The Unhidden Minute

During World War II, the iconic image of "Rosie the Riveter" became synonymous with the millions of women who entered the workforce to support the war effort while men were fighting overseas. While Rosie the Riveter is often depicted as a white woman, it's essential to acknowledge the significant contributions of Black women to the war effort, including their roles as riveters, welders, and workers in various industries.

These women, often overlooked in historical narratives, demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. They worked tirelessly to manufacture aircraft, munitions, and other supplies crucial for the war effort, making significant contributions to the Allied victory.

Their efforts not only helped win the war but also paved the way for greater opportunities and advancements in civil rights and women's rights in the post-war era. The legacy of Black women Rosie the Riveters serves as a testament to their strength, skill, and unwavering commitment to serving their country while challenging systemic barriers and injustices.

The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black 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

The 761st Tank Battalion, also known as the "Black Panthers," was a segregated unit in the United States Army during World War II. Deployed to Europe in 1944, the 761st saw extensive combat in France, Belgium, and Germany. They played a crucial role in breaking through enemy lines, providing armored support, and engaging in fierce battles against German forces.

Despite facing racism both within and outside the military, the soldiers of the 761st displayed remarkable bravery, skill, and perseverance. Their contributions helped to dismantle stereotypes about the capabilities of Black American.

The unit's accomplishments include the liberation of more than 30 towns, the rescue of trapped Allied soldiers, and the capture or destruction of numerous enemy positions. They served a record 183 consecutive days in combat. The 761st Tank Battalion's legacy stands as a testament to the courage and determination of Black American servicemen who fought for freedom and equality during World War II.

The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black 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

Doris Miller (1919–1943), also known as Dorie, was a Black American sailor in the United States Navy, best known for his heroic actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941.

Despite being assigned to duties as a mess attendant due to segregation policies, Miller bravely manned an anti-aircraft gun aboard the USS West Virginia. During the Battle of Pearl Harbor, with no prior training, he fired at incoming Japanese aircraft, downing 2 to 5 planes and assisting in the defense of his ship.

Miller's actions earned him the Navy Cross, making him the first Black American to receive this prestigious honor. His heroism became a symbol of resilience and patriotism, challenging racial stereotypes and inspiring Black Americans across the nation.

Tragically, Miller was later killed in action aboard the USS Liscome Bay during the Battle of Makin in 1943. His legacy continues to inspire generations, highlighting the invaluable contributions of Black Americans throughout World War II.

The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black 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

Become a paid subscriber to the Unhidden Minute Podcast for one year and receive a copy The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors 10th Anniversary Edition by James Edward Mills.

Victor Hugo Green, born in 1892, was a Black American postal worker from Harlem, New York, who became renowned for his groundbreaking creation, the "Green Book." In 1936, Green launched this travel guide aimed at Black American motorists, providing crucial information about safe accommodations, restaurants, and businesses that welcomed Black travelers during the era of racial segregation and Jim Crow laws.

Formally titled "The Negro Motorist Green Book," this guide served as a lifeline for Black travelers, offering them a means to navigate a landscape rife with discrimination and danger. Green's meticulous research and dedication ensured that Black travelers could find safe havens and avoid the indignities and threats posed by racially motivated violence.

Though the need for the Green Book diminished with the civil rights advancements of the 1960s, its legacy endures as a testament to Victor Hugo Green's vision and the resilience of Black American travelers in the pursuit of freedom and equality.

The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black 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

Give me a minute and let me tell you a story. Over the last 60 days this podcast has shared a series of stories in recognition of Black American history. The Unhidden Minute was originally only scheduled to run through the month of February, but after 29 episodes there were still so many more stories to tell, so it continued through the month of March. We just finished our first hour. Now that it’s April I’m curious to know if the series should continue. Each day as I produce these stories I am filled with a sense of pride, optimism and joy as I come to better understand the history, heritage and legacy of often forgotten exceptional men and women who have contributed so much to this deeply flawed yet truly wonderful country. It’s too easy to find fault and lay blame upon those who seek only sow weeds of chaos and adversity without contributing anything toward making our world a better place. Just as we must constantly strive to make this nation a more perfect union I aim to keep telling these stories of those who inspire others through their example of selfless courage and determination to do great things. I hope you’ll continue to follow.

I’m James Edward Mills of the Joy Trip Project, and these are the Unhidden Minutes.

The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black 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

Louis Armstrong, often referred to as "Satchmo" or "Pops," was a legendary figure in the realm of jazz music, leaving an indelible mark on the genre and influencing generations of musicians. Born on August 4, 1901, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Armstrong rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most celebrated trumpet players and vocalists of all time.

His innovative trumpet playing, characterized by his virtuosic technique and improvisational prowess, revolutionized jazz, propelling it from its roots in New Orleans to international prominence. Armstrong's distinctive gravelly voice and charismatic stage presence further endeared him to audiences worldwide.

Throughout his career, Armstrong recorded numerous jazz classics, including "What a Wonderful World," and  "Hello, Dolly!," among others. His collaborations with other jazz luminaries, such as Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald, are legendary, showcasing his remarkable talent for musical collaboration.

Beyond his musical contributions, Armstrong was also a cultural icon, breaking racial barriers and advocating for civil rights through his music and public persona.

https://www.nps.gov/jazz/learn/historyculture/people_armstrong.htm

The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black 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

Mary Fields, also known as Stagecoach Mary, was a trailblazing figure of the American West, born around 1832. She became the first Black American woman to work for the United States Postal Service and one of the few female stagecoach drivers in history.

Fields was renowned for her remarkable strength, fearlessness, and no-nonsense attitude. Despite facing discrimination and adversity, she earned a reputation for her reliability and efficiency in delivering mail, often braving treacherous conditions and hostile territories.

Fields settled in Cascade, Montana, where she became a beloved and respected member of the community. She was known for her generosity, often providing food and shelter to those in need, regardless of race or background.

Her legacy as a pioneer and trailblazer endures as a testament to the resilience and determination of Black American women in the American West. In 1959, she was inducted into the Montana Historical Society's Hall of Fame, cementing her place in history as a true frontier legend.

The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black 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

Langston Hughes, an iconic figure in American literature, was born on February 1, 1902, in Joplin, Missouri. He became one of the most significant poets, novelists, and playwrights of the Harlem Renaissance, a flourishing cultural movement among Black Americans in the 1920s and 1930s. Hughes' works vividly captured the struggles, joys, and aspirations of Black life in America.

His poetry, characterized by its rhythm, blues influences, and colloquial language, resonated deeply with readers. Pieces like "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" and "Harlem (Dream Deferred)" became anthems of Black American identity and resilience.

Hughes also excelled in other literary forms, including essays, short stories, and plays. His works often addressed themes of racial injustice, poverty, and the quest for equality.

Throughout his life, Hughes remained committed to social activism and used his writing as a tool for advocacy. His contributions to American literature and the broader struggle for civil rights continue to inspire generations of writers and activists worldwide.

The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black 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

James Beckwourth, born around 1798, was a remarkable figure of the American West, known for his exploits as a fur trader, scout, and explorer. Born into slavery in Virginia, Beckwourth eventually gained his freedom and embarked on a life of adventure on the frontier.

Beckwourth's most notable achievements include his exploration of the Rocky Mountains and his discovery of a mountain pass that now bears his name. He became fluent in several Native American languages and adopted aspects of their culture, earning respect and acceptance among various indigenous tribes.

In addition to his exploration and trading ventures, Beckwourth played a role in the early development of the American West, contributing to the expansion of trade routes and settlement.

His autobiography, "The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth," published in 1856, provides a valuable firsthand account of the frontier experience and remains a historical document of great significance in our understanding of the west.

The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black 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

Become a paid subscriber to the Unhidden Minute Podcast for one year and receive a copy The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors 10th Anniversary Edition by James Edward Mills.

Zora Neale Hurston, born on January 7, 1891, in Notasulga, Alabama, was a pioneering Black American author, anthropologist, and folklorist. She is best known for her novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God," which is celebrated as a masterpiece of American literature.

Hurston's upbringing in Eatonville, Florida, the first all-Black incorporated town in the United States, deeply influenced her work. She drew upon the rich cultural heritage and folklore of the Black American community in her writing, capturing the dialect, traditions, and experiences of Black Southern life with authenticity and vibrancy.

In addition to her literary achievements, Hurston made significant contributions to anthropology, conducting fieldwork in the American South and the Caribbean. Her studies of Black American folklore and cultural practices helped to elevate the voices and stories of marginalized communities.

Despite facing challenges and criticism during her lifetime, Hurston's work has endured and gained recognition for its profound insights into race, gender, and identity.

The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black 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

Become a paid subscriber to the Unhidden Minute Podcast for one year and receive a copy The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors 10th Anniversary Edition by James Edward Mills.