Congratulates the Explorers on
6 Editions of Girls Can!
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PUBLISHER’S VOICE
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. the Journey
Explorers pose with the founders of Tendaji (Swahili for “Make Things Happen”), a team of philanthropists from Kalamazoo who divided their first grant of $21,000 to the Explorers ($16,000) and the Black Arts and Cultural Center. -Photo by Sean Hollins
Explorers and parents gathered in prayer during our annual family pool party hosted by Ed and Kathy Knox. Shadae Hillsman was selected to represent the Explorers in less than an hour at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Local philanthropists of the newlyformed Tendaji Foundation had invited the Explorers to compete for a grant. After tips from her friends, she felt confident. “I got this,” she said as she and her long extensions bounced toward the car. I knew she could do it. I couldn’t help but have a flashback of the once-tiny travel writer who wore a flowered headband every day. Five years ago, I looked down at her smiling face and welcomed the fourth grader to our first residential Travel Writers Academy at Kalamazoo College. She later admitted she had cried silently at bedtime because she missed her parents. Today, she was a beautiful high school freshman who towered over me. As she rehearsed her five-minute presentation to the women of Tendaji, she thought about the corporations, colleges, and amazing journey to Europe she had experienced as a part of the Merze Tate Explorers. When we were greeted by Sabrina Pritchett Evans to come in for the interview, Shadae said how the games we had played to learn the world landmarks had become more than that. “I’ve seen the Eiffel Tower, Roman Colosseum, Niagara Falls...all the places we learned about,” she said. “Now, I don’t see it as a game anymore,” she added. “I see them as goals of places I want to go one day.” When God led me to begin the Merze Tate Explorers (formerly the Travel Club) 10 years ago, I prayed it would inspire girls to explore every possibility and expand their horizons outside of their own neighborhoods. Shadae had no idea that her statement had me near tears of joy. As we sat down for the grant meeting, I glowed with pride. Whatever happened, what Shadae said had been more valuable than any grant we would receive. Tendaji, (Make Things Happen) Sonya Bernard-Hollins, Publisher of Community Voices & Founder, Merze Tate Explorers 4
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MULTI-CULTURAL NEWS SOURCE
Volume 10, Issue 02 Founders Arlene & JamesYourWashington Community, Your Voice (2005-2010) Publisher Season Press LLC (2010-) Editor-In-Chief Sonya Bernard-Hollins Graphic Design Fortitude Graphic Design Reporters/Photographers Travel Writers Academy Contributing Writers/ LaToya Kuhn Photographers Tirrea Billings Kyra Hudson For more information visit www.comvoicesonline.com write: Community Voices P.O. Box 51042 Kalamazoo, MI 49005 or call: 269-359-7895 Community Voices is published quarterly by Season Press LLC, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Free issues are available throughout West Michigan and online at: www. comvoicesonline.com. No parts of this magazine may be reproduced without permission.
The Merze Tate Explorers - 2018 Travel Writers Kimyah Babineaux 6th Grade Hillside M.S.
Darianna Browning 9th Grade Kalamazoo Central
Kymeil Beard 7th Grade Linden Grove M.S.
Zaria Barrow 6th Grade Linden Grove M.S.
Shadae Hillsman 9th Grade Kalamazoo Central
Sasha Hollins 7th Grade Gull Lake M.S.
Syann Hollins 10th Grade Gull Lake High
Kennedy Hudson 7th Grade Linden Grove Middle
Lydia Johnson 8th Grade Linden Grove Middle
Alayna Kuhn 7th Grade Liberty M.S.
Nya Kuhn 3rd Grade Savage Road Ele.
Shemaiah Lawler 10th Grade Kalamazoo Central
Sanaa Olivacce-Shabazz 7th Grade Portage Central High
Kynnedi Patterson 6th Grade Hillside M.S.
Leah Pettis 9th Grade Kalamazoo Central
Layla Wallace 8th Grade St. Michael’s Lutheran
Aliah Ward 7th Grade Linden Grove Middle
Sierra Ward 10th Grade Loy Norrix High
Tirrea Billings Hon. Explorer Photographer/ Videographer
LaToya Kuhn Board Treasurer Guest Writer
Cherise Ward Board Secretary Guest Photographer
Maggie Zahrai Board V.P. Guest Editor
Ahrea Norton Board Member Guest Photographer
Nicole ChapmanBarrow Parent Explorer
Angela Daniels Parent Explorer Guest Photographer
Sonique Johnson Parent Explorer
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Kyra Hudson
University of Michigan
Junior Explorer Alumna
Cheryl Wright Board Member Guest Chaperone
Maya Daniels 10th Grade Portage Northern High
Brittany Wright 9th Grade Kalamazoo Central High
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Explorers Honored! Area organizations have recognized the Merze Tate Explorers for their dedication to providing girls the opportunity to find their passion through media. Through interactive career exploration, college preparation, and travel, girls benefit in ways that not only teach, but allow them to reach new heights in their communities and beyond.
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Page 6: Tendaji co-founders Belinda Tate (Executive Director of Kalamazoo Institute of Arts) and Sabrina Pritchett-Evans (State Farm Insurance branch owner) pose with Explorers founder Sonya Hollins (Photo 1) after presenting the Explorers with a grant for $16,000. More than a dozen African American women philanthropists created Tendaji (Swahili for “Make Things Happen”) to sow back into organizations of their community. Yolonda Lavender of the Black Arts and Cultural Center also is honored by the women (photo 5). Page 7: The Explorers were recognized with the Mary McLeod Bethune Community Service Award by Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. (Photos 9,10); and by the Sojourner Truth Institute in Battle Creek with the Dr. Velma Laws Clay Award for community service (photos 11-12). Explorers are interviewed for an episode of WGVU’s Kalamazoo Lively Arts (13); and Kimberly Holley of the Sojourner Truth Institute joins Sonya Hollins in an interview with Pastor Hess of W.F.P.M. 99.5 FM to promote the event (14). www.comvoicesonline.com
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Alumna Reflection: From Kalamazoo to the World Kyra Hudson is an Explorer alumna and senior at the University of Michigan majoring in Public Policy with a concentration in Equity and Justice in Education Policy. In 2008, Kyra was a charter member of what was originally the Merze Tate Travel Club. Today, she reflects on how the organization provided her with unique opportunities that influenced her current career path.
WASHINGTON (D.C.) I am spending the first half of my final year of college in Washington, D.C., taking classes and doing a research and policy analysis internship at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is the premiere programming and research body on issues concerning the black community. Their mission is to advance the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. While I am here I will be doing research on education policies and voter mobilization as they relate to bridging access gaps and creating a more equal and just society. My interest in the intersection of education policy and equality for the African American community was born out of the experiences that I had in school and in our community growing up. As Kalamazoo natives, we have the privilege of growing up in a city that is active and effective in its efforts to bridge access gaps as a means to empower individuals and strengthen the community. We have amazing community programs like the Merze Tate Travel Club that allow black girls like me the opportunity to experience all that the world has to offer.
Above: Kyra Hudson interviews Ambassador Harriet Elam-Thomas on Explorers Ask the Expert cable show on Public Media Network. Below: Images from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference with Senators Kamala Harris and Cory Booker who are the only two Black senators in our current U.S. Senate.
As I began to study the racial, economic, and social inequality that exists in other urban areas across the state and the nation, I realized that the programs we have in Kalamazoo to empower young women and provide quality opportunities to all youth, regardless of race or economic background, don’t exist everywhere. The opportunity that I had to be a part of something so innovative and transformative as the Merze Tate Travel Club is an honor and a privilege. I am so grateful for my time in the Travel Club because it opened my 12-year-old eyes to the beauty and possibilities beyond just our city, state, and country. It empowered me to get outside of my comfort zone and think bigger, dream bigger. During my time in D.C., I hope that my research and my work will help to open doors and provide opportunities to more black girls. So far in D.C., I have been able to visit the African American Museum, tour some of the monuments, eat at great restaurants, meet famous and important people, and hear amazing speakers share how they are impacting and changing the world. There is a lot to see and do. Most importantly, there is a lot to learn. I have learned so much from not only going to museums and seeing monuments, but also from just hearing different speakers and experts from around the city talk about their work. The greatest thing 8
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about being in D.C. so far, has been seeing how action-oriented people work. People in D.C. are not just talking about change, but influencing and creating a more just, fair, and equal society daily. Each day, I am inspired by someone or something to be more bold and more intentional in my effort to make a difference in the world. In just one month, I have become more outgoing, social, and knowledgeable about issues and government policies that affect People of Color. I am very excited to see where the next two months of my journey in D.C. will take me.
Discovering my Passion for Photography By Sierra Ward
When I became a member of the Travel Club as a 5th grader, photography didn’t really seem to spark my interest. I began by volunteering in front of the camera, never thinking about actually being the individual holding it. During my 8th grade year, I was introduced to photography. I noticed that I was becoming pretty good at it and I was glad that I was given the experience to try something new. In the summer of 2017, six of us Explorers went on a two-week study abroad to Europe. I remember desperately wanting to have a camera of my own, but my parents told me that I would have to save up for it. After the trip, we worked to complete our college course to earn three college Social Studies credits based on our travels. An anonymous donor challenged us to complete the online class in three months. If we were successful, each of us would receive $1,000! This was motivation. 10
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During our annual banquet, those of use who completed our courses were called up to receive our $1,000 check! I used my award to purchase a Canon T7 camera of my own! Since then, I have spent countless hours using my camera to take photographs of everything around me. My grandmother enrolled me into a photography class at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts where I learned the basics and foundations of this art. This sparked even more interests within me and I soon found myself taking pictures even more. As I began to share my love for photography with others, I was approached to take class pictures, group pictures, senior pictures, and even weddings! There is no limit to where this new-found interest may take me. Eventually I want to start my own business, “Si’s Photog,” and make money doing something that I love. Now, as a sophomore in high school, I still keep my camera close to me in hopes of capturing the beauty and in-the-moment photos for family, friends, and future customers.
Sierra & Aliah A sister is a gift to the heart and a friend to the spirit. Watching the two of you grow physically, spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually has been our gift! You have both gained so many insights and experiences throughout the last 6 years, while being involved with the Merze Tate Explorers. Congratulations as we celebrate the 10 year Anniversary of this phenomenal organization! Love, Mom and Dad
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Explorer Summer Fun Seaworld: The Ocean in Front of Your Eyes By Shemaiah Lawler
This summer I was invited by my friend Angel Gardner from church to go to Orlando, Florida. Orlando is known for famous theme parks and amusement parks like Magic Kingdom, Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, Seaworld, and more. When we arrived, in Florida I was told that we would be going to SeaWorld. I had never heard of SeaWorld. When our plane landed in Orlando on July 15 it was around 11 p.m. It was very hot and was pouring rain. Even though it was raining we were still very excited. We got a rental car and headed to our resort, the Marriott’s Cypress Harbour Villas Resort. The resort was surrounded by mini-swimming pools, decorative water fountains, and a palm tree that looked like a pineapple. The rooms looked like apartments with bedrooms and a kitchen. After two days at the resort we headed to SeaWorld. There was a long line at the entrance. More than 20 million people visit Seaworld parks every year. After we waited for what felt like forever, the first show we saw was “Clyde and Seamore’s Sea Lion High,” a sea lion and otter show. It’s about two sea lions that have to finish their classes in order to get a university scholarship, and at the end an otter shows up and steals the scholarship. It was funny and fun. They had a lot of audience interaction and that made it my favorite show. After going to that show, we went to the “One Ocean” Shamu show. We sat in the very front, which is SeaWorlds splash zone. We saw many other shows too. There was a bubble show, dolphin and bird show, nursery dolphin show, and a few more. They had exhibits of other animals and rooms with enormous fish tanks. Going to SeaWorld was the coolest thing I did this summer. I loved being able to see these amazing animals up close and watching them do a lot of tricks. I also enjoyed spending time with my friend and her family.
Toledo Zoo
By Brittany Wright This summer my family and I drove down to Toledo, Ohio. It was a planned weekend trip just to spend quality time with family. On Saturday, we set out to visit the Toledo Zoo. The weather was a sunny 85 degrees. In fact, it was a so hot that some of us needed to purchase hats or sun visors to protect us from the sun. I was excited to explore the zoo and see the different kinds of animals and exhibits. Two of my favorite exhibits were the elephants and the family of gorillas. What I liked about the elephants was how they ate their food. The mother elephant used her trunk to get the food from the hanging basket and fed it to the babies. The other animals I liked were a three-generation family of orangutan. What I found interesting was the food they ate. Their vegetarian diet included roots, fruits, and plants.
Wisconsin Dells/Waterpark By Kynnedi Patterson
This past summer, my family and I went to Wisconsin Dells, in Southern Wisconsin. We stayed at the Wilderness on the Lake Hotel for two nights. At the hotel we visited the waterpark, which was a lot of fun. We also went to a trampoline park called Knuckleheads in Wisconsin Dells. The indoor park called Cuddy’s Cove was split into two different sections for different groups. The first section had multi-colored slides for little kids to play on along with other ventures for kids to explore. The second section had basketball hoops and ropes over the water for kids to try and swing across. Also there is an indoor hot tube along with an outdoor hot tube. At Knucklehead Trampoline park, there was an Arcaid, 4D theater ride, bowling, go-karts, ropes course, indoor roller coaster, trampolines, and bumper cars. I also went on a small train-like rollercoaster that moved really fast and went in all directions. Wisconsin Dells is a beautiful city with many fun activities and I recommend going.
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Olivet College
By Shadae Hillsman The Merze Tate Explorers spend a week each summer as travel writers. This past summer, 25 Explorers attended the Olivet College ATHENA International Girls’ Leadership Camp. This was a two-day camp that involved more than 80 other girls from across Michigan. We were honored to be involved in this pilot leadership camp. We had workbooks and formed Athena groups with new friends. Our groups were responsible for discussing topics about leadership. The sessions consisted of seven different topics:
Live Authentically Learn Constantly Build Relationships Foster Collaboration Act Courageously Advocate Fiercely, and Give Back. After working as a whole group, we split into sessions led by Olivet College students who were Athena leaders. After discussing each topic, we had corresponding worksheets to complete. One of the activities was the Magic Carpet. As a part of that game, we had to communicate with our teammates without talking, to discover the pattern to get to the end.
By Kimyah Babineaux (center) This summer, I participated in the Olivet College’s Girls’ Leadership program. What we learned and wrote about was how we can live authentically, learn constantly, building relationships, foster collaboration, act courageously, celebrate, give back, and advocate fiercely. We toured Olivet College and imagined life as a college student there. The Explorers and other program participants played games to learn things about each other, made friends and hung out. I loved how we learned about things like embracing failure, selfimprovement, and more. I also enjoyed a game about what color is our personality. I found out I am a red and yellow, which means that I like to be on the move and not late, I enjoy sports, and that I am friendly, self-confident, and I like to explore. Overall, what I learned about myself at Olivet College is to have confidence, to embrace failure, and to give back and help others. I had fun there, and I got to have fun with friends and meet new friends too!
The best part of the camp was being able to live in the dorms. Most people would think that was my favorite part because it was a bunch of teenagers at a college dorm—who wouldn’t think that was fun? Actually, this was the best part because I had the opportunity to step up and be a leader or a role model for the girls who may have looked up to me for guidance. I got to show the younger girls not only in the Travel Club, but girls from all around how to be a leader, to pay attention, to prioritize, and to be engaged in what we were learning. This program gave me the platform to really step up in a leadership role. The camp was amazing and it opened a lot of doors to ways to be a leader and build new friendships in just two days. We were able to have fun while learning, which is always a good thing.
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Explorers Syann and Sasha witnessed history in flight. The two had the rare pleasure of experiencing the antics of local Peregrin falcons...one named for their organization’s Shero, Merze Tate. In collaboration with Public Media Network, the Explorers shared their experience with Gail Walter of the Kalamazoo Audubon Society on the news segment, Community in Focus. During a recent visit to the top of the downtown Kalamazoo Mall parking structure, the Explorers met with Gail Walter, a member of the Audobon Society of Kalamazoo. Walter and other members of the organization were excited to show Explorers the Merze falcon and her “siblings” in action. Merze was among four baby falcons born in Kalamazoo this past spring (2018). Two of the chicks were named for a person famous in Kalamazoo history. One for Merze, and the other for baseball legend Derek Jeter. The Jeter chick died in its early stages. The visit provided, what Walter says, was a view of the birds at their best. The sibling chicks chased a group of pigeons, ate their mother’s catch from her beak, and even posed atop their home in the Fifth Third Bank building, all while they watched the Explorers watch them! The attributes of a falcon include energy, foresight, ambition, fortitude, willpower, transformation,vision, mental acuity, freedom, and control. Merze Tate lived a life beyond limits...just like a falcon.
By Syann Hollins
1. Peregrine falcons can reach speeds of 242 miles per hour while diving for prey, making them the fastest recorded animal ever. 2. Falcons have been used to help hunt for thousands of years. Falconry is still practiced worldwide today. 3. Falcons mate for life. 4. Falcons can see eight times better than humans. They can spot prey two miles away. 5. Falcons hunt several thousand kinds of species for food. Read more: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/ science-nature/10-fun-facts-about-falcons 14
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Learn more at: www. kalamazoofalcons.com or watch “Falcons Over Kalamazoo,” on Public Media Network’s Vimeo and the Merze Tate Explorers’ YouTube Channel.
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East London: Discovering a Hidden Gem By Tirrea Billings
June 3, 2018. It was day 14, the day before my last day in the United Kingdom. Over the course of our trip, my best friend Jade and I traveled to Glasgow, Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands in Scotland, and then London and Oxford in England. Scotland was amazing, but I think England takes the win as far as my favorite place we visited. Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Tower Bridge are all popular sites that people rush to see when visiting London for the first time. Those were definitely at the top of my list as a first-time visitor. Surprisingly, those sites, and others typically highlighted, were not my favorite parts of the trip. I discovered East London as a hidden gem. I hadn’t heard of East London. It wasn’t until I read through a local’s travel guide provided by the Generator Hostel (where I was staying) that I learned about what the London locals do outside of the touristy attractions. East London was number-one on the list, so I definitely had to check it out. Jade was visiting family members for the day, so I decided to take on East London solo. I hopped on the tube (subway) at the King’s Cross St. Pancras Station. I rode to the Liverpool Street Railway Station. Brick Lane was the prime destination I wanted to explore. I typed Brick Lane Market in my GPS, and I was off! After I walked around for a bit and stopped at the Whitechapel Gallery along the way, I came across what is, and will always be, one of the most incredible places. When I walked into the heart of East London it was like stepping into another world. Street art covered the buildings, the atmosphere was urban and fresh, and the vibe was so different compared to the more traditional scenes of London you see on TV and in books. East London is artsy and edgy, and has this vibrancy that my own words can’t give justice to. I entered the Brick Lane Market in awe. There were vendors of all sorts crowded the street. The market offered clothing, handbags, jewelry, art, and food of all types. Some vendors sold authentic curry, a popular dish and spice in East London, a hub of the Bangladeshi community. I was overwhelmed with everything going on, but in a good way. I didn’t know where to go or what to look at first! I walked through the chaotic, bustling artistic hub, buying as much art, vintage clothing, and collectibles as I could fit in my backpack. I filled my belly with the most delicious curry I have ever tasted. It 16
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was nothing I have ever experienced before. It was truly magical. After I spent way over my daily budget on art and curry, the rest of my day was spent strolling with no destination, accompanied by the most astonishing street art I have ever come across. I spent hours just wandering the streets and alleyways, being my own tour guide. Ebor Street, Sclater Street, Whitby Street, Hanbury Street are just a few of the many paths where I admired jaw-dropping street art. I ended my day, like most days while in the UK, drinking a fruit blend loose leaf tea and eating a slice of vanilla-caramel cake. As I sat and wrote in my journal, I was reminded why I love to travel so much. Sometimes the things we surprisingly discover end up being our fondest memories. East London wasn’t even on my list of places to explore while I was there. Yet, it ended up being my favorite spot in the whole city. If you ever visit the UK, make sure you fit East London into your itinerary. Not only is it just a really cool place, but it also has an urban culture that often gets overlooked by the more “traditional” things to see and do in London. By day 14, I had enough with the history museums and the story of King Henry VIII. East London was the freshness that I never knew I needed. Thank goodness I came across that visitor’s guide at my hostel. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have experienced the art, the food, and the culture that will forever be one of my greatest memories as a world traveler.
Tirrea highlights the scenery of the East London through the lens of her camera.
My Trip to the AAU Junior Olympics
By Nya Kuhn
DES MOINES (IOWA)- I competed in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympics for track and field—we athletes call it the “JOs”. The Junior Olympics took place at Drake University Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa, from July 28-August 4, 2018. My family and I stayed for the whole week! Other athletes from my track club, the Next Level Track Club, competed in this year’s Junior Olympics too. It takes a lot of hard work to get to Junior Olympics. My track coach’s name is Coach Torin. We practice all year for indoor and outdoor track. We practice three days a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. I also have a trainer for conditioning. His name is Coach Ross. I go to him on Saturdays. To stay in shape, I also go to mini-track meets on Wednesdays in Oak Park, Michigan (not far from my home in Ann Arbor). To qualify for the Junior Olympics, athletes have to go to the regional track meet first. If an athlete places in the top eight at the regional meet, he or she qualifies to go to the national Junior Olympics. I qualified in the shot put (3rd place), turbo javelin (2nd place), and long jump (2nd place) at the regional meet in Detroit. My mom, dad, sister Alayna, and cousin Sasha went with me on the trip to Iowa. The drive was so long. It took eight hours to get there. The first day we got there, I competed in shot put. The second and third day, I had a chance to chill out. Then it was back-to-back days for the turbo javelin and long jump. I didn’t win any medals, but that’s okay. I’ve gotten a lot better since last year (I went to JOs last year, too). I’m also going back next year so other teams beware, I’m coming for you! We also had the chance to do some other cool stuff while in Iowa. We went go-kart racing, swimming, and to an amusement park called Adventureland. We also were on the Channel 13 News during the weather forecast at the Science Center of Iowa. It was so cool! We even had a chance to hang out with our friend Daria who was visiting Iowa too. I hope you enjoyed my story about my trip to Iowa and the Junior Olympics. I hope you will join me some day!
Above: Nya celebrates her arrival to the AAU Junior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa; left: Nya warms up before the big race; right: Nya gets support from Explorers Sasha and Alayna (a.k.a cousin and sister). 18
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Lydia Rose Johnson
Provided the opportunity that inspired the motivation to reach beyond your dreams! Your next adventures are going to be a thrill to witness. Keep going Lidi, you make your entire family incredibly proud! Unconditionally Loving you Mooshie 2 Mom and Dad
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Respect the Journey 10 Years of Exploring Possibilities By Sonya Bernard-Hollins, Founder Merze Tate Explorers
All eyes were on the girls in white...and they loved it! It was our last night in Hawaii and we still needed to take that signature photo. Our tour guide, Pam, had the perfect spot. She led us down Kalakaua Street in Honolulu to an upscale hotel and through the lobby for the perfect view of Waikiki Beach. Yes!
Photos in white by Jennifer Martino 22
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in Hawaii. Merze g their last evening rin du h ac be e th on mera. (Photo of The Explorers pose 40s, holding her ca 19 e th in ii wa Ha in Tate pictured here gional History) U Archives and Re M W of sy te ur co Tate
We all smiled. The ocean called us toward it and we took off our shoes. The sand clung to our feet as we took in the postcard perfect view. In the distance, was Diamond Head, the mountain we would climb together on our last day in Hawaii. But first, all 22 of us Explorers—students, chaperones, and parents, just took it all in. We didn’t take it for granted that we were visiting a place many people may never see. For one week, we had an opportunity to experience nature, science, and history in a unique backdrop. We didn’t take it for granted. I didn’t take it for granted. Over the past 10 years, so many people had invested in our Explorers. Whether through financial blessings, grants, in-kind bus transportation, behind-the-scenes work to provide snacks, or help raise funds, it truly took a village to get us to this very moment. In 2008, when 12 girls met me on the campus of Western Michigan University in the dimly-light archives in East Hall, none of us knew what the next years would bring. In 2008, Tori Zackery was in 6th grade, and had no idea that her desire to become a lawyer would disappear after I handed her a brand new Canon camera. Today she is a product photographer at Kellogg’s Company. Kyra Hudson did not have a clue that my prompting to her teacher would send her on a student exchange trip to Mexico before she entered middle school. Today she is a student at the University of Michigan studying public policy. Kayla Evans may have seen the geography games and historic places we visited as fun, but each activity watered a seed that would grow into her desire to study internationally and serve as a Fulbright scholar in South America.
No one is more surprised at this 10-year journey than yours truly. To think that an old photograph in a scrapbook on WMU’s campus would captivate me beyond words. The images I saw in old leatherbound scrapbooks once owned by Merze Tate before her death, spoke to me. Who was this woman, born in 1905 on a farm in Michigan, who had the audacity to live a life beyond anything her ancestors ever could imagine? Who said that in 1935, she could become the first African American graduate of Oxford University? Who said that she could invent an ice cream maker, write international history books, become a Fulbright scholar in India, advise heads of state on disarmament, and play Bridge in five languages? Who said she could become the first African American female to earn a Ph.D. in political science from Radcliffe College at Harvard University and work as a history professor at Howard University? While her accomplishments seemed amazing, they did not come without racial and gender barriers that would have crushed most African Americans who had Jim Crow segregation in view. What she realized soon after graduating from Western Michigan University in 1927, was that she would make sure other students had educational opportunities to succeed. It began with her starting a Travel club while a teacher at Crispus Attucks High School (1927), and continues today through a fullride Medallion Scholarship funded from the more than $1 million she provided upon her death in 1996. Two of our board members are beneficiaries of Tate’s Medallion scholarship. “In 1984, I applied for and was awarded one of the inaugural WMU Medallion Scholarships,” said board vice president Maggie Zahrai. www.comvoicesonline.com
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“The $25,000 full scholarship covered room, board, books, tuition and fees! I graduated from WMU and along the way, I enjoyed a life-changing study abroad in France. Fast forward, I was back in Kalamazoo after having lived in Canada, The Netherlands, and Switzerland with my family. Without realizing it, I had followed in Merze Tate’s path of women learning languages, traveling, and documenting their experiences.” Parent and secretary of the board, Cherise Ward, also praises Tate for her philanthropy. “It was an honor and a blessing to receive the Merze Tate Medallion scholarship as a college freshman at Western Michigan University,” Ward said. “My high grade point average in high school gave me the opportunity to apply for academic scholarships, and the Medallion was one of them. “As a 17-year old beginning college, I had no idea that Merze Tate would not only make an impact on my life, but on the lives of my children. Six years ago, they joined the Merze Tate Explorers...Merze Tate has left a direct legacy for myself and my daughters.” Tate never married or had children. But, the Explorers are walking in her footsteps; keeping her legacy alive. Merze traveled the world twice during her lifetime. The Explorers are on a mission to visit every place she went...and more! The only place Tate did not visit was outer space. She did purchase a reservation card for a passenger flight Pan Am airlines dreamed to deliver; but it never happened. Looking into the ocean while in Hawaii, I could only imagine what Tate felt when she visited the islands in the 1940s. She had written a political history on the annexation of Hawaii and was a soughtafter lecturer. Her images typically are of her, posing alone, without friends or family to enjoy the world with. But, her images would live on, to inspire girls, a family of like-minded travelers she would never meet. Over the years we have been inspired to learn of new careers by women in Fortune 500 corporations. Explorers have lived on college campuses, volunteered in their community, and have studied abroad in Europe. Possibly, one day, an Explorer will in some way, represent Tate in space. Until then, I think of how she exposed her students at Crispus Attucks High School to places outside their community like Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Niagara Falls in 1929—during the Depression Era! After a week in Hawaii on a study abroad science-focused itinerary that took us from Kona on the Big Island, to Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach, I smile. Explorers interviewed a WWII veteran at Pearl Harbor, they met women in science, and even a young park ranger who shared of her desire to live out her passion. I am grateful to God who allowed me to continue what Tate started...and can’t wait to see what the next 10 years will bring!
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Our study abroad was an learning experience for all ages. Students participated in hands-on marine biology, ecosystem technology, history, and a climb to the top of Diamond Head mountain!
Poem by Maya Daniels
A hidden gem stranded in the ocean Trees around you, take in the beauty Birds above you causing a commotion We lounge on the beach drinking something fruity Lagoon full of creatures gorgeous, yet dangerous Flowers so pretty smelling like honey El coqui hiding in trees singing a chorus Seals flopping around acting all funny Lava rocks bordering protecting with love Sweet, sweet pineapple infused with sunshine Sent from goddess Pele above Food that was absolutely divine Sunset over the horizon Revealing stars above.
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Aloha!
By Zaria Barrow, Kennedy Hudson & Lydia Johnson
Explorers enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of an Hawaiian lu’au; Lydia & Sunny.
“Aloha, welcome to our show this evening,” said the MC of the lu’au in a very calming voice. The emcee was wearing an orange dress with two leis and a flower in her hair. On the second day of our Hawaii trip we attended a lu’au at the hotel, the Royal Kona Resort. We went to learn about Hawaiian culture and have a fun and new experience. When we first got to the lu’au, it was raining and there were hundreds of ponchos being given out to everyone. After the rain stopped and it was all dry everyone took off their ponchos, now we could see everyone’s really cute outfits. The women had bright flowers in their hair and nice flow- er y dresses. The Explorers dressed up in their nicest attire. At the lu’au there were very talented dancers who performed traditional Hawaiian dances and musicians who played beautiful Hawaiian music. The dancers had many traditional outfits to change into for each performance. We were also able to try new foods at the Lu’au like poi. Poi is a pounded taro root used as a dipping sauce. There also was a roasted pig cooked in a kalua, which is an underground oven. Explorer Layla Wallace said, “Their food had a very unique flavor.” Explorer Maya Daniels said, “The pineapples were sweet and juicy, and 10 times better than the ones here in Michigan.” 26
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At end of the event the MC asked,“Who is celebrating a birthday or anniversary?” Different couples shared where they were from and how long they had been together. Before we left the Lu’au we were able to take pictures with the dancers. The lu’au was our opportunity to experience traditions of the Hawaiian culture. We have seen Hawaiian culture on television but nothing can compare to seeing it in person.
Up, Up, and Away Kymeil Beard
Kymeil (above right) smiles for the cameras as she braces for takeoff during her first flight. The route from Detroit to Seattle, WA, and then to Kona, Hawaii, was an experience she will never forget.
The night before we were to fly to Hawaii on my very first flight, I watched a movie about a plane crash. When I woke up the next morning I thought about that movie. I was nervous. OMG, What if the plane crashes? The Explorers were meeting at Galilee Baptist Church to ride to the airport together. On the way there, my mom told me things to do and what not to do. “Don’t run all over the place if there is an emergency on the plane. Listen to directions,” she said. Then she asked, “Are you scared?” I said, “No.” When we finally arrived at the church I was shaking. (Here is a little hint about me. When I am scared, I shake.... BADLY!) I was trying not to shake as much because I didn’t want my mom to notice I was scared. Yes, I WAS SCARED, but excited. Who wouldn’t want to go to Hawaii? We placed our luggage under the Galilee bus and headed for Detroit Metro Airport. I took a nap. Before I knew it, we were at the airport and told to grab our luggage. The closer we got to Hawaii the more nervous I got. At the same time, I was anxious to see the palm trees and to swim in the crystal blue ocean. At the airport, EVERYONE, even strangers, kept asking me how I felt about getting on a plane for the first time. When I think about things I end up looking angry. So the more I kept thinking about the plane ride, people would ask me, “What’s wrong?” While we waited to get on the plane, we played Uno, ate snacks, and walked around the airport gift shops. After a few hours we were told to get out our boarding passes...we were about to get on the plane. I stood in the line shaking because this was THE TIME! We walked down the jet bridge to board the plane. When I stepped foot on
that plane it felt like a nightmare. I had that feeling in my stomach that you get when you are on a roller coaster. When I walked to my seat, I started to feel more comfortable. I sat down and noticed I was sitting in the middle of two fellow Explorers, Kennedy and Zaria. Now, I definitely felt more secure. About 30 minutes before takeoff the flight attendants gave us the SAFETY RULES! My friends and everyone else around me were talking. Do you want to know what I was doing? LISTENING TO THE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS GIVE INSTRUCTIONS! Ten minutes after “Safety Rules Class” the plane was ready to take off. It started moving down the runway, faster and faster. Then, I noticed I didn’t feel any more bumpy movement from the plane wheels on the runway. I looked out of the window and we were are up in the air. My fear went away and the happy feelings came out. After a while, I barely noticed I was on a plane, until the plane curved in the sky, or I tried to adjust myself in the uncomfortable seats. I prayed and then chilled (well at least I tried). The plane ride to Hawaii was a fun experience and I would love to have many more. www.comvoicesonline.com FALL 2018 | 27
The Lungs of the Planet
By Darianna Browning, Maya Daniels, Leah Pettis, and Layla Wallace
The Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary on the Big Island of Hawaii is a 600-year-old area of land with an elevation of 3,000 feet. The owners of the sanctuary have hosted educational tours since 1984. The climate there is very unique because the clouds keep the forest very moist. While we were in the Cloud forest, our guide, Voltaire Moise, shared how forests are the lungs of the planet. He said, “The Cloud forest has to stay very moist or the trees can start to get unhealthy and die.” We also learned about many animals that live in the forest. There was El coquí, a Puerto Rican tree frog, which whistles when it calls for its mate...or when it is about to rain. Another animal that we learned about was the cockatoo, which is a white parrot with a showy crest and curved bill. We met a white cockatoo bird named Angel, and was caught by surprise when she climbed on her cage and started to dance. We saw green and red parrots and honeycreepers, which evolved from eating seeds to sucking nectar. Our guides where Moise and Norman Bezona. Bezona has dedicated nearly 50 years of his life to becoming an expert in tropical floriculture. He began collecting forest land on the Big Island of Hawaii in 1982. The Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary offers education and botanical tours to tourist from around the world. This experience taught us about the unique biodiverstiy in Hawaii’s ecosystem.
Darianna interviews Cloud Forest guide Voltaire Moise and learns why the forests are important to our environment as Explorers go on an adventure to find new plants and animals unique to Hawaii.
Explorer Parent Contribution
The Hawaiian Monk Seal: An Endangered Species By Latoya Kuhn
An impromptu stop on the way back to our hotel in Kona, Hawaii, resulted in a truly unique experience for the Explorers. We weren’t sure where we were going. Our tour director, Pam, kept the details a secret and would only say that this was something other groups never had the opportunity to experience. When the bus pulled up to the Ho’ona Historic Preserve in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, we did not know what to expect. The preserve is operated by the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai’i Authority (NELHA). The preserve was originally part of a fishing village on the Paaiea pond. The pond was eventually covered by lava in the early 1900’s. We were given a few brief instructions—to be as quiet as we could and stay a respectful distance away from the water. As we exited the bus, I noticed a sign that would provide some insight as to why we were there. The sign read: Aloha! Baby Monk Seal. We walked about half a mile through a path of volcanic rock without indication of what we were there to see. As we walked, we couldn’t help but notice the beautiful backdrop of black volcanic rock against the crystal blue water. It was a prime photo opportunity. Then, suddenly, I heard whispers of: “Did you see that?” “Whoa, look!” Cameras turned from selfie mode to excitedly aiming toward the water. That is when I saw a smooth grey animal, blending in ever so slightly with its surroundings. There it was, peeking its head out just enough to get a glimpse of us…a Hawaiian monk seal! The Hawaiian monk seal is the only seal native to Hawaii. It is an endangered species with approximately 1,400 alive today. Their survival has been threatened by humans who move into their environments, or by becoming accidentally trapped in marine fishing nets. According to National Geographic, Hawaiians have nicknamed the seal `Ilio holo I ka uaua, which means “dog that runs in rough water.” The seals have an average life span of 30 years and can grow up to 7.5 feet long and over 600 pounds. During our time in Hawaii, the Explorers had the opportunity to take part in many once-ina-lifetime activities. The viewing of the Hawaiian monk seal was definitely an experience that I will never forget! 30
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LaToya and Alayna Kuhn had fun in the seal photo stand before they head off to participate in a rare sighting of the Hawaiian monk seal during a visit to the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai’i Authority.
Alayna and Nya Sisters by blood, best friends by choice! You share a special bond that is truly a blessing to see. You support each other in everything you do. As members of the Merze Tate Explorers, you’ve been blessed with many unique opportunities. We are excited for what the future holds. Keep loving each other, living your dreams, and exploring the possibilities! Love, Mom and Dad
City of Refuge: A Place of Beauty...and Safety By Aliah Ward
While on our trip to the Hawaiian
islands in June 2018, the Merze Tate Explorers visited the Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Park, also called the City of Refuge, on the Big Island (Hawaii). We played games, saw interesting artifacts, and learned about Hawaii’s history. My group consisted of myself and three other Explorers: Sasha, Alayna, and Sanaa. We took pictures and videos of the City of Refuge. My group learned how to play a Hawaiian game called Konane.To play Konane, two people sit across from each other and play on a board that is covered by a pattern of black and white rocks. The players take turns jumping over each other’s rocks and into spaces that are empty. The player who is out of moves at the end of the game does not win but his or her opponent does. This game is similar to checkers. I, unfortunately, lost the game to Sanaa. We then caught up with the rest of the Explorers and went to Kale o Keawe, which was a royal mausoleum housing bones of 23 ali’i, which means the hereditary line of rulers. We toured the royal grounds, but only went a little way past the wall since we did not have a lot of time. On our way back we saw a man in a teepee with clothes on like people would have worn many, many years ago. He was carving something out of wood, which was a really cool sight. We also went to a presentation on the history of the City of Refuge. There we learned about “kapu,” which were the strict laws that governed what people could and could not do. Some of those rules were that men and women had to eat separately; women were not allowed to eat certain foods like pork, coconuts, bananas and some fish; and that a non-royal person could not step onto royal ground. If a person did not follow the kapu, they would be pun-
The reporting team of Aliah, Alayna, Sanaa, and Sasha learned the history of the City of Refuge while capturing amazing images along the way.
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ished or even killed. However, some people escaped to a safe place (Pu'uhonua) where people who broke the laws could be forgiven and live freely once again. Many people were not able to make it to the refuge since there were a lot of tough obstacles, such as getting past guards, journeying across water, and traveling a long way. In conclusion, our trip to the City of Refuge was great. We learned a lot of new things like the laws of kapu and how to play a game of Konane. Our experiences there were amazing and we will not forget them. This was our trip to the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, City of Refuge.
The City of Refuge was a place people went for sanctuary once they were accused of a crime...but they had to swim to the area while be chased by the authorities. Once there, natives were able to live in peace. A forest ranger shares the history while Explorer leader, Sonya Hollins, celebrates her safe arrival!
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The Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory Tour Story by Alayna Kuhn When the Merze Tate Explorers traveled to Kailua-Kona in Hawaii, we visited a place called the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory, the first chocolate factory in all of Hawaii. Their motto is “Chocolate is Aloha,” which means chocolate is love. During the tour, we did everything from learn how to make chocolate to test tasting. It was a unique and special experience. First, our tour guides, Fernando and Ron, had us try different kinds of chocolates. The three kinds of chocolate were milk, semi-sweet, and dark chocolate. I loved the milk chocolate, but I didn’t like the dark chocolate. Next, our guides explained some of the history of the factory, and we learned fun facts about the business. For example, they produce about 10,000 pounds of chocolate a year. Also, each cocoa pod contains about 30-40 beans. The percentage on a chocolate bar tells you how much of the chocolate is pure cocoa (or nibs) vs. all the other ingredients. So the dark was mostly pure cocoa and the milk chocolate had lots of milk and sugar added to it. Fernando informed us that the darker the chocolate, the more nibs it contains – and nibs are really good for you. After learning how to make chocolate, my group had the chance to interview Fernando. We discovered some interesting things about him. For example, he mentioned that he likes working at the factory because it is a very laid-back environment that allows him to be active and not sitting at a desk all day. After the interview we had a chance to sample some chocolate sauce, and it was amazing! There were also lots of other chocolate treats for sale at the gift shop. I bought some milk chocolate for my family (and me). My sister, Nya, really appreciated it! I really enjoyed touring the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory where I learned about my favorite sweet during this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
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The steps to produce chocolate: * The cocoa beans are harvested from the trees every two weeks. * The beans are dried out to about 7% water content.
Tour guides Fernando (left page) and Ron (above) give the Explorers a step-by-step lesson on how chocolate is created from pod to packaging at the Hawaiian Chocolate Factory in Kona, Hawaii.
* The beans are cleaned by running them back and forth in a drying rack. * The beans are then roasted in a coffee roaster. * The beans are placed in a winnowing machine to break beans apart into pieces called nibs. * The shells get vacuumed out and the beans get placed in a conch machine (food processor) for 18 hours before becoming a cocoa liquor. * The liquor is placed in a tempering room (mixer) at 120 degrees. * The liquor is then put into molds at 86 degrees for 3 hours. * After removing the chocolate from the mold, powdered milk sugar, cocoa butter, and an ingredient called lecithin are added. * Finally, the chocolate is stored in a room that they called Fort Knox, where it is kept at 64 degrees.
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Snorkeling
An Explorer First! By Sasha Hollins
During our visit to Hawaii the Explorers went snorkeling in Captain Cook’s Cove on our third day. We hoped to see Reef Triggerfish, Lagoon Triggerfish, and Parrotfish among other unique marine wildlife. Together we boarded the catamaran Fair Winds II with other tourists. The first thing we did was change into our bathing suits. The second thing we did was put on sunblock. We had to stand in a long line for a fitting for snorkeling goggles. While we were waiting to get on the boat we saw two sea turtles and some sea urchins in some sand by the catamaran that we were about to board. When we got on board our tour guide gave us a brochure of the kinds of fish we might see. The boat was really large so we had to get on it using a ramp. The boat had a top and a bottom level. The Explorers and our new friends from Texes got on the top of the catamaran. The boat had a diving board and two slides. After everyone got on the boat it started to rock and tilt. People were excited to be on the boat. Mrs. Hollins (AKA my mom) had motion sickness and people came from all directions to comfort her. When we got to our destination, we went over some water rules like no going near the rocks on the ocean shore, or to stay close to the boat. One of the lifeguards said,“ Defog your mask”. Then we had to get snorkeling goggles and clean them out. The lifeguard also said, “spray some solution in your mask.” Once you were done with that you could grab floaties and huge underwater view box in the water where you can see fish underneath. In the water it was so much fun. There was sliding down slides, 36
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Photos by Ahrea Norton
The Explorers didn’t know what to expect when they were told they would go snorkeling in Captain Cook’s Cove. Many didn’t know how to swim. Would they just have to wait aboard while the others had all the fun? No Way! Swimmers and non-swimmers, adults and children all splashed around with dolphins and tropical fish in this Explorer first adventure in the ocean.
jumping off a mini diving board, and even looking at all the cool fish underneath us. Looking at dolphins was my favorite part; it was so cool I wish I could do it every single day. Then when we got back on the boat we discovered a snack bar with chex mix, and cheez its, and even veggie straws. We also had refreshing beverages like ginger ale and Sprite. After we looked at all the fish and some dolphins, we headed back to shore. On our way back some of us got to PRETEND to take to helm of the boat. It was amazing and beautiful. Everyone seemed very happy! The grownups looked happy, the kids looked happy, strangers I don’t even know looked happy. The only person that didn’t look happy was my mom because she was throwing up and not looking so great. I hope to come back soon to Hawaii and snorkel again. When we got back on the land everyone would not stop talking about how fun it was and how they wish they could just go rewind time and go back.
Explorers of all ages took advantage of an opportunity to snorkel in the Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island. This historic preservation site is one of the most beautiful snorkeling areas in Hawaii.
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The History of the Ukulele
By Sanaa Olivacce-Shabazz The day we reached Waikiki, my group and I left for a night out on the city. Earlier that day, we had our photoshoot on Ala Moana Beach in our white dresses followed by a dinner at a Japanese fusion restaurant. My fellow Explorer Alayna and I had our eyes set on one special souvenir. That item was a Hawaiian ukulele. We went with our tour guide to Ukulele Puapua, a high quality ukulele store in Waikiki. My eyes lit up as I noticed all the ukuleles surrounding me all over the walls. There were ukuleles of all shapes, sizes, and colours. The new vibrant colours near me made me feel like I was sent into a new world. The salesman was very kind and happy to show us how to play simple songs, how to tune ukuleles, and how to clean them. I had my eyes set on one concert ukulele. When I first saw it, I automatically knew it would be the one. Its petite size and original Koa wood finish drew me to it. It was directly in the middle of the lowest shelf in the store. I briskly walked and gently picked it up to buy it.
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Sanaa and Alayna get a quick lessson before purchasing their ukulele. Below: Sanaa proudly wears her new ukulele on her back as she along with Explorers Sasha and Alayna pose with tour guide Pamela Brummond.
“This is the one! How much does it cost?” I politely yet eagerly asked the salesman. I flipped it over and noticed the price tag read $64.99 plus tax. I was nervously hoping I could pay for it with the money I had left on my card. I was thrilled to be owning something I had always dreamed of. Alayna and I bought our ukuleles then brought them back to our hotel room with smiling, overjoyed faces. As I did some research after I came back from the trip, I learned the ukulele is a creative adaptation of the Portuguese Machete de Braguinha. The only real difference between the two are the number of strings they have. Learning about the ukulele and its history at Ukulele Puapua opened my eyes to a new instrument. The salesman was very happy to teach Alayna and me how to play simple tunes. Since then I’ve expanded the number of songs I know and play it almost every day. This experience makes me grateful for the Merze Tate Travel Explorers for taking me out of my everyday boundaries.
Facts about the
Ukulele * The ukulele was first introduced to Hawaii on August 23, 1879, when a ship from Madeira, Portugal, arrived in a sugar cane field on The Big Island. The ship had two talented men who played the machete. Their names were Manuel Nunes and Augusto Dias. The machete, soon named the ukulele in the Hawaiian language (literally translating to jumping flea from Hawaiian to English), became very popular among the native people. It was soon dubbed Hawaii’s national instrument. * As it gained popularity, Ali’i (royalty) began to gain interest, including King David Kalakaua, who became good friends with Dias. Dias soon taught him how to play and build ukuleles. The ukulele didn’t gain popularity in mainland America until the booming consumer economy in the 1950s, when there was a mass production of plastics. As a flood of plastic products came into stores, so did the ukulele. Since it was made of plastic, throughout the 1960s and 70s, no one really took it seriously as an instrument.
* The singer Tiny Tim was a founder for the ukulele’s popularity in mainland America. Tim was easily recognized for singing in a high falsetto and his odd appearance. He became famous quickly from Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In and Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, which were widely known variety shows at the time. Tim was best known for his song, “Tiptoe Thru’ The Tulips,” which was featured in the first episode of SpongeBob decades later. * After his death in 1996, the ukulele wouldn’t be taken seriously until decades later. The different types of ukuleles, like Pineapple, Soprano, and Concert ukuleles, soon lead to the popularization of it.
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Diamond Head...Together We Rise!
It was our last day in Hawaii. We had experienced so much in just one short week. The photo we had taken on Waikiki Beach provided us with an image of beauty and serenity. But, we had one more hill to climb...literally. As we wore the “Together we Rise,” T-shirts provided by Olivet College, we felt it was a fitting tribute to how far we had come as an organization. In 10 years, we had finally arrived to the place where our namesake, Merze Tate wrote her first international history book, The Annexation of Hawaii. Tate would write other scholarly works on New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia, places we too placed on the Explorer “Bucket List.” But, first...we had to make the trek up Diamond Head, an extinct volcano on Oahu. As the bus pulled up to park, some of us older Explorers stretched our legs while the younger of the crew took off to see who could hike the fastest up its 760-foot-high peak. Lydia and I took our time; bringing in the rear. Once we made it, we celebrated, together. Thank you to everyone who made this extended science study possible. Aloha! Sonya Bernard-Hollins, Founder Merze Tate Explorers For more information or to apply for the Merze Tate Explorers visit: www.merzetate.com
MERZE TATE’S TRAVEL CLUB- 1929
ED & KATHY KNOX
10th Anniversary
Community leaders, family, friends, and donors came out to help celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Merze Tate Explorers. The event was held in partnership with Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan who also made the annoucement of a new patch that will honor Explorers who also are Girl Scouts. A message from alumna of the program were shared via video, and the girls unveiled their 6th Annual Girls Can! Magazine edition.
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14 15 Page 6: The Explorers are pretty in white as they celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Merze Tate Explorers. Keynote speaker was Monique Grayson, the first African American female graduate of Western Michigan University’s School of Aviation. Sasha and Aliah (4) recreate a picture they took with Grayson five years earlier. (6) Flowers were sent to the event by Kalamazoo Junior Girls; (7,8) Explorers share their exhibits of Hawaii before the event. Page 7: (9) Explorers’ board vice president Maggie Zahrai poses with state representative Jon Hoadly; (10) Explorer Scouts pose with Brenna Smith, Special Projects Coordinator of Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan; (11) Sanaa discusses her display with Eric Wimbley of Pretty Lake Camp; (12) A historic image with Kalamazoo first African American female pilot, captain, and judge. (13) Sid Ellis, new director of the Douglass Community Center, helps judge exhibits; (14) Cal Street and Bertha Barbee-McNeal of the Velvelettes pose with Grayson and Sandra Williams; (15) Boys with Promise are introduced as Explorer partners.
Exclusive Book Reviews When you start reading an Explorer Academy book, you won’t want to put it down. It draws you in and fills you with the adventure of travel. Reading about how Cruz and his friends get to travel and learn cool things about the places they will go, makes me want to travel more. ~Syann Hollins The book was filled with unexpected adventures, mysteries, and excitement. I enjoyed the book because it was so unpredictable. For most of the books that I’ve read, I can usually infer what is going to happen next. But, with this book, I had to keep reading to figure out what happened! ~Alayna Kuhn Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret was great! It was amazing and made me feel like I was actually there. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! ~Aliah Ward
The Merze Tate Explorers were selected by National Geographic Books as one of a few youth groups to review their new book series, Explorer Academy. Each student received a commemorative Explorer Academy pin, novel, and six sample books to share.
Michigan History Day 2018 Congratulations Merze Tate Explorers Sponsored Winners
CONGRATULATIONS LAYLA! This photo of a flower among lava stone taken by Layla Wallace was a 4-H Blue Ribbon Award Winner. The Explorer and 4-H member earned Grade A for the photo during the 4-H Kalamazoo County Fair.
Senior Award Junior Award Lauren Geiger, Whitehall Ashley Richman, Ashley Van Kampen & Cole High School (Whitehall) VanAmberg, Larson Middle School (Troy) Individual exhibit, “Quelle Group performance, Seneca Falls Convention Horreur!” 1863 Salon des Refuses Refocuses Reality.
Youth Award Tessa Hosier & Claire Newberry North Shore Ele. (South Haven) Group exhibit, Vietnam War: Nurses are Heroes Too!
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| FALL 2018
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