According to James Edward Mills, the author of the Adventure Gap and Founder of the Joy Trip Project, “everyday is a daring adventure, a trip into the joyful pursuit of our own full human potential.” In this episode of Black Oxygen, James and I chat about the relationship of Black folks and the outdoors.  He talks about how his relationship with the outdoors began at a young age and how he navigates the outdoors as a Black man.  James emphasizes three corrective measures that are needed throughout the United States to get more Black folks actively engaged in the outdoors.  We also chat a bit about some of the unknown history of Black folks in nature. This conversation is authentic, engaging, and a bit challenging at times.  James’ key piece of advice, “get outside.”

Here are some links on featuring the work of James Edward Mills:

The Joy Trip Project - https://joytripproject.com

The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors - https://joytripproject.com/the-adventure-gap/

These people of color transformed US national parks - https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/2020/08/people-of-color-who-transformed-us-national-parks/

How can the National Park Service work to be anti-racist? https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/more-diversity-how-to-make-national-parks-anti-racist/