As a storyteller, I follow in my mother's footsteps. A single mother, she received her BA from the University of Minnesota. After graduating she sailed on the Queen Mary Two to Paris and then to London.
She shared many stories with me including what it was like to travel by herself in the 1950's. Women, especially black women didn't travel. Her father was totally petrified when she left Kansas to sail on a ship. I loved hearing the stories of her travels. She was enchanted by Paris and met a handsome man. Both lovers of jazz, they hung out together in small neighborhood bars in the Latin Quarter, the Moulin Rouge, the Trocadero, Pigalle and other venues that catered to couples of different colors and races.
Mom wanted me to visit so I could see and understand for myself that people can live, love, work and party together outside of politics in this beautiful City. I've been twice and appreciate Paris and London. Now I have my own stories to tell, thanks to my Mom. R.I.P.
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