I thought I knew Paris. The postcard city of cafés, freshly baked croissants, and macarons in the glass display windows. It’s filled with art, fashion, and literature greats who once walked the cobblestone roads. Worldwide, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks and a symbol of love that shimmers with distinction from (nearly) every arrondissement.
But it wasn’t until I explored Paris’s hidden Black history that the City of Lights revealed itself in an entirely new gleam. Kévi Donat’s walking tour, Le Paris Noir, connected the dots of how Jazz made its way to France. The genre of music made its way to France through Black American soldiers who fought during World War I. At Chef Pierre Siewe’s restaurant, La Table Penja, I indulged in his love letter to his African and French heritage. At Antoine Joss Lecocq’s restaurant, Kuti, his menu of African street food revealed that there’s a new generation of restaurateurs who proudly acknowledge their African roots.
Although I identify as Black American, I felt a deeper connection to Paris than I had on my previous trips. The itinerary’s focus on Black history and cuisine brought familiarity, community, and a sense of shared roots. My experience proves that tapping into diaspora communities can offer Black travelers a more profound and meaningful travel experience.
@mittimegantv Take my itinerary to experience and explore Black history, food, and culture in Paris. #parisnoir #blackownedparis #blackparisian #blackparistour #afropean #paristraveltips #exploreparis #hiddengemsparis #travelnoire #blacktravelfeed @Paris je t’aime ♬ original sound – Mitti
Why Diaspora Connections Matter
It’s no secret that Black cultures vary worldwide. Connecting with the diaspora offers a deeper understanding of a country through their lens. Exploring a destination’s Black culture highlights the resiliency of the diaspora. It also highlights the work of those who preserve these unique stories and histories.
Plainly put, your mind opens up to representation outside of your own experiences. There’s a mutual exchange of ideas and education that happens when connecting with the diaspora. Even better, intentionally seeking out diaspora connections also leads to supporting local Black-owned businesses, cultural organizations, and networks.
Here’s a traveler’s guide on how to connect with the diaspora wherever you go.
Where To Find The Diaspora On The Ground
Before you travel, take time to study the history and demographics. If you are traveling to a country with a primarily Black population, research the various tribes and ethnic backgrounds.
In destinations that are not historically Black, research what led to the migration of the diaspora and the neighborhoods where they settled. It will offer guidance on where to spend time and access local resources. For example, Little Africa in Paris’s 18th arrondissement is a hub for discovering African food, culture, art, and fashion throughout the city. The resource center is located in a historically Black neighborhood.
With a growing movement of Black expatriates worldwide, one of the most effective ways to locate the diaspora on the ground is through online expat platforms. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn have groups that cater to Black expats and travelers. You’ll often find tools to connect locally and discover tours centered on Black experiences. Participating in these networking groups is also beneficial for learning key cultural nuances that enable respectful navigation of diverse communities.
Other ways to connect with the diaspora on the ground:
- Neighborhoods & Markets — Head to iconic enclaves (e.g., Little Havana, Brick Lane, Chinatown, Little Ethiopia).
- Cultural Centers & Events — Plan your trip around Black festivals, concerts, Black History Month in the destination, Independence or Freedom holidays, Religious centers, and Black celebrations
- Diaspora-Owned Businesses — Fill your itinerary with Black-owned restaurants, cafés, bookstores, hair salons, and other businesses. Always ask for recommendations from the owners or staff.
- Plan Your Trip with Black-Owned Tour Companies — Several tour operators offer itineraries that include volunteer opportunities, cooking and dance classes, and conversations with prominent local leaders. Check Travel Noire’s list of Black-owned tour operators helping travelers explore the African diaspora.
Digital Tools For Diaspora Connection
In addition to social media groups and Black-owned tour operators, several networking apps and platforms are used to facilitate diaspora connections.
- ABC Travel Network —Founded by Martinique Lewis, the All Black Content (ABC) Travel Network is a trusted source that connects destinations and travel brands to Black travelers and the African Diaspora globally. Lewis created an online platform, social community, and an ABC Travel Greenbook app that gives users access to more than 170,000 Black-owned businesses, communities, and events.
- Black Foodie Finder — This community of passionate food lovers and chefs spans worldwide. Whether you’re looking for soul food, Caribbean flavors, or vegan delights, Black Foodie Finder helps users discover Black-owned restaurants across the country on its online platform, social media channels, and app.
- EatOkra — In 2016, Anthony and Janique Edwards founded EatOkra as two Brooklyn transplants who lacked the means to cook or store food. What started as a passion for seeking out inviting and familiar spaces evolved into a platform and app connecting over 600,000 food enthusiasts to Black-owned restaurants, eateries, caterers, and food trucks.
- Melanin on the Map — Melanin On The Map is a travel mobile platform and app that is dedicated to people of color. Black travelers looking for a safe space to engage and network can do so through the platform. It’s also a fantastic resource for learning income-earning tactics and showing users how to monetize their travel experiences.
- The Xpat App — In 2020, Shar Wynter founded the Xpat App, a social impact platform designed to connect the Black community to international opportunities, networks, and culturally relevant resources. As the first of its kind within the app arena, The Xpat App caters to the unique needs and interests of the Black community abroad, as well as those who aspire to live overseas.
The Broader Impact Of Diaspora Connection
Exploring Black culture will reveal how diaspora communities have historically shaped global cities and their role in preserving Black heritage. Intentionally seeking out these communities also helps to build empathy and solidarity through cultural connections.
Wherever your travels take you, lead by seeking out the community within the community. You will learn more about yourself and the diaspora’s participation in shaping our world.
