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

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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

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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!