Exotic Paris Part II: African Roots
Africa's influence in Paris comes from all sides, just as the African roots themselves are spread throughout the world, from South America and the US, to the West Indies and sub-Saharan Africa. This week I'm going to focus loosely on just two of these groups: African Americans and French Africans.
African American History
For many Americans, Paris brings to mind Jazz, Josephine Baker, and Langston Hughes. African Americans came to Paris not just to escape the racial segregation and problems of America, but also to revel and flourish in the arts and culture of Paris. Their contributions still inspire musicians, writers and artists of today. The Paris-Anglo Guide provides a bit of an introductory description of African American influences in Paris written by the same woman who gives the Walk the Spirit tours on Black American historical sites.
For those interested in some in depth background, there are some great articles about African American musicians, writers, and history in Paris. Considered an expert in the field, Tyler Stoval, author of Paris Noir : African Americans in the City of Light, has written an article worth reading titled Harlem-sur-Seine.
Entertainment and Dining
For a self-guided tour, Discover Paris! is an African-American owned company that creates customized itineraries and tours of African American history in Paris. Another group giving specialized tours is Noir Montmartre, a non-profit educational company, with tours by international jazz singer Electra Weston.
Don't miss Josephine Baker, Music Hall et Paillettes, an exhibit to honor the Fabulous Josephine Baker, marking the 75th anniversary of Paris' celebrated Revue Nègre. It features over 200 photographs, designs, illustrations, costumes and jewelry that once belonged to Josephne herself -- Naomi Campbell serves as honorary sponsor of the show. Until February 28th at the Espace Drouot Montaigne, 15 avenue Montaigne.
Afterwards, book a table at the famous African American restaurant Haynes, on rue Clauzel. Founded in 1949 by Leroy Haynes, it was the first soul food restaurant in Europe, and the undisputed center of African American community life. There are still live performances, and the walls are covered in old photographs attesting to its great history.
One of the newest restaurants in Paris is called Bojangles, at 47 rue Rodier in the 9th, Metro Anvers. Opened by Chicago expatriate Sharon Morgan and film/stage star Bennie Luke (who also used to be the manager at Haynes), this soul food restaurant & bar has traditional African American favorites like southern fried chicken, grilled T-bone steak, fried pork chops and Caribbean style fried fish. There's also, of course, live jazz.
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