First Ever Calendar Illustrates Black History in Paris, Published by Walking the Spirit Tours of Black Paris

Paris, France, February 03, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The full color Spirit of Black Paris calendar provides a strikingly original daily journey to the Paris of African-Americans who found opportunity in France over the past 200 years. From Sally Hemings in 1787 to Richard Wright in the 1950s, expatriates and visitors are illustrated in their favorite places as well as among the familiar sites of the City of Lights.

For example, in September, stand outside the formidable Sorbonne University with 65-year-old Anna Julia Cooper while she prepares to defend her doctorate in 1925. Perfect for a February day, catch a glimpse of James Baldwin, Richard Wright and Chester Himes in Les Deux Magots literary café in St.Germain-des-Pres. And as spring approaches, admire the lesser-known but blossoming talents of women artists Lois Mailou Jones, Nancy Elizabeth Prophet and Meta Vaux Warrick.

More than an evocative and beautiful visual celebration, the calendar functions as an easy-to-use educational tool for all ages to improve knowledge of African-American history in Paris. Its images + fact-filled format invites those familiar with Paris to relive the inspiring stories; the abundant details provide an invaluable source of reference usable year after year; and for those preparing a trip, it stimulates a sense of belonging where expatriates have left their mark.

The artwork was commissioned to renowned artist Ealy Mays. Born in Wichita Falls, TX, Mays has lived permanently in Paris since 1996 and he is uniquely positioned to provide heartfelt depth to the subject. Since 2008 he has also guided visitors and locals through the narrow streets and past famous sites for Walking The Spirit Tours, telling the stories of the African-American expatriate experience.

“It was an honor," says Mays, "to be a part of the first of a kind calendar, and to put my input into such an endeavor.”

Created by Julia Browne, founder of Walking The Spirit Tours, this project is a rewarding extension of the passion that she has long held for Black Paris.

The Spirit of Black Paris calendar is the first calendar to ever focus on the rich cultural exchange between Black America and France.

“This is a labor of love. We wanted to make it as creative, educational, and diverse as the Black experience in Paris was,” says Julia Browne, owner of Walking The Spirit Tours.

About Walking The Spirit Tours

Walking The Spirit Tours is the longest running tour company specializing in Black Paris. The company was founded in 1994 by Julia Browne following her studies with the late Professor Michel Fabre at the Sorbonne University. Fabre is the author of "From Harlem to Paris: Black Writers in Paris 1840 to 1980."

The indepth series of walking and bus tours are a lively, informative way to share the knowledge of the rich cultural exchange between Black America and Paris. Led by personable, local guides, they journey through popular neighborhoods and past famous sites, retelling the stories of well-known and lesser known expatriates, and little known facts. The tours aim to provide new understanding for people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds.

Now a certified French Specialist, designated by Tourism France, Julia Browne has expanded Walking The Spirit Tours’ activities by creating culture-rich excursions to Richard Wright’s Normandy, Josephine Baker’s Dordogne, and James Baldwin’s Nice. Walking The Spirit Tours also offers personalized itinerary planning and travel consultancy services. Browne is the passionate presenter of the lecture "A Two-Hundred Year Affair—African-American History in Paris."

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