Virtual Black Paris Experience

The Virtual Black Paris Experience: Intro to Black Paris

is the keystone of the Wells International Foundation’s ETBP Cultural Awareness program.

Through a highly curated, interactive online experience, participants will see Oliver Gee, creator of the award-winning podcast, The Earful Tower, and expert guide Dr. Monique Y. Wells walk through the Luxembourg Garden and part of the Montparnasse district as Wells provides an educational and entertaining live introduction to Black Paris.

Topics discussed include France’s commemoration of the abolition of slavery, the reason African Americans came to view France as a colorblind society, and the significance of African art and culture for the French in the early 20th century.

Notable African American figures discussed during the walk include writer James Baldwin, artist Beauford Delaney, and performer/philanthropist Josephine Baker.

James Baldwin

Josephine Baker

Beauford Delaney

THE PERFECT TEACHING TOOL

Through our pilot virtual field trip with Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, we learned that VBPE is the perfect introduction to black Paris for middle and high school students.

The entire student body of over 260 6th- to 12th-grade girls attended the event as part of the school’s launch of a global consciousness initiative, and their response was overwhelmingly positive!

CELEBRATE YOUR MILESTONES AND RAISE FUNDS FOR YOUR FAVORITE CAUSES

Through our 2020 Christmas in Paris and Virtual Ladies’ Trip to Paris for New Year’s Eve Experiences, we learned that VBPE works beautifully as a celebratory event and as a fundraiser for churches, alumni associations, youth groups, and other community organizations.

Watch clips of the Virtual Black Paris Experience here
(click on the names below):

The Carpeaux Fountain

Place Josephine Baker

TESTIMONIALS

Dr. Wells once again brings the experiences of Black artists, writers, cultural figures, and politicians in Paris to life.

Because I have had the fantastic experience of taking one of her tours in person, I was ready to manage my expectations for the virtual version of her tour. I didn’t need to! While her local tours are unparalleled, she created a virtual experience that stands on its own!

Dr. Wells engaged with student, faculty, and staff participants all along the way with historical and cultural knowledge, videos, pictures, and personal stories. Students were very eager to ask her questions, which she answered thoroughly and insightfully. In the weeks since the event, I have had people all over campus stop me to thank me for bringing the event to our campus. But Dr. Wells deserves all the credit.

This was truly a one-of-a-kind experience that I hope she will share with us again in the future.

~Dr. Anna Esquivel, Chair of Languages and Literature, Global Learning Coordinator, Jackson State Community College

Fortunately, I entered zoom right as they were talking about Sartre’s grave. I took philosophy with professor Hart last semester and read about French existentialism. Ironically my Honor’s report was similar to a comparative essay on Sartre’s idea of free will and determinist Galen Strawson. It was really cool to be able to see Sartre’s grave and I never expected that his name would come up in the conversation.

It is interesting to see the ways in which history ties together…I think that the event was great and that it was cool to be able to see parts of France without having to physically travel there. If Dr. Wells hosted another event, I would like to attend!

Also, the marketing and graphic design was creative tying into the aesthetics and theme of traveling and going on a plane. I thought it was a nice touch. I would recommend this event to anyone who is good with computers, has great Wi-Fi, and has zoom!

~Kayla Reid, JSCC student

I am impressed with the work that Dr. Wells is doing. She has played such as big part of this experience. I can just imagine her running all over Paris trying to find Beauford Delaney’s grave. All of the plaques put up on buildings all over Paris share as a memory not just of Beauford but of all her hard work.

~Amber Pulley, JSCC student

READY FOR YOUR TRIP?

We’re offering four levels of this extraordinary experience, from the basic “Plug and Play” version to the Premium Production Package. All levels include a virtual in-flight experience in addition to the Intro to Black Paris tour.

Add-ons include a Sky Lounge pre-boarding party and a virtual after party – both of which can include games, prizes, guest interactions, and more – as well as a DJ to provide music for your event!

If you’re ready to book your school, church, or community service organization for a once-in-a-lifetime virtual trip to Paris, contact wells[at]wellsinternationalfoundation[dot]org for details.