J.R. Harris has been backpacking long distances for more than 50 years in some of the most remote wilderness areas in the world, unsupported and mostly alone. He is on the Board of Directors for the 116-year-old Explorers Club, and is the Chairman for the Club’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. He is also a keynote speaker. J.R. believes diversity, equity, and inclusion will increase the number of people who will spend time in nature and therefore appreciate and protect our public lands and open spaces. His objective is to share his experiences to hopefully motivate others to pursue a healthy outdoors lifestyle. He has written numerous articles about his experiences in the outdoors, as well as the book, Way Out There: Adventures of a Wilderness Trekker. Topics covered in this episode: · Esteban de Dorantes (1500 –1539) was a man from present-day Morocco who became the first North African of Berber origin to explore North America. He has been referred to as "the first great African man in America". · York (1770 –1832) was the only African American on the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the first African American to have crossed North America to reach the Pacific. To learn more about J.R. Harris and his work, head over to their www.jrinthewilderness.com & Instagram @jrinthewilderness This episode is supported by LEKI, makers of the world’s best poles since 1948. www.Leki.com & Instagram @lekiusa We hope you enjoyed this episode. Come check us out at www.UnlikelyStoriesPodcast.com & Instagram @UnlikelyStoriesPodcast