Paris and London Birthday Trip - Black Paris Tour

 

Day 4 - Black Paris  Full Day Tour

For my first visit to Paris, I wanted to learn something about the culture of the people, especially those who came from Africa and America.

Some African Americans relocated to Paris seeking a better quality of life and basic human rights, which were denied in the USA. Josephine Baker and James Baldwin were two who made France their home. There are honorariums made to many for their extraordinary accomplishments. But before they came there were others who influenced and help shape France for what it is today.

The Black Paris tour was conducted my Ms. Ricki Stevenson and her team. More information about their services is here.  

We learned so much about the history of Paris. It was an enriching experience that gave me an elevated perspective of the people and culture of the country called France.

I’ll just give a few highlights here. There is so much to learn and know about Black Paris. Certainly, one post couldn't tell the story.

he Pantheon, France's national mausoleum of heroes.

Ms. Josephine Baker was inducted into the Pantheon, France's national mausoleum of heroes.  She is the first Black woman, the first American, and the first entertainer to be honored. Her body is buried in Monaco. During the ceremony. a casket with soil from St. Louis, Missouri, Paris, and Monaco was carried by the air force in her honor. She received many honors for her contributions to World War II. Ms. Baker also spoke during the March on Washington.

La Mulatresse Solitude lead a revolt against slavery in Paris, while she was eight months pregnant. She was captured.  Then, she was executed after she gave birth to her child. This statue was erected in her honor.

Alexandre Dumas, a prolific writer and son of General Thomas Alexandre Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie. Mr. Dumas has a great body of work that includes: "The Count of Monte Christo", "The Three Musketeers ", and "Twenty Years After."

This statue depicts his image seated at the top. Just below his image from the front view, there are three people who appear to be enjoying his novel. In those days women were not allowed to read books that were full of intrigue and action. The man on the right is a teacher. And finally, the man on the left, poor, no shoes and probably no access to books. But all are enjoying the literary works of Alexandre Dumas.

Now, on the back of the statue sits D'artganan of "The Three Musketeers".  D'artagnan's character was said to be Black/African. 

About half-way through our tour, we came to "Little Africa", where many of the people were originally from various African countries.  They had their own marketplace and other businesses.  Commerce was exchange within their community several times before it left their community.  We had a late lunch at a family-owned West African restaurant. The food was delicious. 

So, if you're ever in Paris, France, this is a great tour to take during your visit.

More Later,

C