Girls Can! Magazine "I Can Become a Doctor!"

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“I love talking with

my patients, listening to their stories, and really getting to know them and their families. It is rewarding and humbling to have the opportunity to share my knowledge to make a positive impact on the lives of those under my care.”

Why I chose my career As a child, I was always fascinated and intrigued by science and in particular how the human body functions. My love of children and the conviction that I should use my God-given interests and abilities to help others led me to choose a career in Pediatrics.

Education Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana. Internship and residency in pediatrics at Butterworth and Blodgett Hospitals in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is Board Certified in Pediatrics.

Dr. Hicks-Fox has more than 30 years of experience practicing medicine in Kalamazoo and is currently employed at Ascension Borgess Bright Futures Pediatrics. She enjoys the interaction with her patients and their families and strives to provide personalized excellence in healthcare. Over the years she has given presentations at local schools, churches, and agencies as she embraces the privilege to serve as a mentor to many in the community.

Hobbies She enjoys spending time with family and friends, biking, traveling, gardening, and playing the

piano.

Community Service Active member of Bible Baptist Church, Kalamazoo, Michigan Board Member Kalamazoo Drop-In Child Care Center (KDCCC)

Memberships Kalamazoo (MI) Chapter of The Links, Incorp., American Academy of Pediatrics

CO-EDITOR’S NOTE

Zoomin’ Outside the Box

Travel abroad is not limited to a plane ticket. Through Zoom, the world was brought into the homes of girls in North America and Africa that led to an international sisterhood with girls in Tanzania. Below, co-editor Alayna Kuhn shares her favorite pre-Covid travel photo of her jumping in Honolulu, Perseverance. Commitment. Creative adaptation. These are a few words that describe how the Hawaii, after she and Explorers climbed Merze Tate Explorers handled the pandemic. Before Covid-19, one of the most exciting parts of the Diamond Head in 2018.

Explorers (originally named the Merze Tate Travel Club) was travel. We visited amazing places such as Canada, France, Italy, Japan, and Hawaii. And just as we prepared for a HISTORIC trip to South Africa (and what would have been my first time abroad), Covid-19 that took the world by storm!

However, we did not let it stop us. We used creative adaptation (thinking outside the box) to Volume 11, Issue 01 travel without actually leaving our homes. That is where technology came in as we used Zoom to communicate and basically travel around the world.

Founders The thought of getting up early on a Saturday morning might not seem like fun for a teenage girl Arlene & James Washington who was quarantined and used to staying up ALL night on Friday. However, for me and the rest of (2005-2010) the Explorers, we were excited to log in to our 10 a.m. Zoom calls. Why? We “traveled” to meet our Publisher Season Press LLC (2010-) sisters from WoteSawa Domestic Workers Organization in Mwanza, Tanzania. Founded by Angela Issue Co-editors Benedicto, WoteSawa is a shelter for girls who have been rescued from abusive homes they worked Alayna Kuhn & Aliah Ward at as maids. WoteSawa, which means “all are equal” in Swahili, serves as the voice of child domestic Social Media Editor workers.

Sanaa Olivacce-Shabazz When we connected, the thousands of miles between us seemed to instantly shrink. I could Reporters/Photographers see the girls’ excited faces, beautiful smiles, and intricate African print dresses we later learned they

Travel Writers Academy made. Their positive energy was contagious! Although there was a language barrier, laughter, giggles, Cover Photo Sean Hollins and smiles are universal. We learned from each other and played fun geography games. We even did Video Editor a TikTok collaboration challenge! We shared our likes, interests, and goals, and learned we were more Sasha Hollins Contributors

alike than we thought. We all really care about our education, we want to get into good schools have, WMed, LaToya Kuhn, Adiah Jones, successful careers, and to travel.

Dare’l McMillion We were so inspired by their courage, and their strength, that we decided to raise funds to help Printer

them pay for school. We hosted a bottle drive, holiday gift wrapping, and online auction featuring RJ’s Printing beautiful items made by the WoteSawa girls. We raised enough to send three girls to school!

Perseverance. Commitment. Creative Adaptation. Yes, the pandemic changed everything. It changed the way we traveled, the way we communicated, and the way we learned..and it was worth For more information visit www.merzetate.org it. Change is good and challenges create more change. Soon we will travel again. In the meantime, we write: will just virtually keep it moving.

Season Press/MTE Alayna Kuhn, Co-Editor- Girls Can! P.O. Box 51042 Kalamazoo, MI 49005 or call: 269-359-7895

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Community Voices’ Girls Can! is published quarterly by Season Press LLC. Free issues are available at schools, libraries, and youth organizations throughout West Michigan and online at: www.merzetate.org. No parts of this magazine may be reproduced without permission.

STRYKER JOHNSTON FOUNDATION

BELIEVE

Thank you to the Stryker Johnston Foundation for your generous support and your mission to invest in and collaborate with others in impactful and creative initiatives to change the cycle of generational poverty and its systemic issues.

Learn more at www.merzetate.org www.comvoicesonline.com

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tulations a r g n o C !

Sierra Ward and Syann Hollins Proud graduates and Gold Award Girl Scouts.

Photos. Top: Sierra Ward and Syann Hollins pose with Cherise Ward at their graduation from Loy Norrix High School. Left: Sierra shows elements from her Gold Award project. Right: Syann receives an award from Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan CEO, Jan Barker.

gshom.org • 800-497-2688

Sierra and Syann both achieved Girl Scouts’ highest award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the mark of the truly remarkable—proof that not only can they make a difference, but that they already have. Girls who earn the Gold Award tackle issues that are dear to them and drive lasting change in their communities and beyond.

Going for the GOLD...Making History!

History

Above: Maya Daniels, Syann Hollins, and Sierra Ward pose with collectible African American Girl Scout Barbie Dolls presented during the Explorers’ Graduation Celebration. Below: The girls pose with Jan Barker, CEO of Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan after earning their Silver Award.

Top: Sierra poses with inspirational bookmarks she created for senior citizens and high school seniors. Above: Sasha and Syann pose with Murphy Darden, a local historian. Syann worked with Kalamazoo Valley Museum to digitize his archives.

Cherise Ward was a Girl Scout. So, when a troop 80486 was being formed at Bible Baptist Church in Kalamazoo, she stepped up to share the joys of Scouting with the next generation. Because of her dedication, Ward and co-troop leader Nicole Barrow, have helped local girls make Girl Scout history!

Sierra Ward and Syann Hollins, who both started off as Daisies, became among the first African American girls in Kalamazoo County to earn a Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn.

Prior to the Gold, Maya Daniels joined the two in a project to create blankets for the homeless. Together, the trio worked hard and delivered their project to the Deacon’s Conference, which provides free clothing and home items to those in need. Their efforts earned them a Silver Award.

Congratulations on serving your community and making Girl Scout history! www.comvoicesonline.com

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Explorers & Girl Scouts Graduate & Celebrate

The Explorers had plenty to celebrate in 2021! The organization was recognized by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo and new levels of success for our Explorers were recognized during our annual graduation ceremony hosted by Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan.

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10 1) Explorer Founder Sonya Hollins is presented Arts Council’s Gayle Hoogstraten Arts Leadership Award. 2)Hollins poses with WMU Board President Lynn Zhang, WMU Provost Jennifer Bott, and Associate Director Deveta Gardner of the new Merze Tate College. 3-4)Explorers’ Boys with Promise thanks Cabela’s for $1,000 fishing trip grant. 5) Youth board give 100 backpacks to area students. 6-7) Explorers take a flight during STEM Flights at the Air Zoo. 8-10) Jasmine Franklin coached Explorer in recording on their original song, “On Our Way.”

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11) Kalea Barnes is presented college gifts by Lisa Kistler, director of Next Steps college prep program. 12) Explorers and Bible Baptist Church Girl Scout Troop celebrate graduates and Silver and Gold award recipients. 13) Maya Daniels gives a heartfelt senior address. 14) Brittany Wright presents Shemaiah Lawler with a graduation basket. 15) Kennedy Hudson is greeted by senior Scouts in her Bridge ceremony. 16) Charter Explorer Claire Khabeiry is presented college grad gifts from Arianna Milliner.

17) Sanaa Olivacce-Shabazz receives our Book Club award for her outstanding contribution to the club. www.comvoicesonline.com

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Explorer

Parent...Again

By Adiah Jones In the spring of 2009, my husband and I had just welcomed our third son into the world. During that time, there were conversations brewing about my grandmother in Chicago needing help with the care for my nine-year-old cousin, Natasha. Her father had passed away the year before, and her mom was in no position to care for her. My grandmother was doing the best she could, but the 77-year-old wasn’t exactly a spring chicken. Raising another grandchild was not what I wanted for her. After consultation with my husband, we offered for Natasha to move in with us. Although hesitant, my grandmother knew she would be better suited in a two-parent household. So that summer we gained a daughter!

A daughter...Wow!” I thought. “What in the world am I going to do with a girl? I’ve never raised a girl before!” At that time, I didn’t have many friends with kids the same age. I tried to find activities for her, but I couldn’t really find anything she wanted to do. Then I received a call from my dear friend Cheryl Wright, who told me about the Merze Tate Explorers program founded by Sonya Hollins. She mentioned they were accepting new recruits and of the great things they were doing. She also offered to sponsor her.

Well, I couldn’t turn down an offer like that!

So that summer, Natasha joined. For the next eight years, my daughter experienced opportunity after opportunity that she absolutely would not have experienced had it not been for the Merze 10

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Tate Explorers. She did exactly what the name says, she EXPLORED! From local activities, to traveling abroad twice to Europe, yes TWO TIMES! She met new friends, interviewed Black prestigious women in various careers, learned about photography, videography, and journalism, and did I mention she traveled outside the country? TWICE! She gained team and leadership skills which helped her to crack out of her shell.

Mrs. Sonya took her under her wings and continues to support her even as a young adult.

During our time with the Merze Tate Explorers, my husband and I welcomed another daughter into the fold. My youngest daughter is the complete opposite of her big sister!

She’s a social butterfly, inquisitive, and very outgoing. Even though they are totally different, it was really a no-brainer to sign her up as soon as she was old enough to join. This year, she participated in the three-day summer camp where she was able to learn about crime investigations and solve a murder mystery.

Then she met, interviewed, took pictures with, and had lunch with a famous illustrator, Bea Jackson! She was so excited about her time in the summer camp that she couldn’t wait to have more opportunities to explore. So, naturally, I signed her up for the full program. I am extremely grateful for Mrs. Sonya and her vision for the Merze Tate Explorers. She has my lifelong support as I also am a parent board member. I’m glad to be fortunate enough to have both my girls experience the opportunities that the Merze Tate Explorers program has to offer.

Adiah Jones poses with her daughters, Natasha and Zidora “Ziggy” and a host of Explorers throughout the years. Jones has been one of the many amazing parent volunteers and board members who have stepper out to have fun with students as they explore the world around them. From local museums to Washington, D.C., Jones and other active parents have been the key to a successful organization.

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Exploring TOGETHER Explorer graduates share how travel and opportunities through the organization have changed their lives.

In 2017 the Explorers traveled to Europe in partnership with Loy Norrix High School’s study abroad program.

DePaul University

By Syann Hollins

If you share your experiences you are bound to get more amazing ones to share!

I hope that all of the young Explorers develop a love for travel and never limit their minds to the state or country in which they live. I hope these young girls always strive for greatness as well as push themselves to get good grades and inspire others to travel.

Explorer since 2008 Career Goal: Cardiovascular Surgeon

My most memorable event was having the opportunity to visit Japan and Europe. I have had so many wonderful experiences in the travel club and I am grateful for all of the activities I was able to participate in. Being able to stay on college campuses each summer gave me insight into what I want (and don’t want) in a college campus.

Being able to fly in planes, meet officials, and create memories that will last a lifetime is what this program has given to me.

Syann has traveled locally and abroad as an Explorer. Her journey has been one of discovery of herself and others as a travel writer.

Syann has visited five countries as an Explorer and has interviewed many amazing women such as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (above) and Sharon Carlson, retired WMU director of archives.

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Western Michigan University I thank the Lord for keeping us safe and watching over us when we were thousands of miles from home. I know He will continue to watch over us in the next chapters of our journey.

Explorer since 2013 Career Goal: Government Affairs/Public Policy

By Sierra Ward The 5th grade seems like a long distant memory that I am satisfied to remember. The eagerness and joy that I had when my mom told me that I could join the Merze Tate (Travel Club) was an excitement that can still make me smile.

It makes me chuckle when I dwell on my first interview experience that took place at the Barn Theatre. It has been quite an encounter to see myself so comfortable in front of the camera while gradually shifting behind it.

As we continue to move forward and sharpen our minds, never forget where home is. So to our future Chef Kalea Barnes, Dr. Syann Hollins, Attorney Shemaiah Lawler, and International Educator Maya Daniels, I wish the best on this journey.

Let your passions continue to thrive and challenge you to add to your list of talents.

To the younger Explorers, it’s now your turn!

Sierra’s years as an Explorer has taken her around the world to five countries and inspired her love for photography. Her early years as an Explorer led to interviews with philanthropist Nicole Jennings, Kalamazoo College President Dr. Eileen Oyelaran, and co-owner of the historic Barn Theatre Penelope Ragotzy.

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Profile photos of seniors by Valerie Henderson

Spelman College Explorer since 2013 Career Goal: International Studies

Maya has traveled to Japan and Hawaii as an Explorer in addition to Washington, D.C., and various colleges and universities.

To my Explorer sisters, I would just like to start out by saying I love you all. I have enjoyed growing up with you guys and will miss you so much. You all are so smart and creative I don’t have any doubts that your futures will be nothing but amazing.

By Maya Daniels Maya has visited two countries as an Explorer and has experienced college life through summer academies at Kalamazoo College, University of Michigan, and Olivet College.

Photo by Sierra Ward

Eight years ago when I signed up to become an Explorer I never would have imagined traveling across the world. I feel like not too long ago I was sitting in my room writing my application essay. My dad read it over and over again.

I remember my first meeting where we were reporting on the scene of the Battle Creek Cereal Festival.

I will be forever grateful for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities this organization has provided me and for the lifelong friends I have made. The Japan trip in 2019 with the Kalamazoo-Numazu Sister City partnership was amazing.

The opportunities I have had through the Explorers have allowed me to expand my world view and are the driving force behind me choosing International Studies as my major at Spelman College. www.comvoicesonline.com

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Wayne State University Explorer since 2015 Career Goal: Attorney

By Shemaiah Lawler Shemaiah has added to her skills as a videographer and editor during her years as an Explorer.

Her study abroad opportunities as an Explorer have allowed her to experience culture and art in five countries.

Cruising along the canals of Italy in a gondola, staying with two astounding host families in Japan, meeting phenomenal educated women, and even more incredible opportunities all were because of one program. Being an Explorer has meant everything to me.

On my first day I was introduced to everyone as the videographer girl because I was known for helping my dad in the video ministry at Galilee Baptist Church. I remember walking around with a huge block camera on top of my shoulder for the whole day as we interviewed Greg and Nicole Jennings of the Jennings Foundation.

At that moment I didn’t exactly like the weight of the camera, but from that day forward, I was able to use my craft in new ways.

The Explorers was never about the special trips, it was always about what we learned whereever we went. The many lessons and teachers I’ve met have impacted the decisions I have made for my future self. As for you younger Explorers, continue to keep the legacy strong as I will do the same as an alumna.

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To Merze Tate, thank you for paving the way. Thank you for showing us that there are plenty of opportunities in the world.

Culinary Institute of Michigan I plan to give back to other girls in my community by offering baking courses to young girls in the future and driving change in diversity and equity.

Explorer since 2018 Career Goal: Baking & Pastry Arts

Kalea joined the Explorers in time for our first trip to Washington, D.C., and took part in visits to such places as the Capitol, African American Museum, and Howard University where Merze Tate worked as a history professor. She experienced opportunities to learn valuable media skills through interviews and community service.

By Kalea Barnes I definitely wish I had joined the Explorers earlier. Because of this organization I have been able to serve as copilot on a plane, be interviewed on the news, take part in community service projects, write a book, and travel out of state for the first time without my family. Staying in a college dorm before going to college was a valuable experience.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned with the Explorers is to not compare yourself to others but to grow from those around you. I have been inspired and motivated by Explorer Sierra Ward. I’ve always watched her do amazing things within the community and the organization, and I know, if she could do the things she set her mind to then I most definitely can.

To my younger Explorers, always remember that you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. www.comvoicesonline.com

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The Adventure Begins!

How a travel club became a movement

By Sonya Bernard-Hollins, Founder Merze Tate Explorers On a Saturday morning in October 2008, I held my breath.

A small article in the Kalamazoo Gazette shared of my desire to form a Travel Club for girls. Those interested were invited to attend our first meeting in the archives of East Hall on the campus of Western Michigan University.

Would anyone show up?

Who did I think I was? I wasn’t a millionaire or famous athlete with a foundation. I didn’t own meeting space and my old mom van was not suitable to transport a large group of students. I was a freelance journalist with my 5 and 2-year-old daughters who helped me place 20 packets of applications, geography quizzes, and fun snacks at a large wooden table. Sharon Carlson, the director of the archives, volunteered to supply the pizza. “How many students are coming?” she asked. “Let’s prepare for 20,” I wished.

It had been more than five years since I was a reporter at the Kalamazoo Gazette and had written articles on the First African Americans of WMU. One of those firsts was Dr. Vernie Merze Tate. I was mesmerized by the life of this Michigan woman whose photographs of her world travels were sent to her alma mater after her death in 1996. I was captivated by one black-and-white

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photograph loosened by time from the black photo corners once securely stuck on a faded page. The image from 1932 showed Dr. Tate proudly posing with 40 students in front of Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. They were on their way to the train station headed for Washington D.C. to visit the White House, Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Department of Treasury, and the campus of Howard University.

If she could do that in 1932, surely I could take students on trips... at least locally. I had secured a $2,000 grant from the Kalamazoo Community Foundation with the help of a fiduciary, Great Minds of Tomorrow. Today, not only have we traveled within our community, we have hop-scotched the globe! More than 100 girls have explored careers, amazing people, and places as a part of what is now the Merze Tate Explorers. Many have walked in Dr. Tate’s shoes as Fulbright Scholars, international travelers, photographers, and more. These young women have flown to higher heights with the legacy of Dr. Tate as wind beneath their wings.

As we celebrate our largest class of high school seniors and welcome eager new girls into our family, I think of the 12 girls who showed up at East Hall in 2008. They came seeking new adventures. Little did we know the impact this small beginning would have on all of our lives.

Future dream

I want to become a doctor because I love to help and care for others.

La’Niya Taylor, 6th grade

About Merze Tate

She seems to be a great woman to learn from and use as an example of what an African American woman can accomplish.

Adrianna Ryan, 6th grade

Future dream

I would like to be a vet because I like helping animals. I also want to be a doctor so I can help people when they’re sick.

Zidora Jones, 3rd grade

About CSI Academy at WMed

I met new people and learned new things.

Khalilah el-Hakim, 5th grade

Future dream About CSI Academy at WMed

I want to be a veterinarian because I love helping animals.

Nariyah Reynolds, 4th grade

We worked with medical investigators, law enforcement workers, and crime scene investigators.

Madison Moore, 6th grade www.comvoicesonline.com

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Exploring MEDICINE

Adrianna Ryan and Khalilah el-Hakim looked puzzled. What did the Y’s and N’s mean in a long receipt looking report? Dr. Prentiss Jones, Ph.D. came to the rescue.

“This shows what drugs were in the victim after running our toxicology report. It shows she had cocaine in her system,” said the forensic toxicology expert. The girls were in shock.

“Snow White had cocaine in her system.” Khalilah said, solving the mystery. The team had discovered Snow White had been poisoned by her stepmother with a drug-laced apple!

The Explorers took part in a CSI Academy in August hosted by the Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, WMed. An amazing team of detectives, police officers, world-class physicians, and more, taught the Explorers various careers in the medical field through an interactive homicide investigation using a mannequin victim dressed as Snow White.

While the case was fictitious, the professionals who walked the Explorers through the case were real. What the students learned would forever change their view of TV homicide dramas. It also has provided a fresh perspective on careers in the medical field they never knew existed.

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The Merze Tate Explorers were welcomed by the medical professionals of WMed to help solve the mystery of Snow White’s death.

What Happened to Snow White?

Detective Goodmen is on the Case

By Saphira Muhammad

Once upon a time in fairytale land... Snow White was found DEAD in her run-down apartment! Detective Goodmen interviewed every single one of White’s seven roommates. This is how it went: Grumpy stated that Snow had left an unsafe living situation with her mean stepmother and the huntsman. He huffed that that was “all he knew,” and he left a little upset for being seen as a suspect because he would not kill poor Snow White.

Sneezy said, very politely, that he left home in a hurry and did not know a thing about Snow White’s personal life.

Doc stated that Snow White had been at the hospital with a possible head contusion.

Detective Goodmen finished interviewing the rest of Snow White’s seven roommates then met with the medical examiner.

They talked about the five types of death: Homicide Suicide Natural Accidental, and Indeterminate

They both knew that it could not be suicide because Snow White was just not suicidal. Her roommates stated that she was a very happy-go-lucky girl, but also a little bit naive.

Second, her death could not be from natural causes because Snow White had no illness, and she was only 22 years old. So that left three options: accidental, homicide or indeterminate. Detective Goodmen decided that she would need to look at the evidence again. After studying her documents, they worked on dusting items, mostly Snow White’s plates. Here is what they found; Snow White’s stepmother’s fingerprints were found on the plate in Snow White’s apartment that she shared with the dwarfs.

So how did Snow White die? Detective Goodmen found cocaine in White’s apple, so that means she died of an overdose.

FLASHBACK Snow White’s roommates stated that they would be going to work and said DON’T BE NAIVE. Because they knew for a fact that Snow was extremely naive with strangers.

A “nice” old lady came to their apartment with a beautiful red apple. So young, naive, Snow White took the apple “the old lady” left. A few moments later she ate the apple and passed out. Snow had her reasons for eating the apple. She could barely pay the bills or buy groceries. When her roommates came home they found poor old Snow dead. www.comvoicesonline.com

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Team Oxford University

Lab Techs

Getting it Spun, Run, and Done Zaria Barrow, Syann Hollins, Nya Kuhn, Sanaa OlivacceShabazz, Domita and Dovonda Thompson

Snow White was dead.

What happened to her?

That’s what we had to find out.

After we had the facts, we had to solve the crime. The teams split up and our team (Team Oxford University, where Merze Tate was the first African American graduate) went to the toxicology department. Many of us were excited to figure out how the murder mystery we were working on solving was going to play out.

Snow White’s cold mannequin body was at the crime scene of the shabby apartment that she shared with her roommates, seven dwarves. We followed through the many steps of investigations and postmortem forensics, and finally, we had reached the toxicology department. We quickly dressed to play Nancy Drew as we worked expeditiously to figure out what happened to the decedent.

We suspected that she had been poisoned so we had to test the apple she ate last.

Toxicology is a branch of science that studies harmful substances. Forensic toxicology is the part of toxicology that is concerned with human poisoning. We also learned that some examples of the cause of death are: homicide, suicide, accidental, unknown, and natural death. Toxicologists also study the effects of the toxin in living things. This occupation works closely with medical examiners, pathologists, and also medical death investigators. To become a toxicologist you need to enroll in a four- year program.

We met Dr. Printess Jones, a toxicologist at WMed. He studies poison and sometimes the cause of death. Jessica Adamczyk is the toxicology lab technician, and she tests samples from the deceased.

Dr. Jones explained to us about toxicology and the different fields, as well as drugs and how they affect the brain and what drugs can heal the brain. Jessica took us through the steps to help prepare our apple and Snow White’s stomach contents to be centrifuged.

First, we had to suit up; so we put on gloves and scrubs. Then started with the apple. We cut it up into really small pieces so we could test it. Then we put .5 milliliters of homogenization reagent in the test tube and added the apple. This then went into a machine that crushed up the apple into a liquid. Next, we put the test tube in a Precellys Evaluation Homogenizer that mixed up the liquid.

In addition, we had to test Snow White’s stomach contents to see if we could find anything suspicious, so we put the stomach contents into another test tube. We then placed both the apple sample and stomach contents that were in test tubes to the centrifuge, separating the portion that we needed to test.

Forensic toxicology is where toxicologists examine contents that are sent to them from medical examiners about a decedent.

Dr. Jones is the head of the department and he leads his team.

We learned how to use the MedTox Profile reader, The Precellys Evaluation Homogenizer, and the centrifuge. We learned so much 22

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Team Oxford uses the latest technology at WMed to uncover what chemicals were in Snow White’s body. Dr. Printess and lab tech Jessica show them how its done. Merze Tate was the first African American graduate from Oxford University in 1935.

from the WMed mentors and appreciate everything that they taught us.

The results from the MedTox Profile Reader were shocking!

The MedTox Profile Reader showed that Snow White was poisoned with cocaine and amphetamines. There was also marijuana in her system.

In addition to toxicology, Team Oxford heads to pathology with Dr. Christine Pink and the fingerprint lab to find more clues on the mysterious death of Snow White.

Team Radcliff College meets with Luis Araujo, a detective with the City of Kalamazoo Police Department, a police officer, and Tamara Ausland, WMed Deputy Chief Investigator where they learn how to find clues at the scene of a crime.

Team Radcliff College

Aspiring Detectives Solve Murder Mystery

By Adrianna Ryan, Madison Moore, Khaliah El-hakim, Mahalia Guidry, Aliah Ward, and Sasha Hollins The Merze Tate Explorers discovered forensic science during our visit to the Homer Stryker M.D School of Medicine located in downtown Kalamazoo. Our mission for the day was to learn about crime scene investigation.

On our journey, we met and worked with medicolegal death investigators, law enforcement workers, crime scene investigators, and many others. When participating in this undertaking, we were given the mission to find out who killed the victim, Snow White, and how. This investigation was a model of how a crime scene is actually handled in real life.

With the help of several detectives and doctors working in Kalamazoo, we learned about surveying a crime scene, collecting evidence, performing autopsies, and dusting for fingerprints.

Ausland, a medicolegal death investigator, spoke to us about the five manners of death: accidental, homicide, suicide, natural, and non-determined. She also told us that when investigating a crime you should use your senses to listen, smell, and hear around the atmosphere of the room.

Additionally, we spoke with Detective Luis “Alex” Araujo of the Kalamazoo Police Department. He stated that, “If the witnesses are overly offended by questions, they could be suspects.” He taught us that in the process of searching a room, you have to wear gloves and touch only items that are listed on your search warrant.

Another point he mentioned was that if anyone were to touch the evidence at the crime scene, it would spoil the case, and the detectives on the case would have a hard time finding out the clues.

Araujo taught us about writing reports, search warrants, and collecting evidence. He also taught us how to look for evidence, like checking phones to verify text messages and social media posts.

We also had to look for any type of weapons.

After meeting with the detective, we also met with Dr. Christine Pink, a WMed forensic anthropologist. A forensic pathologist is a subspecialist in pathology whose area of competence is the examination of persons who die suddenly, unexpectedly, or violently.

The forensic pathologist is an expert in determining the cause and manner of death.

On the next part of the investigation, we met with a detective who showed us how to find fingerprints on an object at the scene of the crime, in this case a dinner plate. We had our own crime

Team Radcliff College is named for the college at Harvard University where Merze Tate earned a Ph.D. in Political Science...the first African American woman to earn that honor at Harvard.

kits and used them. With a special brush, we got a little bit of black powder to “dust” the plate for prints. We taped a bit of the brush in the powder and then put it on the plate. We had to make sure that we did not tap the brush too hard so it would not smear. Finally, we were able to see fingerprints. Finding the fingerprints lead us to understand the cause of Snow White’s death, which was, in fact, a homicide. We figured out that the evil stepmother killed Snow White by putting cocaine into her apple.

The Radcliffe College team learned many things at the medical camp at the WMU campus. The information we gathered during the day helped us solve the mystery of who killed Snow White, which was the most rewarding part of all! At the end of the day, a Jeopardy game was played to quiz each team on the information they learned throughout the camp. We, Team Radcliff College, each won a miniature skeleton as a prize for remembering the most information about toxicology, histology, law enforcement, crime scene investigation, and pathology. Our team had a great time learning about the different roles in a crime scene and can’t wait to learn more.

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Fun facts:

The adult human body has 206 bones. The adult brain weighs about 3 pounds. 75% of the brain is made up of water. Headaches are caused by a chemical reaction. The human hand, including the wrist, contains 54 bones.

There are 2 different sizes of skulls: a female skull is small and a male skull is larger. Our fingers and toes contain the most muscles in our bodies. The 5 types of death are natural, suicide, homicide, accidental, and indeterminate.

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Team Broncos Explore

Anthropology Sierra Ward, Saphira Muhammad, Ziggy Jones, La’Niya Taylor, and Neheaha Ward

Team Broncos learn the basics of forensic pathology from Dr. Joyce deJong, DO Department Chair WMed

My group held a brain, but it was not squishy like you think it would be. It was hard because they put special chemicals in it to preserve it for learning purposes and extensive research. Our teammate Saphira literally had a panic attack before she even had the opportunity to touch it! Kalamazoo’s very own Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine hosted the Explorers and introduced us to anthropology, toxicology, pathology, and so much more! We learned new terms like dura mater, which means ‘tough matter.’ We found out that brain cancer can be fast and aggressive. Because of the information that we were introduced to yesterday, our minds have been opened up to endless possibilities in the medical field and we will be forever grateful for that opportunity!

Our group was looking into who anthropologists are and what they do. Anthropology is ​​the study of human societies and cultures and their development. An anthropologist’s job responsibilities may include but are not limited to research, evaluation, expressing public policy concerns, and cultural development. Anthropologists are important because they are specialists in human skin and can help solve cases by looking at a person’s skeleton. While we were looking at the bones, we found out that a person was shot in the head from the back by looking at the cracked skull. The anthropologist can then notify law enforcement and other investigators on the case about these findings in order to bring justice for the victim. In situations like this, anthropologists may be called to the stand to testify their findings and interpretations of what they think led up to and caused the loss of life of the victim.

While on our tour, we met a very passionate forensic anthropologist, Dr. Christine M Pink, whose official title is Assistant Pro-

fessor for the Department of Pathology. Dr. Pink earned her BS degree from Michigan State University in anthropology, her master’s degree in anthropology from Wayne State University, and then traveled to the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, where she obtained her Ph.D. in physical anthropology! Dr. Pink then moved to educate students in biological anthropology at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

This program allowed us the opportunity to study the human body in hopes that we would learn healthy ways to take care of our body while we are living longer by looking into how the body changes after we pass on.

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Who is Dr. Vernie Merze Tate?

By Brittany Wright

Photos are from WMU Archives of Tate’s life and world travels.

Learn more at merzetate.org

On February 6, 1905, Vernie Merze Tate was born in Blanchard, Michigan. She was a courageous woman who is known as a scholar, world traveler, and professor. Tate was always academically smart. Having the ability to excel in her studies, she was the youngest to graduate in her class and was the class valedictorian at Blanchard High School. Her school burned down while she was in the 10th grade, but she wanted to go on to college. She left home and moved to Battle Creek to attend Battle Creek High School, working as a maid to earn her room and board while finishing her last two years of high school to qualify for college.

At Battle Creek High School she maintained straight-As but could not be considered for the class valedictorian there because she only attended two years. Tate received a tuition scholarship to Western State Teachers College (now Western Michigan University). In 1927, she was the first African American to graduate from Western Michigan Teacher´s College. She left there with a record of completing the fouryear degree in three years, earning 45 As and 6 Bs. While at Western she was elected to the national science honor society Phi Gamma Mu. Merze Tate wanted to teach high school but she was unable to find employment in Michigan. At that time Michigan educational institutions wouldn’t consider having an African American teaching in secondary schools. With the help and assistance of a few college administrators at Western Michigan, Tate secured a teaching position at Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis, Indiana.

In 1932, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and earned its third Foreign Fellow scholarship to help with costs to attend Oxford University in England.

In 1935 Tate became that university’s first African American graduate. Later, she continued her education at Radcliffe College, a prestigious all-female school at Harvard University. She obtained her Ph.D. in 1941 and was the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in political science from that institution.

Dr. Tate taught at several Black colleges in the history and social science departments. She became a professor and administrator at Bennett College and later held the position of dean of women and taught political science at Morgan State University. She was hired at Howard University and taught for 35 years before she retired in 1977.

Tate dreamed of exploring places and traveling the globe.

While teaching high school students, she started a student travel club. She took her Crispus Attucks High School students to Washington, D.C., and Niagara Falls. She traveled around the globe twice and successfully worked as a photographer and international reporter. Tate was also fluent in speaking five languages, including learning German at the University of Berlin.

She was truly an accomplished African American woman for those times as she was a Fulbright Scholar and visited India, Thailand, Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Merze Tate, the “world traveler,” toured six continents during her lifetime.

Merze Tate passed away on June 27, 1996, at the age of 91 in Washington, D.C. She will never be forgotten for all of the great things she accomplished. Tate was truly a professional woman who provided all greatness for others to look up to and to aspire to. Tate never married or had children, but her legacy will forever live through her publications, the more than $1 million in cash, stocks, biographical documents, and book copyright privileges she left to institutions to scholarships and scholarly research and lectures.

Western Michigan University has continued to honor the former WMU Foundation president emeritus through her annual Medallion Scholarship and the naming of the Merze Tate College. www.comvoicesonline.com

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CO-EDITOR’S BACKTALK

The End...For Now

Aliah Ward poses with statues in Bronson Park, Kalamazoo. She joined (what was then) the Merze Tate Travel Club in 2014.

As you can see, the Merze Tate Explorers have done some pretty amazing things this year. Whether virtual or in-person, this group was able to engage and interact with a variety of speakers and leaders.

During our Book Club, we met Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, author of the bestselling book, What The Eyes Don’t See. During the reading of this book and our virtual visit with the author, we really got the chance to think and assess real-world problems. The pediatrician focused her book on the Flint water crisis and how the lead in the water affected everyone, particularly the children.

After more than a year of the virtual academy, we met for a threeday camp in August. The first stop was the Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, also known as WMed. We were on the case to solve the murder mystery of Snow White alongside professionals in medicine and law enforcement. We met and interviewed professionals, did hands-on activities, ran lab tests, asked essential questions, evaluated solutions, and connected with each other!

On the next two days of our academy, we learned more about Kalamazoo by going on a thrill-seeking scavenger hunt downtown. We split into three teams to see which group could find the most locations from riddles about downtown history.

Five of our seniors moved on to college and made way for new Explorers. During our day camp, they learned so much about what it is to be an Explorer. Some of us older Explorers were able to take charge and step up to the plate by leading our groups.

All of the girls should feel very accomplished and proud of themselves for the hard work they put into the magazine to share some of the cool things we have been doing since the Covid-19 outbreak. We have so much to share that we just couldn’t add it all in this issue, so Girls Can! magazine is now quarterly! Look for more issues on our website (https://www.merzetate.org) or in your local school or public library.

I am so proud of my fellow Explorers who have contributed to this magazine. They were really able to step up and become the brilliant, independent young ladies they were meant to be. We can’t wait to share more of our adventures with you!

Until next time!

Aliah ward Co-Editor, Girls Can!

Aliah and Explorer Book Club members discussed the book,“What the Eyes Don’t See,” with author Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha. See our next issue where we highlight Dr. Mona’s interviews and more literary news for March is Reading Month!

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