Paris, France & NOIR de Black Paris Experience-2023..
Bon Jour Como Tale Vu!
The allure of Paris to return was tempting enough for me to go back a second time. Only this time I had a purpose in mind...to learned about "HISTORICAL BLACK PARIS" after reading an article published by Essence Magazine on Noir Paris many years ago (after my first visit to the "City of Lights.") with cause to ruminate over the years, however, like anything else in life, Paris deserved a "second chance". Allow me to digress a tad bit to expound upon a recent video post by a man that went viral on Tik Tok for debunking Paris as being "a romantic city of lights". He described his disdain for the city as "dirty, offensive smell of pee on the streets, lots of graffiti on train stations, storefronts, and numerous pigeons everywhere. "Actually, in all fairness, his post described my first visit to Paris about 12 years ago. However, in defense of Paris, on my recent visit, I found the city streets very clean, installation of Pissoirs (male pee boxes) installed around the city to curtail men from peeing openly on the streets, flocks of residential pigeons' roam into crowed areas scavenging for food crumbs., not so annoying. I think of it as no different than the rat's population in New York...UNWANTED! Anyway, Paris in peak season 2023 is one of the hottest vacation spots around the world. Like the thousands of pigeons who flock to food crumbs in the parks and squares, so are the flocks of tourists traveling there to visit their iconic landmarks...no matter!
Exactly WHAT IS BLACK PARIS?
Black Paris Tours focuses on what I deem to be an intriguing educational history of African Americans who fled the United States to escape racism. The "City of Lights" became known as a beacon of freedom and tolerance for African Americans during the 19th Century and as far back as World War 1 and World War 2. Many black soldiers. writers, artists, actors, musicians, celebrities, historians all known to have spent some time in Paris, even Abolitionist Frederick Douglas, cited for his strolls along the Parc Monceau. (Public Park in the 8th arrondissement district). Dr. W.E.B. Dubois Bessie Coleman, Ida B. Wells, Henry O. Tanner, Mary McLeod Bethune, Richard Wright, James Baldwin, Josephine Baker and other blacks who left memorable black history in the French capital.
Ricki Stevenson, founder and CEO of Black Paris Tours®, since its inception in 1998. Mrs. Stevenson is a former TV news reporter and talk show host, hails from Oakland California. She holds a master's degree in history with an emphasis on African and African American studies. https://www.blackparistours.com
The tour started out with a gathering of 10 other people at a small cafe near the Arch de Triumphe where we met our guide, Miguel Overton Galerra from the Black Paris Tours. Upon arrival we were served a warm delicious French Croissants with a glass of orange juice. Miguel's orientation talk included historical facts and pictures of African-India Carribean, African Americans authors, singers, actors, landmarks/places and plaque markings around the city and the city do's and don'ts (social norms), He was very knowledgeable in his presentation which included a collection of historical facts on black history and past historians. We chose the full day, six (6) hour walking tour that included the hop-on-hop off on metro city bus to other site visits.
My list of National Landmarks-Colonialism, Slavery, Antislavery and Black Historian Sites :
1. Arc de Triumphe & Champs Elysees.
2. Place de la Concorde-stands the African/Egyptian Obelisk... an Astronomical stone pillar used to chart the sun and stars at the Temple of Thebes in Luxor, Egypt. It is said to be the oldest monument in Paris, today.
3.. Josephine Baker-Eglise de la Madeline Church in Montparnasse neighborhood where her state funeral was held on April 16, 1975
4. Thomas Jefferson & Sally Hemings lived in 1781-87-89) Sally was an enslaved domestic servant in Jefferson's household.
5. Harlem in Lower Montmartre 1920-1930-Black communities of Bechet, Bricktop and Baker were the Roaring 20's Harlem of Paris-French contributions to Jazz Clubs
6. Lunch Stop in the Chateau Rogus district commonly known as "Little Africa" ...migrant's commercial district with restaurants, open markets and shops. lunch stop at a Senegalese Restaurant, Chicken, rice, Aloko (sweet plantains), Bissop (Hibiscus )and ginger drink.
7. Hop on Hop off Bus ride past the concert Olympia Concert Hall where American rock/roll and RB played in the 1950's. The French compares the concert hall to America's Harlem's Apollo Theatre.
8. Broken Slavery Shackles: Two (2) large bronze iron shackles sculptured as a memorial to victims of slavery and homage to Alexander Dumas in 2009. Some French people are saying that the chains are controversial depicting the "Underbelly of Slavery" and now may be offensive.
Unlike the U.S. black people and people of color protested offensive statues, monuments that still represents and perpetuates racism in America, French President, Emmanel Marcon stated his 2020 speech the following (quoted) : " France will not take our monuments as it erases history...but that it will build new ones."
Enjoy My Paris Photo Slideshow. Please note that these pictures were taken with my Samsung android cell phone. Be kind and know that they are taken by this novelist...to the best of my ability to highlight my Paris, France trip!
EIFFEL TOWER HISTORICAL VALUE
Nicknamed "The iron Lady" (La dame de fer), Paris quintessential/Iconic Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited landmarks in the world. It is a 19th century marvel and stands with other wonders of the world. Built with puddled wrought iron, building started in 1887 and finished in 1889 for the World's Fair by French Civil Engineer, Gustave Eiffel, Once considered "useless" by a group of artists in the 1800's, now considered by Parisians as the "modern glory of Paris." Whether you are walking, riding taxi or metro, the view of the Eiffel Tower can be seen from basically anywhere in the city! it stands 1,083 feet tall land lattice tower in design, three (3) levels (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Summit). There are souvenirs shops, restaurants and three (3) observational decks that overlooks the city. Gustave Eiffel also helped to build the framework for U.S. New York City's. Statue of Liberty! The Eiffel Tower is located in what is said to be the most expensive area of Paris: The 7th arrondissement!
I bravely climbed the dominating Eiffel, at least to the first floor spurned on by the motivational signs at each landing to reach 360-degree panoramic views of Paris cityscape...Of course I had to snap a selfie!
DUSK TRANFORMS THE EIFFEL
When darkness falls over the city of lights it awakens and so does the Eiffel Tower. The lights are switched on to sparkle and shine on her elegant golden raiment! I learned that external projectors are triggered by nightfall sensors and sparkling lights are superimposed over the golden lights for five (50 minutes).Lifts and beacons are switched off at 11:45 pm. (Paris time).
Dusk also bring out an active network of street vendors mostly Senegalese of the Mouride Sufism selling glow in the dark replicas of the Eiffel Towers. and other cheap trinkets in the Trocadero area.
In addition to Eiffel Tower guided day tour, my friends and I took the dusk/evening cruise from the base of the illuminated Eiffel down the Seine River for incredible panoramic views of Medieval Cathedral Notre-Dame (under construction due to April 2019 structural roof fire) ,(Notre Dame is said to be located in the most touristic areas,...the 4th arrondissement), 13th century Louve Museum, Musee d' Orsay Museum, Place de la Concorder (an 18th century square once held a beheading guillotine, also in 1836, King Louis Phillipe installed the Oblisk, a gift from Egypt.)
The Sein River Boat cruise is just another way to see the beauty of Paris...at night. A one (1) to two (2) hour live guided onboard commentary. We floated through bridges and locks on city' canals. Opened air viewing deck, nighttime air was very chilly,...a light jacket would have come in handy....Brrrrrr!
The Eiffel Tower is located Champ de Mars 5 av Anatole France, Paris. at nightfall she changes into glitz and glamour of sparkles! There are five (5) different types of ticket purchases at varying prices: Tickets (Adult) can start at $40.00 up to 100.00 US. converted to current Euro's 36.00, 54.00, to 91.00) *Note at the time of this writing, the U.S. dollar is low in value to Euros). In May 2023, a week before my trip to Paris, I converted $1,000.00 U.S. dollars and received only 800.00 Euros... Sad but True!
Eiffel Tower Tickets: The best way to buy tickets is online. When attendance is high, lines are long with a 2 to 3 hours wait, time. it was worth the cost of hiring a professional tour guide which guaranteed skipped long lines and wait time. also having the benefits of orientation and historical facts about the Eiffel. Hours: Daily from 9am to 12:45am). Subject to change with seasonal changes. Check the links below to access website information. Final stop at the gift shop to buy unforgettable souvenirs.
The World-Renowned Louvre Museum
Home to many masterpieces including Italian painter Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) known worldwide for his most famous painting of all, Lisa Gherardini,..AKA Mona Lisa! The Mona Lisa is a prime attraction to the museum, located in the Louve's largest room the Salle des États, Visitors can only see this "Superstar" in an encased humidity, temperature-controlled glass case. Her enigmatic smile and mysterious facial expression seemed to warm the crowds as she hangs solidarity greeting her frenzied observers who just want to catch a glimpse of her.
A trip to Paris is not complete until you have visited the Louvre...at least in my opinion. It is located on the right bank of the Seine River in the 1st arrondissement. This massive place is where the power couple, Beyonce and Jay Z rented out the Louvre to film their music video: Apesh*t for their album, "Everything is Love" in 2018. They made their way through the halls to film in front of painting such the famous Mona Lisa, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael, sculptures, etc.
My Personal Experience at the Louve included a half day spent in a very crowed, museum however, the ticket lines and entrance were tolerable despite some long waits. I displayed GO CITY APP Pass barcode on my cell, but when attendance scanned it, she rudely (overkill rude) told me to go and buy a ticket! The ticket coat $15 Euro (around $16.00 US dollars). From the front entrance to the Mona Lisa, I made my way towards the Denon Wing where the most famous petite size (30X 20 7/8 inches) Mona Lisa portrait painting by Italian Artist: Leonardo Da Vinci. Obscured by shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of visitors in a long winding line headed towards her portrait in the gallery. With everyone clamoring to get a photo, I noticed a small unobstructed crowd gathered along the sideline taking cell phones and camera pictures. I rushed behind them to raise my cellphone high above my head, aimed and blindly hit camera shutter button...captured a fuzzy but fairly good picture! Check it out in my photo slideshow.
When museum visitors pass through the ticket stations, there are directional wall signs with Mona Lisa picture pointing to the Denon Wing, 1st floor room 711. Salle des États room.
My taxi driver dropped me off at the Carrousel du Louve entrance which was the shortest waiting times to get into the museum. It is underground and connects to the mall shops, restaurants, and welcome service desk.
I couldn't leave the museum without stopping at a souvenir shop to purchase a mona Lisa' post card and other paraphernalia!
After seeing the Mona Lisa I could not get Nat King Cole's song " MONA LISA" out my head!
"Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa men have named you,
You're so like the lady with a mystic smile,
Is it only 'cause you're lonely they have blamed you?
For that Mona Lisa strangeness in your smile
or is this your way to hide a breaking heart?
SOLITUDE: A Legend & Unsung Shero In Our African History
La Mulâtresse Solitude: (circa 1772-1802) Historical Accounts
In 2020, the first statue of a Black woman in Paris was erected on the lawn of the Place du General Catroux in Paris 17th arrondissement. The sculpturer, Nicolas Alquin made the statue out of Iroko, a kind of African wood.
(See photo above) Her name is unknown, but she is identified in history as "La Mulâtresse" translated into meaning " The Mulatto-(mixed race") Solitude" due to her light skin. A victim of rape, born in 1772 to an African slave mother, named Bayangumay, who later died and left her orphaned at age eight or nine. In 1802, A the height of slavery, she led a slave revolt against the slave master in French Guadeloupe...at eight months pregnant!
Solitude Insurrection: The Moroons
Although described as a "Fortress of Solitude". she valiantly stands in the garden as a historical symbol of heroinism, a resistance fighter against slavery who joined the Moroons of Guadeloupe. The Moroons are described as slaves who escaped captivity and fled to the mountains. They represented a major form of slavery resistance with extraordinary battlefield skills tactics and stood out as heroes who challenged white authority subjection.
Since the economy of French Guadeloupe dependent on slave labor, Moroons were always on the move to escape capture. Guadelupe plantations produced sugar, coffee and cotton. The wealthy farmers were either French born and or French descents, while the slaves were imported Africans and or blacks born on the island. The most famous Maroon societies in the history of the Americas are Palmares in Brazil, *Palenque de San Basilio in Colombia, the communities in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, the Mexican Maroons of San Lorenzo de los Negros, the Maroons of Jamaica, and the Saamaka and Ndyuka Maroons of Suriname. *Check out the Cartagena, Colombia page tabs: Afro-Colombia Palenque Moroons & my face-to-face Interview with Black-Colombian activist, Alex Rocha. in Cartagena, Colombia (my multi- humanitarian trips to his youth center). Moroons communities were also found in Jamaica, Haiti, Brazel, Cuba, Panama, *Peru (AFRO Community is called Chincha), Ecuador, other areas in the Caribbean...and Mexico, Guatemala, Nova Scotia and Sierra Leone, W. A. Today's Moroon U.S. communities are said to be in the Carolinas, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama and Virginia.
and helped to mobilize insurgents/followers against an attack by the French Military. She was heavenly pregnant when captured and imprisoned in Basse-Terre prison by French soldiers. The soldier's military commander, Napoleon Bonaparte re-imposed slavery in the West Indies. Sentenced to death by a military tribunal, she given a temporary pardon in time to give birth to her baby in prison then hanged on November 29, 1802. She was only 30 years old. It is said that her last words spoken before execution were "Live Free or Die!":
I asked What happened to the baby"? Literature writes that no one knows what happened to her baby, but it is believe that the baby become property to her French slave owner. In 1999, the municipality of Abymes in French Caribbean Island, Guadeloupe inaugurated a statue of the mulatto Solitude. Today Solitude (slave named Rosalie) statue adorns a garden in Paris 17th arrondissement with her left hand on her pregnant belly and right arm extended holding a rolled parchment in the air. Statue erected in memory of Solitude, in Point-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, a site for political gatherings, museum, songs and music. all pay tribute to her. Kudos to Paris Mayor: Anne Hidalgo who in 2020 inaugurated the statue to commemorate this historical black resistance fighter during slavery and French sculpturer Didier Audrat. Unfortunately, "Solitude "history may be fragmented yet despite this I am glad to learn about her history during my recent visit to Paris, France on the Black Paris Walking Tour....it must have been disheartening to know that you were free and in a short period of time your freedom was revoked by Napoleon Bonaparte, and you are enslaved again! A statue of Solitude also stands erected in her home on the Boulevard des Héros Drapeau, Guadeloupe les Abymes and a street is inaugurated in her name in the town of Les Abymes...The "Mulatto Street Solitude."
In May 2022, the French Post released a postal stamp labelled "Solitude v.1772-1802" to commemorate Solitude.
She is among the many brave black women who are lost in history ...but thanks to Black Paris Tours and others who are shedding a light through knowledgeable dialogue about this beautiful black Womac,. With whom I strongly feel a connection!
Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870) Afro-French, Novelist & Playwright
One of his famous quotes: " All for one, and one for all, that is our device." He was born Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie, on July 24, 1802, in Villers-Cotterêts, Asine a region of France. In 1840, he married actress Ida Ferrier but they did not have children together, however, he had multiple mistresses and fathered three illegitimate children. One of those children, a son named after him and would follow in his footsteps becoming a successful novelist and playwright...his name Alexander Dumas, Fils (Fils is French for son). In 844, at the height of his success, he purchased a piece of land and built the grand troubadour styled château de Monte-Cristo (1846-47) located in Port-Marley-le-Roi Hill. Duma's luxury lifestyle led to his financial bankruptcy, and he was forced to sell his family home. The château fell into disrepair in the 1960, restored by King Hussein II of Morrocco. The two châteaux, garden, grottoes and waterfalls now operate as a historical museum memorializing Alexandre Dumas. *(Definitely on my next visit to Paris).
In 1851, king Louis-Phillippe was outed, and Charles Louis Napoleon Bonaparte was elected president. Mr. Dumas fled to Brussels, Belgium to escape his creditors, from there to Russia for two years... Later returning to Paris.
Mr. Dumas most notable literacy achievements included the swashbuckling "Three Musketeers " adventure novel in 1844, "The Count of Monte Cristo" in 1844-45, and The Man In the Iron Mask in 1850. A statue of Alexandre Dumas stands in General Catroux Square 1th Arrondissement/District. with the three Musketeers and the famous one of all... D'artagnan. The Paris Metro Line station named after him. located under the Boulevard de Charrone.
ALEXANDRE DUMAS IN CINEMA HOLLYWOOD FILM TELEVISON & CANDY
Dumas work as a prolific novelist is recognized in swashbuckling Hollywood movies, especially adaptations of the timeless "Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo in silent films and 21 century cinema flashy star-studded cast, , Disney's animated cartoons, theatres, in children's books, hundreds of his books adaptations, multiple world-wide versions, marionettes and puppeteers versions, his likeness in black caricatures, The influence of Dumas "Three Musketeers" goes beyond mass media .His intriguing signature style writing has definitely withstood the test to time!
Despite Dumas success and aristocratic lifestyle, he could not escape his mixed-race linage that affected his life. Although he rarely wrote about race, in 1843, he wrote a short novel entitled: "Georges" that addressed some of the racial typologies and effects of colonialism. Even after his return to his birthplace, France, racial attitudes and discrimination impacted his life and place in France's history. When someone tried to mock his ancestry, Dumas replied "My father was a mulatto, my grandfather was a negro, and my great-grandfather was a monkey. You see, sir, my family starts where yours ends.”
In 1870, he died at the age of 68 reportedly of a heart attack, some say natural causes at his son' (Alexandre Dumas, fils (means son in French) home in Puys, France and buried in his hometown Villers-Cotterêts. French President Jacques Chirac had his remains exhumed and brought to Paris, guarded by Republican Guards dressed as Musketeers. In a televised ceremony, they were interred in the Mont Martre cemetery mausoleum at the Panthéon. (The Panthéon. is located in the 5TH arrondissement, Latin Quarters
President Chirac gave a speech acknowledging France’s racist past and Duma's place in the great French literary canon.
Did you know ? the chocolate nougat candy bar "Three Musketeers (released in 1932) by the Mars company got its name from Dumas work?
Did you Know? In 2004 a Russian language version of the Three Musketeers was released in which all the Musketeers were women and D'Artagnan was played by a young VOLODYMYR ZELENSKY... NOW PRESIDENT OF WARTORN URKRAINE! (WATCH ON YOUTUBE)Three Musketeers (2004) English subtitles Part 1 of 4 -YouTube
Final word, I would love to see a black cast adaptation of the "Three Musketeers " and "The Count of Monte Cristo."
Hotel Stay: Four Star Crown Plaza Paris Republique.
This upscale hotel is located in the 11th arrondissement 10 place de lar Republique 75011 Paris. close to the vibrant Marais district facing the Place de la Republique park and 45-50 minutes from the Charles de Gaulle airport,
The hotel boasts 4.0-star ratings (It is part of the IHG Hotels chain). ...A 19th century French building with a striking facade, terrace patio, bar and restaurant (hotel patrons enjoyed the giant chessboard). Inside the lobby area is a French restaurant and late-night bar with food service with Outdoor Cafe, Guest's amenities includes WIFI, free bottled water in room daily, sauna, fitness center but no swimming pool. Front desk concierge service. was very good. My room was standard with double beds, *Hopefully, the hotel maids followed WHO industry cleaning and disinfection practices of COVID-19 Guidelines."
The area can get noisy, with homeless people yelling during night,
It is within walking distance from the Republique metro bus station, a number of restaurants/outdoor cafe, bars, a pharmacy, grocery market, canal Saint-Martin, anime stores (for those of you into anime's), souvenir shop surrounds it. Excellent buffet breakfast with varied choices and hot food grill service, freshly squeezed fruit juices W/pulp...not constituted Friendly concierge staff (French & English multi-lingual), free WIFI, 24-hour front desk service, No swimming pool free bottled water daily from hotel maids.
Dear Hotel Administrators please get a hotel courtesy van or car for guests.
Suggestions
1. Bring USB charger-no USB ports access in standard rooms. (Older hotels do have upgraded USB electrical port outlets)
2. Beware of taxi drivers who change fares according to distance and not the set cab rates. Ubers are slightly cheaper.
3. Try not to exchange currency in hotels due to a higher rate of pay/surcharge for the exchange.
4. Hotel Crowne Plaza was located directly across the street with a vibrant place for families, homeless people, and frequent protestors! This is a bustling noisy area day and night!
5.Parisians ditched the FACE MASK! No mask worn...anywhere!
6. Hotel Crowne Plaza maids don't regular give wash/facecloths. They give lots of big towels but seemed to ration the washcloths! Ask and ye shall receive!
7. Download the Google Translator App... If you don't speak or understand French. I help me a lot especially when in taxis.
8. Piss Boxes for Street Urination: "Piss boxes" appropriately named Pissoir/Uritrottoirs (meaning urine and pavement combined) installed in various areas around the city to reduce men urinating on streets, buildings, and sidewalks. One is installed near Notre Dame overlooking the polluted river Seine (properly pronounced Sin). The open-air piss boxes are said to be eco-friendly, filled with straw or sawdust to produce composites for parks and gardens. with a sensor to let workers know box is full. This initiative has sparked public controversy which argues that this boils down to public exhibitionist and men should be able to control themselves until they can find a bathroom. HUMM talking about quelling uncivilized human behavior! Watch out for the fire hydrants, bushes and poles!!
9. There are numerous collegiate/personal articles, books, documentaries and films on blacks' historical events found on the internet... including some I listed here.
NOTE: There were many enjoyable, fun moments on my trip to Paris this time, however, I especially enjoyed the onsite visit to the Black Solitude Pregnant Woman Statue & Alexandre Dumas, the Black French novelist who wrote the Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo!
Interested in Black Paris Resources
1. Black Paris Tours: Ricki Stevenson Black Paris Tours with Guide Ricki Stevenson - Exploring the Best of Black Paris - RICKI STEVENSON'S BLACK PARIS TOURS Click the link below:
2.Walking The Spirit: Julia CEO Tours of Black Paris - Bus And Walking Tours With Julia Browne (walkthespirit.com)
3. Black Africa Shop-Owned by Black US Americans expaits-features Community Art: 6bis Rue des Gardes 75018 Paris France. Small shop with quaint items and artwork. Find them on Instagram, etc.
SOURCE OF AUTHORS INFORMATION/WEBSITES:
RICKI STEVENSON'S BLACK PARIS TOURS - Welcome to the Black Paris Tours Home with Guide Ricki Stevenson - Exploring the Best of Black Paris
Walking The Spirit Tours & Vacations of Black Paris by Julia Browne (walkthespirit.com)
-Solitude | Slavery and Remembrance
-10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Alexandre Dumas (bookriot.com)
-Alexandre Dumas - New World Encyclopedia
-Château de Monte-Cristo: The Residence of Alexandre Dumas (essenziale-hd.com) (Lovely photos of Dumas château)
-Alexandre Dumas: Swordfights, Musketeers, and Race (bookstr.com)
-Cinema's undying love for French author Dumas and his Musketeers - The Local
-Alexandre Dumas Books - Biography and List of Works - Author of The Three Musketeers (biblio.com)
-https://www.louvre.fr/en/explore/the-palace/from-the-mona-lisa-to-the-wedding-feast-at-cana
-La Mulatresse Solitude (ca 1772-1802) • (blackpast.org
-The Mulatto Solitude pedagogical unit 3 | Women (unesco.org) Excellent resources for k-12
-Maroons and their Communities in the Americas | Politika Excellent historical accounts of the Maroons
-Richard Price & Sally Price - (richandsally.net)
-Jamaican Maroons in Nova Scotia | The Canadian Encyclopedia
-Black in Latin America | PBS Please explore Dr. Henry Gates Blacks Race & Identity in Latin America
Recommended BOOKS
1. *Paris Noir African Americans In the City of Lights, Author: Tyer Stovall (this one I read before my trip to Paris)
2.Africa in Paris: City Guide -2019 (New Edition) ( This one I bought at the Little Africa shop in Paris).
3. Giovanni's Room & The Negro In Paris, Notes of A Native Son, Go Tell It On the Mountain-( Collection of essays) by James Baldwin (Books written during his nine (9) years in Paris)
4. Native Son by Richard Wright
5. Invention of the White Race: The Origin of Racial Oppression by Theodore W. Allen
MOVIES & DOCUMENTARY
-Alexandre Dumas - documentary - CPB Films (clpbrights.com) Documentary Alexandre Dumas: The OTHER SIDE OF the Mirror (52 min. HD/English or French versions)
-Sort by Popularity - Most Popular Movies and TV Shows tagged with keyword "three-musketeers" - IMDb
-https://youtu.be/nuJ9jhVe_rs Solitude The Pregnant Warrior of French Guadeloupe
-Profiles - On The Shoulders of Giants (ontheshoulders1.com) solitude Of Guadeloupe Freedom Fighter
-https://youtu.be/F8dhBoqDNUA African Diaspora in Peru
https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/news/visit
https://www.blackparistour.com/
https://slaveryandremembrance.org/people/person/?id=PP015