SkyDive: A Black Cosmopolitan’s Story in Sound

Abstract

This is a part of my story from my time as a freshman and junior in Paris, France. I was deeply involved in the youth community and aimed to explore new dimensions of myself and the city. Through trial and error, I put together a narrative of what it’s like to be thrown into a new city without any bearings. Through the music I share, I hope to bring new elements to the experience of a young international student. In my case, I am a Black American in Paris, seeking to discover my identity away from what I know in America. I experienced what racism looks like when it’s not systematically targeted at you. I also felt tension as an American, given that my country’s president at the time was promoting a narrative that did not align with French standards. Despite this, I met amazing people who allowed me to create music and tell stories in all the cities I’ve lived in, from Phoenix to Paris to New York City.