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The Extension of Black Culture
 
           African American culture has been credited with the
birth of the blues, Negro spirituals and other musical genres. But
though born in the U.S., the cultural contributions of African Americans
did not end at the U.S. borders. Blacks have made their mark on
virtually every continent, particularly In the arts. Paris was a hot
spot for black writers and entertainers such as Josephine Baker, James
Baldwin, Richard Wright, Paul Roberson, James Weldon Johnson, and Langston
Hughes during the first half of the Twentieth Century.
           Like the British who came to America, looking for
freedom and opportunity, these artists left the comforts of their
homeland. In Europe, and especially in Paris, they found freedom?"the
freedom to be black, gay, nude or whatever they chose to be, without
judgment.
           Josephine Baker was the most famous black woman in
Parisian history. Known as one of the world's most versatile
entertainers, she performed on stage, screen and made many recordings.

Read more: Blacks In Paris