Paris Noir (Studying abroad: 8 points) - Jordan Fischer

 My time studying abroad in Paris through the Paris Noir program challenged me to rethink what it means to be Black in different parts of the world. As a Black American attending Spelman College, I arrived expecting to find familiar experiences of race and identity. Instead, I discovered that Blackness in France is shaped by a different history, political system, and understanding of national identity.

One of the most valuable parts of the experience was engaging in conversations with classmates from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. At Spelman, discussions about race and gender often happen among other Black women who share similar experiences. In Paris, I encountered perspectives that challenged assumptions I had never needed to explain before. Although initially uncomfortable, these conversations helped me understand how Blackness is perceived beyond my own community.

Outside the classroom, exploring Paris helped bring our lessons to life. Visiting the places where Black intellectuals like James Baldwin lived connected me to the history of Black thought in France. At La Place, a hip-hop cultural institution, I learned how music and government investment support artistic expression. Meanwhile, visiting Saint-Denis exposed me to a different side of Paris, where immigrant communities and people of color shaped the neighborhood’s culture and everyday life. Attending Fête de la Musique was especially memorable because I witnessed a vibrant expression of Black identity that felt distinctly French rather than simply an extension of Black American culture.

Academically, my biggest realization came from learning about France’s colorblind approach to citizenship. The French government generally avoids collecting racial statistics, emphasizing a shared national identity rather than racial distinctions. While this ideal may sound appealing, I questioned how racial discrimination can be effectively addressed when disparities are difficult to measure. Our discussions about housing, gentrification, and unequal access to public resources demonstrated how racism can persist even when a society avoids explicitly acknowledging race.

Comparing France and the United States helped me recognize that, although both countries continue to grapple with the legacies of colonialism and slavery, their Black communities have developed through different historical experiences. Black American identity is deeply rooted in slavery and its aftermath, while Black identity in France is also shaped by immigration from former French colonies and the country's colonial history.

Ultimately, Paris Noir taught me that Blackness is not a universal experience. It changes across borders, shaped by history, politics, class, and culture. I left Paris with a deeper appreciation for the diversity of the global Black experience and a greater understanding of how a country's political ideals influence the way its people experience identity and belonging. More than a study abroad trip, this experience challenged me to question what I thought I knew and remain open to perspectives beyond my own.