Paris is one of the most beloved and iconic cities in the world. What most people don't know is that it has also historically been a beacon of creativity and opportunity for African Americans.
During this hour-long virtual experience, Dr. Monique Y. Wells will introduce participants to the history, culture, and contemporary life of African Americans and the larger African diaspora in Paris, France. She'll explore why African Americans (and the French) believe/believed that France is a colorblind society. You'll never see Paris in the same light again.
ZOOM!
Dr. Monique Y. Wells is an author, businesswoman, guide, and most importantly, a steward of legacy. A native of Houston, Texas and a 28-year resident of Paris, France, in her work as a travel professional, writer, speaker, and mentor, she embraces and harnesses the power of education to change lives.
Prior to launching her travel company and her scientific consulting business, Monique worked for 13 years in the corporate world, including four years at L’Oréal Cosmetics in Paris. She has combined her passion for life sciences, literacy, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics), the arts, travel / study abroad, and women’s empowerment under the umbrella of her U.S. non-profit organization, the Wells International Foundation (WIF).
Dr. Wells is the co-owner of Entrée to Black Paris (ETBP - formerly known as Discover Paris!) – a travel business that has provided services tailored for the African-American travel market since 1999. Over the years, she has created Afrocentric itineraries, self-guided and guided walking tours, a comprehensive Black Paris bus tour, and Afrocentric and other culinary activities for those wanting an in-depth, unconventional travel experience in the City of Light.
Dr. Wells is a three-time book author, freelance journalist and editor, and avowed Francophile. She has written articles for numerous publications, including the International Herald Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times, France Today, and Upscale Magazine. She is the author of Food for the Soul—A Texas Expatriate Nurtures Her Culinary Roots in Paris (Elton-Wolf, 2000); co-author of Paris Reflections: Walks through African-American Paris (McDonald & Woodward, 2002; Christiann Anderson, co-author); and author of the Amazon-bestselling e-book Black Paris Profiles, a collection of the stories of 24 contemporary African-American and Afro-Caribbean expatriates living in Paris. Michelin-star chef Alain Ducasse sponsored the publication of the French version of Food for the Soul under the title La Cuisine Noire Américaine (Minerva, 1999).
