narrow winding streets, gothic architecture and the sounds of guitarists playing in the distance were
www.comvoicesonline.com
On the streets of Barcelona
magical; I felt like I was in a fairy tale. I indulged in tantalizing tapas, took advantage of the siestas and expanded my knowledge of all the history Spain had to offer. I’ve had so many incredible travel experiences in my life thus far. Through traveling I have gained a global perspective. My goal is to travel to every continent and continue my pursuit of becoming a global citizen. *Gabriella Fox served as an intern during the 2014 Travel Writers Academy. She also is the creative designer of this year’s issue. She is well on her way to traveling the world as did our program namesake, Merze Tate.
From left, Kyra Hudson in Mexico, New Orleans, as Travel Club presenter and posing with Travel Club and Irene Benard, the voice of Disney’s Pocahontas.
Travel Near & Far Provides New Experiences By Kyra Hudson- Merze Tate Travel Club Alumna
My love for travel began in the sixth grade when I was selected to participate in an exchange program called Hands Across the Border. I traveled to the beautiful city of Hermosillo, Mexico. There, I stayed with a host family, attended school with my host sister and got to do tourist activities. I learned and grew so much from that experience. The most influential part for me was learning how to adapt to and appreciate the different cultures in my community and around the world. In the years following this experience, I took many trips with my family to various states across the country. This past summer, I experienced some of my most memorable travels thus far. I am currently part of a group called Urban Youth for Africa. Our plans to visit Africa this past summer were changed due to the Ebola outbreak that is devastating the county. Instead, we rerouted our service efforts to New Orleans, La. We volunteered as camp counselors at a summer camp for inner-city youth. Those kids were unlike any I had met before. They had been through struggles I couldn’t even begin to fathom, seen things that I as a teenager couldn’t even imagine and had experiences that only occurred in some people’s worst nightmares. As a
result, many of them had behavioral problems, which made them a challenge to deal with. Even though they were a lot different from any other children I had ever experienced, they were quite the same in many ways. In a world where many of them were forced to grow up to quickly, they just wanted to be kids, get attention and just be loved. In addition to going to New Orleans, I was also able to visit New York City with my church youth group. The city was breath taking and full of history. I was able to see some of our country’s most famous sites. I also visited Atlanta, Ga. with my family. While there we visited the home and the church of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man who did so much for the African-American race and our country. Travel isn’t always about taking extravagant trips outside of the country. Sometimes it’s nice to explore all that your country has to offer. It was truly an honor to see the places and things that I did this summer and take the time to really appreciate the beauty, physically and historically, of America. *Kyra Hudson is a charter member of the Merze Tate Travel Club founded in 2008.
www.comvoicesonline.com
FALL 2014 |
23
10 Things I Learned as a Travel Writer
Sasha Hollins
By Aliah Ward- Jr. Ambassador
I learned that...
1. The Ebola disease in Africa was the reason Kyra Hudson could not visit Africa this summer with Urban Youth for Africa. 2. Ms. Christina McGrinson taught us a song to memorize the continents. 3. Kellogg’s Company is still making new flavors of Pop Tarts! 4. The WKKI Pilot Plant at Kellogg’s is where new foods are tested...that was my favorite part. 5. Mr. Erfan Pirbhai (one of our visitors) climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with his teenage son. 6. I could decorate cupcakes with the owner of Garden Gate Cafe, Nancy Knobloch. 7. I could do new moves in Zumba and do an exercise obstacle course. 8. Everything at Kalamazoo College’s campus was in walking distance and all the dorms do not look alike. 9. I can type better. 10. At MLive (Kalamazoo Gazette) I learned how to send my stories to Mrs. Hollins on the computer.
24
| FALL 2014
www.comvoicesonline.com
Aliah Ward
By Sasha Hollins- Jr. Ambassador
For our week with the Travel Writers Academy we went to places like Kellogg’s Company in Battle Creek. We took a tour around the whole Kellogg’s campus. Also, on another day, ladies came to talk to us from State Farm Insurance (Sabrina Prichett-Evans) and Kalamazoo Safari Company. They talked about their careers. We did exercise, we did a landmark test and Aliah and me shared a computer to write our stories. In our dorm we had our own rooms and our own roommates–mine was Aliah. One night we had tacos made for us and played games with Mrs. Deb Killarney and Mrs. Vanita Aliosio. We had Ice Cream Night with college girls who talked about how it is to go to Kalamazoo College. When it was time to go to bed, we had pillow fights.
MoreMore ininFour. a Lifetime. For Admission information call 269.337.7166 or www.kzoo.edu
www.comvoicesonline.com
FALL 2014 |
25
By Sierra Ward
E. Ray has inspired me to become a lawyer. She did C harlotte something very powerful when she became the first African American
lawyer. She also overcame discrimination through hard work and determination. She had to be very persistent to achieve her goal. It was really hard when no one was on her side. When she applied to Howard University in the late 1800s, she only used her initials on the application because female students were not accepted. She overcame obstacles by thinking outside of the box; which makes her a hero to many. When I grow up, I want to become an intellectual property lawyer. After learning about Ray, I have been encouraged to pursue my goal. I know that I cannot graduate from college, become a lawyer or even be successful in middle school by just being average. Reading about Ray’s story has motivated me to dream, believe and achieve my goals. In order to achieve my dream I must first graduate high school with at least a 3.5 g.p.a. to attend the University of Michigan and enter law school. I have to stay focused. Ray has inspired me. If I could have met her I would have thanked her for her hard work and making it easier for to believe I too can become a lawyer.
By Rickelle Portes
insires me to dream? Well, there are three women W ho who inspire me. The first is R&B sensation Beyoncé Knowles.
She inspires me because she is a strong mother, hardworking entertainer and has a drive for success that is just incredible. As a dancer, I too want to keep working hard an have as much drive as her. My second inspiration is a woman who helps me keep believing in myself–my dance instructor Angela Graham. She too is a mother and works hard as the owner of her own dance studio, AGW Conservatory. She recently earned her Ph.D. and continues to encourage me and provide opportunities for me to learn to one day teach dance. Finally, my awesome mother, Sandy Portes is an inspiration. She completed college and is very independent and confident in what she does. I know, from examples like her and my other inspirations, that if they can do it, I can do it. They are positive African American women who not only impact me through what they do, but also inspire others.
26
| FALL 2014
www.comvoicesonline.com
By Kavia Couvillion
Gore owns a store called The C aroline Framemaker located at 434 S. Burdick St. in
Kalamazoo. The art and the framing displayed in the store are very beautiful. Some of the frames were painted with very bright colors. The Framemaker can frame almost anything from pictures to plates. Gore said frame making is her dream job. She said she started making frames more than eight years ago and loves it. Her business has moved a few times since she started. It was first located on Church Street before moving onto the downtown mall. The store displays all kinds of paintings from artists. One framed piece was created by an artist from Western Michigan University. The painting was made from burnt paper and had black dots that made it look like shooting stars or a house on fire. Another painting was of a person who looked like she was curling into the shape of a ball. Gore has a wonderful business on her hands and she has very creative ideas when it comes to making frames.
Story by Shadae Hillsman; video interview by Azariah Blackwell
Michigan News Agency has a T hevariety of reader’s needs. They have all
different kinds of books and magazines. They also have newspapers, paperback books, children’s books, graphic novels, comic books, greeting cards, maps, candy and tobacco. Their business card says, “Your best resources for all things in print!” They feature more than 6,000 magazines and 15,000 paperbacks. Each Monday a truck delivers 1,300 magazines to the store that was founded in 1947. The owner, Dean Hauck took over the store more than 25 years ago when her father (the original owner) died. Hauck is very helpful to her customers and knows where EVERYTHING is in the store. She said that about 200-300 people come into the store each day to look for a copy of one of the eight newspapers they sell, or other items. Michigan News Agency is located at 308 W. Michigan Ave. in Kalamazoo. www. michigannews.biz.
www.comvoicesonline.com
FALL 2014 |
27
Donors We Thank You!
I
n addition to those who gave $250 or more in financial gifts or services to sponsor the Travel Writers program, so many others gave contributions that helped make this year a success! Bonita Bates Veta Tucker Tanya Bellemy Kenyetta Manago Peggy Holman Jayda Craig Jeff Palmer Mae Jones Tree of Life Schools LaToya Kuhn Atiba & Cherise Ward Christina McGrinson Vanita Aloisio Yolanda Wiggina Marge Kars Deb Killarney RJ’s Printing William & Elizabeth Harris All N One Delivery Fortitude Graphics
28
| FALL 2014
www.comvoicesonline.com
269.381.4416 www.kalfound.org
NEW
L FE
FELLOWSHIP Church Of God In Christ Sunday Morning Worship 10 A.M.
Pastor Jesse Herron & Missionary Brenda Herron
Wednesday Bible Education 6:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. Wednesday Worship 7:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.
1912 Birch St., Kalamazoo, MI 49004 • (269) 381-1913 www.comvoicesonline.com
FALL 2014 |
29
The 2nd Annual Tate-Stone Travel Writers Academy would not have been possible without you!
s l o o h c S c i l b u P o o z a m a Kal ! r e h g i h g n i h are reac ent m l l o r n e g n i s i r • 5 years of y r a t n e m e l e g in • 4 years of ris hool test scores and middle sc s l o o h c s d e t c u str • 2 newly con s t n e d u t s f o r mbe u n e h t e l b u o • D t n e m e c a l P d e taking Advanc st 3 years la e h t n i s e s r u o c l a t n e m n o r i v n • LEED Gold E t Prairie Ridge Certification a Elementary ® e s i m o r P o o z • The Kalama
www.kalamazoopublicschools.com