The Joy Trip Project
@thejoytripproject.bsky.social
The Joy Trip Project reports stories, curates events, and shares connecting opportunities within the historical context of our collective American experiences.
Black Outdoor Leadership Summit YMCA of the Rockies
Toward the end of 2026, the Joy Trip Project was honored to host a small gathering of Black outdoor community leaders at the YMCA of Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. After a long and challenging year, each member of this cohort needed an…
Toward the end of 2026, the Joy Trip Project was honored to host a small gathering of Black outdoor community leaders at the YMCA of Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. After a long and challenging year, each member of this cohort needed an…
Black Outdoor Leadership Summit YMCA of the Rockies
Toward the end of 2026, the Joy Trip Project was honored to host a small gathering of Black outdoor community leaders at the YMCA of Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. After a long and challenging year, each member of this cohort needed an opportunity to retreat, relax and reflect upon their efforts to make the natural world a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone.
joytripproject.com
December 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Black Outdoor Leadership Summit YMCA of the Rockies
Toward the end of 2026, the Joy Trip Project was honored to host a small gathering of Black outdoor community leaders at the YMCA of Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. After a long and challenging year, each member of this cohort needed an…
Toward the end of 2026, the Joy Trip Project was honored to host a small gathering of Black outdoor community leaders at the YMCA of Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. After a long and challenging year, each member of this cohort needed an…
Our sister National Park Ranger Betty Reid Soskin has joined the ancestors to live eternally in our most cherished memories. She passed away on December 21, 2025 at the age of 104. She will be forever revered as an inspiration to the enduring legacy of our heritage as free nation. est in peace.
December 22, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Our sister National Park Ranger Betty Reid Soskin has joined the ancestors to live eternally in our most cherished memories. She passed away on December 21, 2025 at the age of 104. She will be forever revered as an inspiration to the enduring legacy of our heritage as free nation. est in peace.
Give me a minute...did you know that the first American hero of World War II was a Black sailer named Doris Miller? Learn more on the Unhidden Minute Podcast
December 7, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Give me a minute...did you know that the first American hero of World War II was a Black sailer named Doris Miller? Learn more on the Unhidden Minute Podcast
On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Motivated by the murder of a Black child in Mississippi a few month earlier Parks decided to take action. “I thought Emmett Till and I couldn’t go back,” she later said.
December 1, 2025 at 7:03 PM
On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Motivated by the murder of a Black child in Mississippi a few month earlier Parks decided to take action. “I thought Emmett Till and I couldn’t go back,” she later said.
If you enjoyed our most recent film review in Outside Magazine, you're going to love the latest episode of the Joy Trip Project podcast. Give a listen to audio formatted story on the new docu-series from Jordan Peele "High Horse: The Black Cowboy". https://wp.me/pgxHcZ-8GUU
December 1, 2025 at 2:06 PM
If you enjoyed our most recent film review in Outside Magazine, you're going to love the latest episode of the Joy Trip Project podcast. Give a listen to audio formatted story on the new docu-series from Jordan Peele "High Horse: The Black Cowboy". https://wp.me/pgxHcZ-8GUU
The American Cowboy is Black: A Review of the Docuseries High Horse
The story of this iconic figure is portrayed with unapologetic accuracy and authenticity to reveal an unassailable truth. The American cowboy is Black.
The story of this iconic figure is portrayed with unapologetic accuracy and authenticity to reveal an unassailable truth. The American cowboy is Black.
The American Cowboy is Black: A Review of the Docuseries High Horse
The story of this iconic figure is portrayed with unapologetic accuracy and authenticity to reveal an unassailable truth. The American cowboy is Black.
joytripproject.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:06 PM
The American Cowboy is Black: A Review of the Docuseries High Horse
The story of this iconic figure is portrayed with unapologetic accuracy and authenticity to reveal an unassailable truth. The American cowboy is Black.
The story of this iconic figure is portrayed with unapologetic accuracy and authenticity to reveal an unassailable truth. The American cowboy is Black.
Parks Paid Forward: Annabell Stimmel
The Joy Trip Project is excited to announce the latest recipient of the Parks Paid Forward National Park Pass. Congratulations to Annabell Stimmel!
The Joy Trip Project is excited to announce the latest recipient of the Parks Paid Forward National Park Pass. Congratulations to Annabell Stimmel!
Parks Paid Forward: Annabell Stimmel
The Joy Trip Project is excited to announce the latest recipient of the Parks Paid Forward National Park Pass. Congratulations to Annabell Stimmel!
joytripproject.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Parks Paid Forward: Annabell Stimmel
The Joy Trip Project is excited to announce the latest recipient of the Parks Paid Forward National Park Pass. Congratulations to Annabell Stimmel!
The Joy Trip Project is excited to announce the latest recipient of the Parks Paid Forward National Park Pass. Congratulations to Annabell Stimmel!
Did you know that an advanced scout of the ill-fated Coronado Expedition of 1536 was an enslaved man named Estebanico? He explored the Colorado Plateau and what is now Coronado National Monument in Arizona. Learn more on the Unhidden Minute podcast https://jamesedwardmills.substack.com/p/estebanico
November 4, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Did you know that an advanced scout of the ill-fated Coronado Expedition of 1536 was an enslaved man named Estebanico? He explored the Colorado Plateau and what is now Coronado National Monument in Arizona. Learn more on the Unhidden Minute podcast https://jamesedwardmills.substack.com/p/estebanico
For the Love of the Parks ~ A Discussion on Preservation
At the Outside Festival James Edward Mills of the Joy Trip Projects spoke with three National Park Service leaders, Sally Jewell, David Vela and Chuck Sams
At the Outside Festival James Edward Mills of the Joy Trip Projects spoke with three National Park Service leaders, Sally Jewell, David Vela and Chuck Sams
For the Love of the Parks ~ A Discussion on Preservation
At the Outside Festival James Edward Mills of the Joy Trip Projects spoke with three National Park Service leaders, Sally Jewell, David Vela and Chuck Sams
joytripproject.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:01 PM
For the Love of the Parks ~ A Discussion on Preservation
At the Outside Festival James Edward Mills of the Joy Trip Projects spoke with three National Park Service leaders, Sally Jewell, David Vela and Chuck Sams
At the Outside Festival James Edward Mills of the Joy Trip Projects spoke with three National Park Service leaders, Sally Jewell, David Vela and Chuck Sams
Did you know that the only all-Black unit to take part in the D-Day invasion of France during World War II were members of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion? Learn more on the Unhidden Minute Podcast https://jamesedwardmills.substack.com/p/the-320th-barrage-balloon-battalion
October 28, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Did you know that the only all-Black unit to take part in the D-Day invasion of France during World War II were members of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion? Learn more on the Unhidden Minute Podcast https://jamesedwardmills.substack.com/p/the-320th-barrage-balloon-battalion
Did you know that the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806 included an enslaved Black American man named York? His skills as an outdoorsman made him a pivotal feature in the Corps of Discovery. Learn more on the Unhidden Minute
October 22, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Did you know that the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806 included an enslaved Black American man named York? His skills as an outdoorsman made him a pivotal feature in the Corps of Discovery. Learn more on the Unhidden Minute
Did you know that during the Civil War Harriet Tubman was the first woman in U.S. History to lead a military operation? Learn more on the Unhidden Minute Podcast
https://jamesedwardmills.substack.com/p/general-harriet-tubman
https://jamesedwardmills.substack.com/p/general-harriet-tubman
October 21, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Did you know that during the Civil War Harriet Tubman was the first woman in U.S. History to lead a military operation? Learn more on the Unhidden Minute Podcast
https://jamesedwardmills.substack.com/p/general-harriet-tubman
https://jamesedwardmills.substack.com/p/general-harriet-tubman
Do you know about the Black Panther Party? It was a revolutionary organization founded in 1966 by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale in Oakland, California. Born out of the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Panthers aimed to combat racial injustice, police brutality, and systemic oppression .
October 16, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Do you know about the Black Panther Party? It was a revolutionary organization founded in 1966 by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale in Oakland, California. Born out of the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Panthers aimed to combat racial injustice, police brutality, and systemic oppression .
Did you know Huey P. Newton was the co-founder of the Black Panther Party? As the Panther’s Minister of Defense, Newton advocated armed self-defense against police violence and oppression. He emphasized the importance of Black unity and community organizing to address systemic racism and inequality.
October 14, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Did you know Huey P. Newton was the co-founder of the Black Panther Party? As the Panther’s Minister of Defense, Newton advocated armed self-defense against police violence and oppression. He emphasized the importance of Black unity and community organizing to address systemic racism and inequality.
The 2026 Matthew Henson Polar Explore Scholarship is now open for applications! To honor the legacy of the great innovator of Arctic exploration and winter adventure this program aims to inspire young explorers to build the necessary skill set to thrive during extreme low-temperature expeditions.
October 2, 2025 at 3:08 PM
The 2026 Matthew Henson Polar Explore Scholarship is now open for applications! To honor the legacy of the great innovator of Arctic exploration and winter adventure this program aims to inspire young explorers to build the necessary skill set to thrive during extreme low-temperature expeditions.
The Keepers of Our National Memory
Two extraordinary leaders, Betty Reid Soskin and Robert Stanton, have dedicated their lives to making sure those stories reflect the full breadth of the American experience so that we never forget. Today we celebrate their Birthdays!
Two extraordinary leaders, Betty Reid Soskin and Robert Stanton, have dedicated their lives to making sure those stories reflect the full breadth of the American experience so that we never forget. Today we celebrate their Birthdays!
The Keepers of Our National Memory
Two extraordinary leaders, Betty Reid Soskin and Robert Stanton, have dedicated their lives to making sure those stories reflect the full breadth of the American experience so that we never forget. Today we celebrate their Birthdays!
joytripproject.com
September 22, 2025 at 8:30 PM
The Keepers of Our National Memory
Two extraordinary leaders, Betty Reid Soskin and Robert Stanton, have dedicated their lives to making sure those stories reflect the full breadth of the American experience so that we never forget. Today we celebrate their Birthdays!
Two extraordinary leaders, Betty Reid Soskin and Robert Stanton, have dedicated their lives to making sure those stories reflect the full breadth of the American experience so that we never forget. Today we celebrate their Birthdays!
Celebrating my birthday as always with big thank you to our National Parks! Last week I had the pleasure to co-leading a scouting trip to the third least visited park in the system. Isle Royale, established in 1940, is on Lake Superior and is accessible only by ferry or seaplane.
September 18, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Celebrating my birthday as always with big thank you to our National Parks! Last week I had the pleasure to co-leading a scouting trip to the third least visited park in the system. Isle Royale, established in 1940, is on Lake Superior and is accessible only by ferry or seaplane.
Today we acknowledge the passing of Joseph McNeil, one of four Black students who refused to give up their seats at a Woolworth’s lunch counter on February 1, 1960. His act of civil disobedience inspired the creation of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee part of the Civil Rights Movement
September 11, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Today we acknowledge the passing of Joseph McNeil, one of four Black students who refused to give up their seats at a Woolworth’s lunch counter on February 1, 1960. His act of civil disobedience inspired the creation of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee part of the Civil Rights Movement
On this Labor Day we celebrate the Pullman Porters. On August 25, 1925 more than 500 employees of the Pullman Company gathered in Harlem, New York to form the first Black American labor union
Learn more on Substack: https://jamesedwardmills.substack.com/p/the-pullman-porters
Learn more on Substack: https://jamesedwardmills.substack.com/p/the-pullman-porters
September 1, 2025 at 3:15 PM
On this Labor Day we celebrate the Pullman Porters. On August 25, 1925 more than 500 employees of the Pullman Company gathered in Harlem, New York to form the first Black American labor union
Learn more on Substack: https://jamesedwardmills.substack.com/p/the-pullman-porters
Learn more on Substack: https://jamesedwardmills.substack.com/p/the-pullman-porters
Relax. Relate. Release: Reflections on the BIPOC Outdoors Summit
Not long ago, I had the privilege of joining a remarkable gathering at Northern Michigan University—the BIPOC Outdoors Summit. More than just a conference, this was a few days of community, learning, and restoration, designed to…
Not long ago, I had the privilege of joining a remarkable gathering at Northern Michigan University—the BIPOC Outdoors Summit. More than just a conference, this was a few days of community, learning, and restoration, designed to…
Relax. Relate. Release: Reflections on the BIPOC Outdoors Summit
Not long ago, I had the privilege of joining a remarkable gathering at Northern Michigan University—the BIPOC Outdoors Summit. More than just a conference, this was a few days of community, learning, and restoration, designed to remind us all that the outdoors is for everyone.
joytripproject.com
August 25, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Relax. Relate. Release: Reflections on the BIPOC Outdoors Summit
Not long ago, I had the privilege of joining a remarkable gathering at Northern Michigan University—the BIPOC Outdoors Summit. More than just a conference, this was a few days of community, learning, and restoration, designed to…
Not long ago, I had the privilege of joining a remarkable gathering at Northern Michigan University—the BIPOC Outdoors Summit. More than just a conference, this was a few days of community, learning, and restoration, designed to…
Outdoors For All 2025: Where Naturally Everyone Is Welcome
I recently finished teaching my annual course, Outdoors For All, at the University of Wiscosin-Madison. I am deeply inspired by the amazing young people who are eager to learn about the enduring legacy of environmental protection that…
I recently finished teaching my annual course, Outdoors For All, at the University of Wiscosin-Madison. I am deeply inspired by the amazing young people who are eager to learn about the enduring legacy of environmental protection that…
Outdoors For All 2025: Where Naturally Everyone Is Welcome
I recently finished teaching my annual course, Outdoors For All, at the University of Wiscosin-Madison. I am deeply inspired by the amazing young people who are eager to learn about the enduring legacy of environmental protection that includes the many contributions of those who are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color. Through lectures and in-class discussions, we explore the ways in which we can assure the well-being of the natural spaces we love for generations yet to come.
joytripproject.com
August 14, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Outdoors For All 2025: Where Naturally Everyone Is Welcome
I recently finished teaching my annual course, Outdoors For All, at the University of Wiscosin-Madison. I am deeply inspired by the amazing young people who are eager to learn about the enduring legacy of environmental protection that…
I recently finished teaching my annual course, Outdoors For All, at the University of Wiscosin-Madison. I am deeply inspired by the amazing young people who are eager to learn about the enduring legacy of environmental protection that…
You know I love a good story, and this is one of my faves. Check out "How To Be Black", a discussion from the Joy Trip Reading Project with author Baratunde Thurston.
July 6, 2025 at 3:06 PM
You know I love a good story, and this is one of my faves. Check out "How To Be Black", a discussion from the Joy Trip Reading Project with author Baratunde Thurston.
On February 1, 1960, four Black American college students from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University sat down at a "whites-only" lunch counter at the Woolworth’s store in Greensboro, NC. Refused service, they remained seated in a peaceful protest against racial segregation.
April 29, 2025 at 1:06 PM
On February 1, 1960, four Black American college students from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University sat down at a "whites-only" lunch counter at the Woolworth’s store in Greensboro, NC. Refused service, they remained seated in a peaceful protest against racial segregation.
Lemuel Haynes (1753–1833) was a Black American Minuteman. Born in West Hartford, he enlisted in the local militia as a Minuteman in 1774 and was called to arms following the outbreak of hostilities with British forces at the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775.
April 21, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Lemuel Haynes (1753–1833) was a Black American Minuteman. Born in West Hartford, he enlisted in the local militia as a Minuteman in 1774 and was called to arms following the outbreak of hostilities with British forces at the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775.
Wisdom from the mind of Dr. Seuss. Embrace the power of doing common things.
YERTLE THE TURTLE by Dr. Seuss Read Aloud
YouTube video by MrsMorrisReads
youtu.be
April 5, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Wisdom from the mind of Dr. Seuss. Embrace the power of doing common things.