Exploring Black Paris: Culture, Identity, & Healing

Have you always wanted to visit Paris but were unsure about the where to go, what to eat, or whether you could navigate the city without knowing French? Have you visited the city previously and felt disconnected to the deeper cultural imprint of African people on the city? Well I have got you covered with this tour of the rich influence of the African Diaspora on Paris. This curated tour of Black Paris (Le Paris Noir) is a collaboration between me, Dr. Ifetayo Ojelade, and my Parisian colleagues. Participants will explore African culture and identity development in Paris and how it contrasts with our experiences in the United States. I have curated an experience that empowers you to explore how culture and identity influences your psychological wellbeing as well as those within your community.

Join me as we examine Paris through an African lens to explore literature, culinary traditions, art, music, and of course wine. We will visit museums, have guided tours, and live demonstrations that highlight the impact of African American, African Caribbean, and continental African influences on historic and contemporary Parisian culture.

We will visit one of the most famous museums in the world, The Louvre. Known for housing great European pieces such as the Mona Lisa, this session explores the largely overlooked works by African descended artists within the museum. Participants will critique the ways in which perceptions of “great works of art” impact their worldview and ultimately influence their identity and ability to heal during challenging times such as now. You will be invited to consider how your own cultural worldview either contributes to or hinders the healing process. This session is sure to leave you considering new ways to think about how history, culture, and even art influence psychological wellbeing.

Each session during this 8 day and 7 night trip is a call to action and a invitation towards personal healing. It's an opportunity to journey home to self so that you can better prepare to face the challenges in your personal life and a world that is increasingly Anti-Black, while uplifting misogynoir (anti- Black women) and Anti-African sentiments. What better place to immerse yourself in the self-healing and protective powers of an ancestral legacy pushing against oppression than in France? Once considered one of the most powerful armies in the world, the French were defeated by Africans on the little island of Haiti. Ironically, while French citizens were fighting against oppression during the Revolution (1789-1799), the Africans held captive on the island of Haiti also fought for their freedom (1791-1804). Thus, France is an ideal place to explore competing ideas of freedom for some at the expense of others. Come along with me as we explore what it means to be a person of African ancestry living in France, all while considering what this means for our own identity development and healing. See you in Paris!

Activity Level

This tour requires a high level of activity as Paris is a walking city. Outside of your transportation to and from the airport, we will be riding the subway and train, in addition to walking a lot. You must be capable of walking greater than 10,000+ steps per day, ascending and descending staircases without assistance. Parisians also smoke a lot (even in restaurants). You must be able to tolerate and navigate around the smoke, as Parisians generally will not stop smoking in order to accommodate American sensibilities.

What is included

• Curation of culture, identity, and wellness sessions by Dr. Ifetayo Ojelade
• Wellness and self-exploration guide book
• 7 nights at a 4 star hotel accommodation (double occupancy - twin beds)
• Group airport transfer (Charles de Gaulle) if arranged in advance
• Continental breakfast each morning
• Tour guide fees (and gratuities) for activities stated in the itinerary
• Entrance fees and tours stated in the itinerary
• Private instructors for survival French with an African twist, African art, history, and the culinary impact in France
• Bottled water during walking tours
• Opening reception and welcome dinner
• Facilitation of community listening session and discussion
• Translator fees (and gratuities)
• Translation equipment
• Local curation and excursion assistance

What is not included

• Airfare to and from Paris (CDG)
• All meals not listed above
• Souvenirs, clothing, other personal purchases
• Visa (if required - generally not for U.S. Passport holders)
• Continuing education and professional development credits
• Spa and other activities not listed above

Continuing Education

Please click here for information regarding learning objectives, CE sponsor approvals, and a detailed agenda for therapists requiring continuing education credits and other professionals seeking professional development credit.

25 CE Credits Psychologists

25 Clock Hours Social Work

25 CE Hours School Psychologists & Counselors

25 LMFT’s Related Hours

25 Professional Development Credits

AGENDA (Tentative & Subject to Change)

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

• Arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
• Private transfer to hotel
• Basic survival French with an African twist
• Opening reception and dinner (included)

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

• Bus tour to get oriented with the city
• Visit to Bookstore focused on the African Parisian Experience
• Lunch (on your own)
• Guided walking tour focusing on Black history in Paris
  
• Dinner (on your own with recommendation)
• Jazz night

Day 3: Culinary Delights - Re-claiming Black Food Ways

• Visit to La Goutte d'Or, the heart of African Paris
• Exploring the history of immigration and the imprint of African culinary tradition on Paris
• Cooking class featuring African-inspired French cuisine
  
• Wine tasting experience with Black-owned brand
  

Day 4: Stolen Legacy - Decolonizing The Louvre

• Guided Tour of The Louvre
• Lunch (on your own)
• Free time to explore and shop
• Dinner (on your own with recommendation)

Day 5: Relaxation/Wellness & Community Engagement

• Spa experience or free time to explore on your own
• Lunch (on your own)
• Listening session and community engagement regarding the contemporary issues in the African community living in Paris
• Free time for shopping or exploring nearby neighborhoods
• Dinner (on your own with recommendation)

Day 6: Art and History

• Visit to museums, galleries, and stores focused on African art, history, and fashion designers
• Time to shop and explore
• Dinner (on your own with recommendation)

Day 7: Art and History

• Visit to Le Jardin du Château des Milandes - former mansion of Josephine Baker
• Closing dinner (included)

Day 8: Au Revior

• Check out of hotel
• Last-minute shopping or sightseeing (e.g., visiting the Eiffel Tower)
• Private transfer to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Financial commitment

Early Bird

$4,800 - Paid in Full by February 14, 2024 (Double Occupancy)

Regular Rate

$5,200 - single payment Due by May 31, 2025 (Double Occupancy)

Single Occupancy

$5700 (please call our office at 404-635-6021 for invoicing)

Payment Plans

Two Payments:

• $2600 due 1/31/25 (includes non-refundable $500 deposit)
• $2600 due 3/31/2025

Three Payments

• $500 due 1/31/25 (non refundable Deposit)
• $1590 due 2/28/25
• $1590 due 3/31/2025
• $1590 due 5/31/2025

Four Payments

• $500 due 1/31/25 (Non-refundable Deposit)
• $1275 due 2/28/25
• $1275 due 3/31/2025
• $1275 due 4/30/2025
• $1275 due 5/31/2025

$550 Non-refundable Deposit Due by 1/31/2025

We want you to join us. If you have a special circumstance that requires a specific arrangement, once the deposit is paid to hold your spot, we are happy to assist with a payment plan that works with your budget. Do not miss out, call us and lets have a conversation about how you can be part of this historic trip.

Credit cards add a 3.5% processing fee. Invoicing via Zelle is preferred, please call our office to be sent an invoice 404-635-6021 or for more questions.

ABOUT PARIS

Transportation - Paris is a city that is easy to navigate by the public transit system The Metro, ride share (e.g. Uber), or taxi. Think of New York in terms of demographics and subways (although cleaner) with everyone speaking French. If you are super adventurous, you can take the train from the airport to the hotel. However, the easiest thing to do is take an Uber. We can also assist you in arranging a private transfer to an from the airport.

Flights - There are many ways to get to Paris. Air France (a Delta partner) has hubs in Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Detroit, Cincinnati, and Boston. Just book via Delta an you will be on an Air France flight. However, Virgin Atlantic, American, and many other airlines also fly to Charles de Gaulle (CDG). If you are adventurous like me, you can also find a flight to a less expensive designation in Europe and then take a local carrier or the train into Gare due Nord, the central station in Paris. I have done this from London and Switzerland and the ride is enjoyable. However, you must handle your own luggage to get on and off the train. If you want to get the most out of your time in Europe, book a flight into Paris, take a train to another country at the end of our visit, and fly out from there.

Layout of Paris - The city is divided into 20 districts called arrondissements. Arrondissements 4, 1, 2, 5, 6, 10 are central part of Paris. The Louvre is in Arrondissement 1 and the Eiffel Tower is in the 7th. Famous African American expatriates and historic literary greats lived in the Saint Germain area in arrondissement 6. However, all traces of them are gone as Saint Germain has become a trendy area with lots to see. Right next door is the Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement.

Hotel - If it will be your first time in Paris, remember that your hotel room will be smaller than what you are used to in the United States, as are most in Europe. You will have a twin bed (yes, twin).

I cannot speak French - Sometimes people worry whether they can navigate Paris without speaking French, absolutely! If you attempt saying something (e.g. Bonjour “hello”) people will help you. However, it can be difficult if you refuse to use any French words as people appreciate the effort.

Food - Traveling to a foreign country can be exciting and also bring up concerns about what to eat. I have heard people say, "I don't like French food". We have worked with our local African Parisians to pick some wonderful spots that offer flavor foods that combine the best of the African French Diaspora.

Shopping - Yes, Paris is known for fashion and you can visit flagship ship stores of Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. All of which are slightly less expensive in France and you are able to get the taxes that you paid back by registering with Global Blue and entering your receipt at the airport. However, we also encourage you to support African fashion designers such as Saargale and Xuly Bet.