Interview with Ricki Stevenson CEO of Black Paris Tour
Interview with Ricki Stevenson, CEO of Black Paris Tour
In this episode of T.E.R.I. Talks, Teri Dawn Marshall sits down with Ricki Stevenson, a renowned journalist and founder of Black Paris Tour.
They discuss Stevenson's extraordinary journey from Oakland to Paris, her rich heritage, pivotal moments that influenced her move, and her deep passion for sharing African American history in Paris.
Ricki recounts her early inspirations, such as meeting Josephine Baker and James Baldwin, her formative educational experiences, and the challenges and triumphs of living as an expat in France. The conversation also delves into the cultural nuances of living abroad, memorable interactions with notable figures, and the essential practices aspiring expats should adopt.
This episode is rich with personal anecdotes, historical insights, and practical advice for those considering an expatriate lifestyle.
00:00 Introduction to T.E.R.I. Talks
00:38 Meet Ricki Stevenson
02:01 Ricki's Early Influences and Family History
04:20 A Lifelong Dream of Paris
05:53 Educational and Professional Journey
11:47 Experiences in Journalism
18:45 Cultural Adaptation and Moving to Paris
25:08 Unexpected Welcome on Arrival
26:37 Settling into Parisian Life
29:26 The Birth of Black Paris Tours
35:04 Cultural Insights and Misunderstandings
40:13 Memorable Accomplishments and Recognition
47:01 Final Thoughts and Advice
Website: https://teritalkspodcast.com
Email: teridawn@teritalks.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/teritalkspodcast
Ricki Stevenson
CEO, Black Paris Tour
Ricki Stevenson, known as the Bay Area's Ambassador to Paris, was born in Oakland, CA. Her mother, raised in Denver, was a former professional dancer, who at one time danced with Louis Armstrong's Band, while her Father, from Oklahoma, was a singer before joining the Navy and meeting his wife in San Francisco during the Korean War.
At age 3 Ricki's Mom took her to see Josephine Baker perform in Los Angeles. 7 years later her parents took her to hear James Baldwin read from his book, THE FIRE NEXT TIME on Stanford campus.
From then on, there were two things Ricki dreamed of:
1. Becoming a broadcast journalist to tell "our side of the story.
2. To one day live and work in Paris
Ricki has lived those dreams, starting with a 25 year career in radio and television that began with her working with Oprah Winfrey in Nashville, TN, then to NYC where she anchored rationally broadcast radio news for National Black Network, while serving as a United Nations correspondent and the producer of "Black Issues and the Black Press." After 7 years in NYC, Ricki returned to the Bay Area anchoring news at KCBS radio in San Francisco. Then the switch to television as a Silicon Valley business reporter with "Business Today" nationally seen on Business News Network.
With marriage and a child, she lived the fascinating life of a trailing wife in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, before returning to the US and becoming the first Black woman hired as an international travel reporter by the San Francisco based News… Read More