The Adventure Gap at Yosemite! – The Joy Trip Project

The Adventure Gap at Yosemite! – The Joy Trip Project

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My publisher the Mountaineers Books informs me that my work of non-fiction The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors will be on sale in Yosemite National Park! As you can imagine I’m really excited!
Much of the inspiration behind my work in diversity in outdoor recreation stems from the creation of the National Park Service. The story of the famed Buffalo Soldiers and their efforts to protect and preserve wilderness areas at Yosemite and Sequoia at the turn of the last century lit a fire in my spirit that first set me on this journey to discover the enduring legacy of African-Americans within the conservation movement going all the way back to the beginning. The Adventure Gap chronicles just a few of the compelling narratives that not only illustrate the role that people of color have played as stewards of the natural world but offer up role models that a new generation of young people might follow into the future.
I believe that it’s vitally important for today’s youth to see themselves as agents of change. By telling the story of the heritage they share with characters of the past as well as  men and women making worthwhile contributions in the present it is indeed possible to encourage their eager participation in the modern struggle to defend wilderness areas across North America and around the world. It is my sincere hope that the presence of my book on the shelves at one of our flagship National Parks will help all people to recognize the value of inviting everyone to share America’s best idea.