We are The Bad Activist — a movement born from blistered feet, burning passion, and the belief that doing good doesn’t require perfection. It all began in 2013, when Shannon Sprowal and Jay Atlas launched The Long Road to Freedom Project, a cross-country walk from Atlantic City to Los Angeles — 3,400 miles in 115 days — to raise awareness about human trafficking. Along the way, they spoke in towns and cities across 11 states, igniting conversations and inspiring action from coast to coast. In 2014, the mission continued on wheels — Jay returning, joined by Sylvester Williams, Nathaniel Erb, & Timothy Sammartino cycled over 5,000 miles from Seattle to Miami, bringing their message to a wider audience. In 2015, another crew (Jay, & Sylvester returning, this time joined by Jonathan Moore & Gabriel Fennerty) pedaled 3,900 miles from Minnesota to Texas in partnership with Worthwhile Wear, shining a light on the realities of exploitation and the strength of survivors. In 2017, Jay took to the road alone — this time to explore mental wellness along the Northeastern coast. Though the tour ended early due to family illness and his own mental health needs, it planted the seed for something deeper, something more personal. After being publicly ridiculed for drinking a beer — Jay was labeled “a bad activist.” Instead of defending himself, he embraced it. With a smirk, The Bad Activist was born: a nonprofit for the imperfect, the outsiders, the ones who care deeply but don’t always fit the mold. We are advocates, artists, and adventurers. We don’t look like everyone else, and we’re not trying to. Our mission is to celebrate, integrate, and accentuate people doing good — whether that’s through co-ventures, volunteering, or just showing love. We believe activism isn’t about being flawless. It’s about being present, being real, and being willing to act. Now, we’re gearing up for one final ride. On August 4, 2025, Jay Atlas will join Elayna Mae Darcy, Sam Barton, and Noah Brouse for a final transnational bicycle tour from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, via Canada. This time, the focus is clear: mental health. The journey will include interviews, workshops, and real-time conversations about depression, resilience, and what healing looks like — from lived experience to licensed expertise. We’re not perfect. We’re not polished. But we are present. And we are The Bad Activist.
