Give a fascinating glimpse of African-Americans in Paris for the holidays—or anytime

by

Where has the time flown, my UrbanTravelGirl friends? Merci beaucoup to those of you who missed hearing from me, wondered where I’ve been, and dropped me e-mails asking. I can’t believe that Christmas and New Year’s are nearly here, as it seems like just yesterday that I was excitedly preparing for my France adventure and move overseas. But I’ve been here nearly 12 months now, and it’s definitely been a life-changing learning experience.

My posts have been far more sporadic than I’d planned as I’ve spent so much time working like mad—and when you’re a freelance journalist and consultant like me, you need to “make hay while the sun shines,” as the saying goes. In the New Year, I hope to have more time for reflection about my African-American female expat life in France—and will happily share it with you once I do. In the meantime, seeing as the holidays are knocking on the door, I want to share a fascinating new Blue Lion Films DVD that’s parfait for the Francophile on your last-minute shopping list. (But really, who needs an excuse to think about France? Anytime’s a good time.)

“When African Americans Came to Paris” is a labor of love from Walking the Spirit Tours CEO and Founder Julia Browne—an incredible sister who describes herself as “British-born, Canadian-raised, and French by affinity”—award-winning documentarian Joanne Burke, and her writer/cameraman husband David Burke. This DVD features six short videos, each one between just four and seven minutes long. And each offers a fascinating historical take on black folks in the 20th century and the Paris that offered them an embrace long denied by their American homeland. Burke researched the content, tracked down the archival images, and narrates each segment, while Browne served as a consultant, promoter and distributor for the project.

Walking the Spirit Tours CEO and Founder Julia Browne holds a photo of black American author Chester Himes, one of the legends mentioned during her tours. (Daniel Morris photo)

Jazzed up with period music, black-and-white still and video images and smart, thoughtful commentary by scholars, artists and other present-day contributors, each segment is a stand-alone glimpse at why France, and specifically Paris, occupies such a mythological place in the minds of black folks. As contributor and Bates College professor Marcus Bruce states in the introductory video: “When African-Americans come to Paris, they discover the terms by which they want to define themselves.” It was true centuries ago, and newly arrived emigrants like me still feel the same.

“When African Americans Came to Paris” includes:

  • W.E.B. DuBois and the 1900 Paris Exposition;
  • Henry Ossawa Tanner: An Artist in Exile;
  • The Harlem Hellfighters;
  • James Reese Europe: Warrior and Musician;
  • Jazz Comes to Paris;
  • Three Women Artists in Paris.

The DVD’s videos vividly bring to life what Browne offers through her company’s walking-and-bus tours of current-day Paris, from strolls past artist Henry Ossawa Tanner’s first apartments near the Louvre to trips through the still-vibrant Montmartre quartier where black American entertainers and entrepreneurs like Ada “Bricktop” Smith and Eugene Bullard (also the world’s first black combat pilot) left their indelible musical imprints in the 1920s. Keeping the spirit of the videos alive on both sides of the Atlantic, the Burkes and Browne will take to the road, sharing “When African Americans Came to Paris” at conferences and special screenings in Paris and in the United States.

Walking the Spirit Tours’ Julia Browne leads a group through Paris’ Latin Quarter. Her company’s year-round tours expose visitors to 200 years of black American history in the City of Light. (Daniel Morris photo)

 

So whether you’re planning a trip to Paris, longing to relive previous jaunts to the City of Light—or want to travel to France by way of these incredible vignettes—pick up this DVD. It’s available in both U.S. and European formats for schools, corporations and government agencies. And what I especially love is that Blue Lion offers a comprehensive Teacher’s Guide for students in grades six through 12. Nothing like encouraging a love of international travel and African-American history at the same time.

Bon voyage! 

Celebrate Bastille Day Afro-Parisian style in Chicago at ‘Kiratiana’s Travel Guide to Black Paris’ book launch

by

Hey, Chicago-area Francophiles -- don't miss Kiratiana Freelon's ode to France's Bastille Day-book launch celebration from 6-8 pm on Monday, July 14.

Chicago-area Francophiles — don’t miss Kiratiana’s Bastille Day and book launch event Wednesday, July 14.

 

UrbanTravelGirl readers will remember my to fellow Chicagoan and new author Kiratiana Freelon, whose FAB Kiratiana’s Travel Guide to Black Paris: Get Lost and Get Found recently made its debut.

Those of you in Chicago who like me love all things French should be SURE to check out Kiratiana’s “Passport to Black Paris: A Bastille Day Celebration” and Travel Guide to Black Paris launch event. Not only can you pick up signed copies of her book (I DARE you not to plan a trip to the City of Light after checking out this take on Paris!), but the 6-8 p.m. July 14th  event will feature Afro-French cuisine, adult libations, Afro-French literature and bien sûr, good sounds. 

For more info on July 14th’s festivities at the gorgeous and historic Prairie Avenue Gallery in Chicago’s South Loop ‘hood, check out Kiratiana’s website. RSVP here at Ten20theband@gmail.com if you’re planning to go.

Bonne fête!

Want the REAL scoop on ‘Black Paris?’ A new guidebook from a Chicago sister shares its secrets

by

Talk about taking a guide book to another level. Chicago author Kiratiana Freelon hooks up travelers who want to explore all facets of "Black Paris" during visits to the City of Light.
Talk about taking a guide book to another level. Chicago author Kiratiana Freelon hooks up travelers who want to explore all facets of "Black Paris" during visits to the City of Light.

As you UrbanTravelGirl readers know, Paris is my favorite place on the planet. Someone this week asked me why I love it so, and I didn’t have to think long before responding, “The diversity.” Sure, Paris is THE quintessential French city, but a huge part of what makes it so special for me, an African-American woman, is the presence of black folks from throughout the Diaspora. You’ll meet black folks from African former French colonies including Togo, Senegal, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire. From French Caribbean “overseas regions” such as Martinique and Guadeloupe. And black American expatriates from all over the States.

And whereas most “mainstream” travel guidebooks gloss over their presence (if they mention them at all), Chicago author Kiratiana Freelon jumps all over it in her new book, Kiratiana’s Travel Guide to Black Paris: Get Lost and Get Found (Eunique Press, $19.95). An African-American Harvard grad who’s visited more than 25 countries in her young life and spent time living in Paris, she uncovers GREAT finds all over Paris (and beyond, as well).

Check out the post I wrote for “TCW Travel Connection” () on Freelon’s fabulous new book. Even diehard Paris lovers will discover LOADS they didn’t know and will eagerly be planning their next trip to the City of Light. Be sure to pick it up!