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.
Captain Francisco Menéndez was a free black military leader serving the Spanish Crown in the 18th-century at St. Augustine, Florida. Born in 1709 he was one of the many enslaved people from the colony of South Carolina that escaped to Spanish Florida looking for freedom since 1687.
February 8, 2026 at 1:31 AM
Captain Francisco Menéndez was a free black military leader serving the Spanish Crown in the 18th-century at St. Augustine, Florida. Born in 1709 he was one of the many enslaved people from the colony of South Carolina that escaped to Spanish Florida looking for freedom since 1687.
Medgar Evers was a civil rights activist from Mississippi who played a significant role in the fight for civil rights. Evers faced constant threats and harassment due to his activism, and tragically, he was assassinated outside his home in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1963 by a white supremacist.
February 7, 2026 at 2:02 AM
Medgar Evers was a civil rights activist from Mississippi who played a significant role in the fight for civil rights. Evers faced constant threats and harassment due to his activism, and tragically, he was assassinated outside his home in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1963 by a white supremacist.
Oney Judge was an enslaved woman who served as Martha Washington’s maid before escaping to freedom. Born at Mount Vernon, she was of mixed African and English ancestry. When George Washington became the first U.S. president, She was taken to serve his households in NYC and later in Philadelphia.
February 4, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Oney Judge was an enslaved woman who served as Martha Washington’s maid before escaping to freedom. Born at Mount Vernon, she was of mixed African and English ancestry. When George Washington became the first U.S. president, She was taken to serve his households in NYC and later in Philadelphia.
As part of the Underground Railroad Mary Ellen Pleasant provided formerly enslaved with gainful employment in a variety of businesses throughout California. Dedicated to the cause of Black liberation Pleasant personally financed the raid on the armory at Harper’s Ferry West Virginia in 1859.
February 2, 2026 at 9:46 PM
As part of the Underground Railroad Mary Ellen Pleasant provided formerly enslaved with gainful employment in a variety of businesses throughout California. Dedicated to the cause of Black liberation Pleasant personally financed the raid on the armory at Harper’s Ferry West Virginia in 1859.
2026 is the 100th anniversary of Black History Month In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week What began as a week became a month.
In 2026, we proudly announce Black History Year.
Illustrations by Nate Taylor
In 2026, we proudly announce Black History Year.
Illustrations by Nate Taylor
January 16, 2026 at 8:48 PM
2026 is the 100th anniversary of Black History Month In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week What began as a week became a month.
In 2026, we proudly announce Black History Year.
Illustrations by Nate Taylor
In 2026, we proudly announce Black History Year.
Illustrations by Nate Taylor
Announcing The 2026 Joy Trip Reading Project
At the Joy Trip Project, reading is a form of travel. Each book opens a trailhead—into history, into the natural world, into questions of belonging, power, survival, and hope. Each year, the Joy Trip Reading Project invites our community to slow down,…
At the Joy Trip Project, reading is a form of travel. Each book opens a trailhead—into history, into the natural world, into questions of belonging, power, survival, and hope. Each year, the Joy Trip Reading Project invites our community to slow down,…
Announcing The 2026 Joy Trip Reading Project
At the Joy Trip Project, reading is a form of travel. Each book opens a trailhead—into history, into the natural world, into questions of belonging, power, survival, and hope. Each year, the Joy Trip Reading Project invites our community to slow down, read deeply, and explore stories that expand how we understand land, identity, and freedom. For 2026 we’ve selected…
joytripproject.com
January 12, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Announcing The 2026 Joy Trip Reading Project
At the Joy Trip Project, reading is a form of travel. Each book opens a trailhead—into history, into the natural world, into questions of belonging, power, survival, and hope. Each year, the Joy Trip Reading Project invites our community to slow down,…
At the Joy Trip Project, reading is a form of travel. Each book opens a trailhead—into history, into the natural world, into questions of belonging, power, survival, and hope. Each year, the Joy Trip Reading Project invites our community to slow down,…
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