Paris:

The Paris Program serves as a critical historical lens, uncovering the roots of the African Diaspora in the West. This phase of the journey is designed to decolonize the traditional European travel circuit and establish the intellectual foundation for our transition to the ancestral heart of Senegal.

The flag of France with vertical blue, white, and red stripes.

  • Theme: Establishing the Black Footprint and the Legacy of Resistance.

    Morning:

    • The Trocadéro Orientation. Start at the Trocadéro for the best view of the Eiffel Tower.

    • Lunch: The Grand Promenade. A walk through the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe.

      • The "Magic" Twist: Pay homage to the African Soldiers (Tirailleurs) whose names and sacrifices are woven into the history of these monuments but often omitted from the tour-bus scripts.

    • Afternoon: Intellectual Exchange: The Diaspora Dialogue Series

    • Moving beyond the facade of the monuments, our travelers engage in a private Seminar on the Seine. We host an exclusive session with local Afro-Parisian historians and community leaders at a neighborhood hub. This facilitated dialogue explores the historical parallels between the Civil Rights movements in the US and the decolonization efforts within the Francophone world. By partnering with local intellectuals, we ensure our journey supports the local African-descendant economy and provides our participants with a rigorous, scholarly understanding of the Black experience in France.

  • Theme: Exploring Ancestral Roots and Contemporary Diaspora Sociology.

    Morning:

    Musée du Quai Branly.

    A deep dive into the indigenous arts and civilizations of Africa, Asia, and Oceania. We will facilitate a discussion on the restitution of African art and the spiritual significance of the pieces housed here.

    Afternoon:

    Little Africa (La Goutte d'Or).

    A walking tour of the 18th Arrondissement. This is the heart of the contemporary African diaspora in Paris—vibrant markets, fabric shops, and community hubs.

    Evening:

    Free time for reflection or a sunset walk along the Canal Saint-Martin.

  • Theme: Decolonizing the Icons and Honoring the Fallen.

    Morning:

    Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées.

    A grand promenade. We’ll discuss the role of Tirailleurs Sénégalais (Senegalese Infantry) in the World Wars—ensuring their contribution to French liberty is recognized.

    Afternoon:

    Trocadéro & Tour Eiffel.

    The classic view, but with a focus on the 1931 Colonial Exposition history and how the "image" of Africa has evolved in the Parisian psyche.

    Late Afternoon:

    Bateaux-Mouche river cruise to see the city from the Seine.

  • Theme: Reclaiming the Narrative in High Art and Nightlife.

    Morning:

    The Louvre – "The Hidden Presence" Guided Tour.

    • We follow a curated path focusing on the depiction of African figures in Western art. We’ll discuss the transition from "subject" to "creator" within the world’s most famous museum.

    Afternoon:

    Curated Shopping & Leisure.

    • A visit to the Rue de Rivoli or the Marais. We provide a "Black-Owned Paris" map, encouraging travelers to support local Diaspora designers and boutiques.

    Night:

    Grand Finale Soirée Jazz.

    • A private table at a historic jazz club (like Le Duc des Lombards). This isn't just a concert; it's a celebration of the "Midnight in Paris" era where Black musicians found a freedom they were denied in the US.

  • Theme: Synthesis, Contemporary Innovation, and the Future Bridge.

    Morning:

    Immersive Residency at MansA (Maison des Mondes Africains).

    • We conclude our journey at the House of African Worlds, France’s premier institution dedicated to the creative and intellectual vitality of the African continent and its global Diaspora. We engage with the "MansA Lab" to see how modern innovators are redefining the global landscape, transitioning from the history of the past four days into the vibrant energy of the present.

    Afternoon:

    The "Dianeka Synthesis" Workshop.

    • A facilitated closing session in the 10th Arrondissement. Participants synthesize the week’s discoveries, discussing how to apply the "Dianeka Bridge" philosophy—connecting heritage, history, and action—within their own professional and personal spheres in the US.

    Evening:

    The Grand Teranga Gala.

    • A formal celebratory dinner featuring a curated Afro-French fusion menu. We honor the spirit of Teranga—the Senegalese philosophy of radical hospitality—celebrating the bonds formed and the reclamation of the Diaspora’s narrative in the heart of Paris.

  • 15% of all program fees are reinvested into local Afro-descendant historical preservation projects and youth mentorship programs in both Paris and Dakar.