Trailblazing Western alumna Dr. Merze Tate honored with celebration, statewide tributes
Both Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan legislature signed tributes for Dr. Merze Tate Day. Pictured left to right: Tomika Ward, assistant dean of academic advising in Merze Tate College; David Renkiewicz, district director for state Rep. Matt Hall; Dr. Edwin Martini, dean of Merze Tate College; state Rep. Julie Rogers; and Dr. Deveta Gardner, associate dean of Merze Tate College.
Dr. Edwin Martini welcomes the audience for the Merze Tate Day keynote address.
Members of the community were invited to celebrate Merze Tate Day with a keynote address and reception on Monday, Feb. 6.
State Rep. Julie Rogers presents the governor's tribute.
Prominent historian Dr. Barbara Savage, professor emerita of Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, spoke about "Merze Tate's Michigan" in her keynote address.
Historic photos of Dr. Merze Tate were on display at the event.
Dr. Merze Tate attended school in rural Mecosta County, Michigan.
A portrait of a young Merze Tate.
Tate, center, shakes hands with WMU President Dr. Paul Sangren. She received an honorary doctorate from Western in 1948.
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared Monday, Feb. 6, Dr. Merze Tate Day in Michigan, honoring the barrier-breaking Western Michigan University alumna who was a teacher, journalist, author, world traveler and adviser to world leaders.
"Dr. Tate was a dynamic trailblazer who bravely defied systemic injustices, challenged cultural expectations and found ways to overcome barriers as she forged her own path toward success," the proclamation says. "She is a guide pointing the way forward for our entire state and demonstrates the type of spirit we should aspire to emulate. The legendary accomplishments of Dr. Tate are worthy of our recognition and shows us all the limitless opportunities available to each and every Michigander."
The West Michigan delegation of the state legislature also paid homage to Tate with its own dedication.
"We commend the students, professors and staff of the Merze Tate College at Western Michigan University on Merze Tate Day, a day the state of Michigan honors the person for whom this institution is named," read David Renkiewicz, district director for state Rep. Matt Hall, who signed the tribute along with Reps. Julie Rogers and Christine Morse as well as state Sen. Sean McCann. "This recognition is a well-earned milestone symbolic of innovation planning and the personal commitment of many people who shared the belief that education is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our children and of the importance of ensuring educational opportunity for all."
The tributes were read during a University celebration of Tate's legacy at the Fetzer Center, which was hosted by Merze Tate College in collaboration with University Libraries, WMUx Office of Faculty Development and Department of History.
"We are so honored to call Dr. Merze Tate an alumna of Western Michigan University and to be our namesake at Merze Tate College," said founding dean Dr. Edwin Martini.
Dr. Barbara Savage, prominent historian and professor emerita of Africana studies at the University of Pennsylvania, gave the event's keynote address, entitled "Merze Tate's Michigan," sharing what she's learned while conducting research for an intellectual biography.
GOVERNOR'S FULL TRIBUTE
February 6, 2023: Dr. Merze Tate Day
WHEREAS, Dr. Merze Tate was born on February 6, 1905 and throughout her 91 years on this planet was a lifelong learner and advocate in the field of education. Discovery driven from day one, Dr. Tate knew that knowledge was the key that would open the door to countless possibilities – and she refused to let anything stand in stand in the way of achieving her dreams.; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Tate was raised in rural Isabella County and when she began attending school had to walk 3 miles each way from her home. Upon completing her high school studies, Dr. Tate was the youngest and only African-American graduate in her class and was selected valedictorian. However, due to racial prejudice, she had difficulty finding a university that would allow her to attend; and,
WHEREAS, Western Michigan University and its President Dwight B. Waldo embraced the ideal of “so that all may learn” and when Dr. Tate applied for admission not only was she admitted, but was also awarded a scholarship and received assistance in finding employment. This action set a powerful precedent that still stands today that the entire WMU and Kalamazoo community believes in each other and looks out for one another; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Tate’s drive and motivation resulted in her completing her studies in only three years, something that normally takes other students four years to do. She also held the honor and distinction of earning the highest academic record in the institution’s history at the time and was the first African American woman to receive a bachelor’s degree from the school; and,
WHEREAS, A daring adventurer with an insatiable love of learning, Dr. Tate went on to receive her master's degree at Columbia University, was the first African American to receive degrees (bachelor's, doctor's) at Oxford University, briefly studied at the University of Berlin, and was the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. at Harvard; and,
WHEREAS, As a globally engaged scholar, Dr. Tate travelled the world multiple times and learned five languages. She was awarded multiple Fulbright scholarships, was nominated as a UNESCO representative, and became an expert advisor to world leaders on disarmament throughout the Cold War era. Throughout her travels in Europe, she was an international correspondent for a Black newspaper in the United States; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Tate was a prolific educator who used her powerful voice to speak out against injustice and fight racism through education. Knowing the value of knowledge, Dr. Tate took "so that all may learn" to heart and embodied a learner-centered life as teacher, journalist, author, inventor, and advisor to world leaders. She taught at multiple HBCUs before making her academic home at Howard University for 35 years. Dr. Tate shared her knowledge and used her connections to uplift others, help them discover their potential, and amplify their voices; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Tate was a dynamic trailblazer who bravely defied systemic injustices, challenged cultural expectations, and found ways to overcome barriers as she forged her own path toward success. She is a guide pointing the way forward for our entire state and demonstrates the type of spirit we should aspire to emulate. The legendary accomplishments of Dr. Tate are worthy of our recognition and shows us all the limitless opportunities available to each and every Michigander;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim February 6, 2023 as Dr. Merze Tate Day in Michigan.
About Merze Tate College
Merze Tate College is an alliance of services, units and departments at Western Michigan University that help empower every student to reach their highest potential and provide them with ways to seize success, thrive in all dimensions of their well-being and lay the foundation for a prosperous future.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.
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