KALAMAZOO (MICH)- Merze Tate came from pioneer farm families who migrated to Michigan from Ohio during the Homestead Act. The former Underground Railroad conductors sought a life not restricted by color. Living beyond limits became the theme of Tate as she achieves many “firsts” titles including the first African American to graduate from Oxford University in England. Through it all, family members say she was never seen without a camera.
A collection of her photographs will be the focus of an exhibit debuting at the Michigan Historical Center’s Women’ s Hall of Fame in Lansing from Feb. 6-April 27, 2011.
The exhibition will include dozens of never-before seen black-and-white photographs which highlight Tate’s adventures as a world traveler (twice around the world), Fulbright Scholar and representative of the U.S. State Department, author of five books, professor at major universities, coordinator of a youth travel club, national Bridge champion, expert on disarmament, inventor and more.
Tate (1905-1996) an inductee into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame (1990) graduated from Western Normal School (now Western Michigan University) in 1927. Although she graduated with the highest academic record of the school’s history at that time, she could not get a job in Michigan as Colored teachers were not allowed to teach secondary education. Then school president, Dr. Waldo, and others helped her secure a job at the new school Crispus Attucks High School in 1927. The school, formed by leaders of the White community of Indianapolis, Ind. (rumored to be the Ku Klux Klan) was for Black students only. Tate started a travel club for the colored students who were the first colored students (West of the Appalachians) to visit the Apple Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. in 1932.
“Tate lived her life without boundaries and as a high school and college professor, inspired her students to do the same,” said Sonya Bernard-Hollins, curator of the photo exhibit and author of the book to be released on Tate’s life in March 2011.
“While other African Americans were struggling for Civil Rights and living in the Jim Crow standards of the United States, Tate traveled the world where her knowledge as an educator and expertise in disarmament meeting with heads of countries. She spoke five languages and even purchased a spot o on the first trip to outer space. Tate truly was a woman ahead of her time,” Bernard-Hollins said.
Tate died in 1996 of a heart attack in Washington D.C. where she remained after retiring from Howard University. Before that she suffered dementia for nearly 10 years of her life. Her name and accomplishments are known my few, however Bernard-Hollins hopes her efforts through a student-created documentary, photo exhibition and book will shine a light on a woman who deserves recognition.
To participate in the bus ride to the exhibit opening reception, call Sonya Hollins at 269-365-4019, or e-mail: editor@comvoicesonline.com
A Tate Fact Sheet
*While this is only a portion of the accomplishments made by Merze Tate, it should give you an idea of the caliber of woman she was.
Merze Tate born 1905 in Blanchard, Michigan
Won the Hinman Oratorical Contest at Battle Creek Central High School (1921); the first African American to win that competition.
Tate graduated from Western Normal School (now Western Michigan University 1927) with the highest academic record of the school’s history.
Tate founded the Travel Club at Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis, Ind. in 1932 which took colored students on sponsored trips across the country.
Tate graduated from Oxford University in 1935 as the first African American to matriculate from that university. She received a $2,000 scholarship from the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority of which she was a member for the educational feat.
Tate earned a MA from Columbia University (1930) studied at Berlin University and the Geneva School of International Studies; earned a PhD from Radcliffe College (1941) the first African American to earn that degree in the major of political science.
Tate served as Dean of Women and taught political science at Morgan State University (1941-42)
Tate served as professor of history at Howard University (1942-77) first woman hired in that department.
Tate served as Fulbright Scholar in India (1950-51)
Earn many honorary doctorate degrees, published five books, spoke five languages, was a national Bridge champion, invented two household appliances and more.
Tate never married and did not have children.
