As I prepared for departure on Saturday, July 29th, memories of this precious city started to flood my brain. My first time leaving the United States, NYC, and coming to Europe will forever be a defining moment. I’m leaving Scandinavia with a new model of life. Everyone has a story to share! From Copenhagen to Paris, there was much to learn and discover. From rich black power to communist ideology, the purpose of capitalism and how it relates to colonial systems. We as a community can learn from counter-storytelling as it challenges the superior narratives of the African-American diaspora. I’m blessed to be able to say I’ve traveled the world through the fierce lenses of expats who have experienced life on 2 continents. Entering both cities, Paris & Copenhagen, differ from each other. My Copenhagen experience has been more pleasant and filled with curiosity. Regarding the African American experience in Denmark, Copenhagen brought the personal and outside experience of African American Expats while Paris provided me with the artistic perspective and the beauty of monumental heritage in the City of Light. While in Paris, I was able to see the lens through the work of the artist and the essence of how it contributes to the storytelling of these figures. Paris showcased the work and history of African Americans through a perspective of artistry while Copenhagen exhibited the historical personal perspective. I appreciate how both cities provided the monumental heritage of my ancestors.
Thankful and blessed to be a part of a culture that uplifts some of the amazing movement shakers in history. Experiencing Europe, I would like people to take away from my writing that everyone has a mission and purpose. There’s a story to share amongst everyone, along with a counter-narrative. However, how can one define a counter-story or enhance their perspective? Realizing your experience matters but understanding the factual essence of history is most essential. Storytelling is most essential with overpowering myths, counter-storytelling is utilized to challenge the history and embed the racist characterizations of social life. Studying African American Expats in Copenhagen and Paris gave me the platform to share my personal experience as a black trans woman, and to challenge the bigotry of colonialism systems that still today oppress black and brown people of color.