Betty Reid Soskin (1921– ) is a trailblazing figure who was the oldest active U.S. National Park Ranger until her retirement at age 100. Born in Detroit and raised in Oakland, Soskin lived through nearly a century of American history, experiencing segregation, the Great Depression, and the civil rights movement firsthand. During World War II, she worked as a file clerk in a segregated shipyard union hall, an experience that shaped her understanding of racial inequities throughout the United States. Ranger Betty served with distinction at the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California.

As a park ranger, Soskin brought her lived experience to the interpretation of history, offering deeply personal presentations that connected the past to present struggles for equality. She inspired generations to recognize the unfinished work of democracy. Soskin’s legacy is one of resilience, activism, and the power of storytelling to drive social change. Her wisdom inspired this podcast.

The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.

#unhiddenblackhistory #NationalParkService #yourparkstory #NationalGeographic #unhiddenminute

(Photo courtesy of Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond)

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