NYC Gazette

Pamela Newkirk, professor of journalism at New York University, is researching the enduring influence of Black Americans in Paris for her book "Exalted: Black and American in the City of Light." Her work is funded by a Global Research Initiative Fellowship and involves exploring Paris to uncover the contributions of Black Americans to the city. "Every day I see signs of the African American presence," Newkirk observes, highlighting the visibility of African American culture in Paris.

During her research, Newkirk has visited various historical sites and archives. She notes, “It’s ubiquitous, but you have to be here to actually see how prominent it is.” Her exploration began with inspiration from a 2022 research trip and seeks to discover whether the influence of Black Americans in Paris resonates in contemporary times. "It was more than I expected," she states.

Part of her research involves finding archives and artifacts that document the history of African Americans in Paris, from notable figures like Josephine Baker, James Baldwin, and the first Black fighter pilot Eugene Bullard, to lesser-known individuals. “I’m specifically looking for images documenting 100 years of African Americans in Paris," says Newkirk. "You start out with something in mind, and then you go down a rabbit hole because there are all these things you didn’t expect.”

The presence of Black Americans in Paris is reflected in elements such as metro stops named after African American icons and events like the Paris Noir exhibition at the Pompidou Center. Newkirk’s research also focuses on the current cultural landscape. "She’s an African American from Philadelphia who has rarely gotten this kind of recognition in the US," Newkirk mentions about Barbara Chase-Riboud, a noted artist whose work is being showcased in Paris.

Newkirk attributes her passion for Black history to her upbringing in New York, surrounded by Black memorabilia collected by her father. This passion is evident in her career, which includes significant reporting and writing on African American history and representation.

Her current book project intertwines journalism and history, both of which she sees as integral parts of her career. “I love research, especially archival research," says Newkirk, emphasizing the importance of historical exploration in her work.