Check Out James Gregory, Jr’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Gregory, Jr.

Hi James, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a kid, I grew up in the country in a small southern Virginia town. There was an abundance of Forrest surrounding the town and I would always go out and play in the woods. The was a little creek next to the house I would go and explore and see crayfish. As I got older my dad got me a dirt bike which I and one of my best friends would go out on long trails and ride. I absolutely loved the outdoors as a kid and spent most of my time there.

Now the passion is fueled even more it seems as I get older which prompted me to build out a camper van so I can go out further and for longer.

Most times when I’d go out I would notice I didn’t see that much diversity in the outdoors and there was a lack of representation so I started an Instagram and later a YouTube in order to show that the people who explore the outdoors are just as diverse as the outdoors itself and also to inspire more BIPOC to come and enjoy the great outdoors.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Some of the struggles that I have had along the way have been not feeling comfortable at some trails because of the many stares as if I didn’t belong there and the financial ability to get the equipment to venture out safely.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a content creator who creates adventure content mostly in the outdoors and exploring historical sites for Instagram and YouTube. I may go on a hike and camping trip in my van one day and then the next explore an old historic site such as the Booker T. Washington National Monument or one of the oldest cemeteries in the country. Everyone knows me as the Ethnic Explorer or E.E.

For short and I’m very proud of the fact that I inspire others to show positivity, love, and enjoy the outdoors. One thing that sets me apart from others is I make genuine and honest content to spread love and positivity bringing people together thus making an amazingly diverse community where everyone feels welcome.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I just go with the flow and whatever changes come my way I just embrace it and find a way to make it work. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve my content and hopefully over the next few years build a bigger and bigger community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Instagram.com/the_ethnic_explorer
• Youtube: YouTube.com/theethnicexplorer
• Other: Linktr.ee/the_ethnic_explorer