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.
Loved the story!! My aunt also enjoyed travel. Her joy was to travel in a group. Because of this I was able to go on cruises and to West Africa as a teen. My aunt was a education supervisor for the state of MS. In the summer I would go with her on a lot of her day trips in the state.
Posted by: Myranette Robinson | 10/03/2016 at 09:03 AM
Traveling and exploration are healing to the soul. You have inherited your mothers brave exploitative essence. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Elizabeth Wunsch | 10/18/2016 at 08:15 AM