Last week, the French Consulate in San Francisco kicked off Le Mois de la Francophonie, a month-long celebration highlighting the richness and global impact of the French language (expected to reach 750 million speakers by 2050), at a launch event gathering leaders of the French-American cultural community in the Bay Area.
As part of this initiative, the Consulate introduced a new interactive map showcasing French-speaking events organized by local nonprofits, Alliances Françaises, and international schools throughout the region.
Hosted at Bissap Baobab, a Francophone landmark owned by Marco Senghor, nephew of prominent Senegalese politician Léopold Senghor, the launch event featured a panel discussion titled Cultural Crossroads: How Global Diasporas Contribute to the Future of the French Language.
The three panelists, who have incorporated French into their creative work and contributed to strengthening the Francophone identity in the region, each embody Francophonie in their respective fields: literature, fashion, and academia:
- Isabelle Pelaud, Professor at San Francisco State University, Executive Director of the Diasporic Vietnamese Artists Network (DVAN), and author, shared how her French heritage shaped her academic and professional journey, particularly in Vietnamese studies and fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
- Shirin Hashem, Fashion Industry Leader and Founder of the award-winning SF Fashion Community Week, spoke about her experience working with French designers and how she challenged traditional French fashion norms by introducing the See Now, Wear Now, Buy Now concept.
- The moderator, Jan Mabry, Emmy Award-winning director, producer, and screenwriter, and host on KPIX/KBCW, CBS San Francisco/Bay Area (who has lived in France for over a decade) reflected on the role of French literature, particularly the Négritude movement, in shaping her personal and professional path.
The panelists discussed how French serves as both a creative force and a cultural bridge, particularly within diasporic communities. They highlighted key initiatives such as literary translations, cross-border artistic collaborations, and mentorship programs in fashion that keep the language and culture alive globally.
The evening concluded with performances by Francophone artists, Jesse Sahbi from Ivory Coast and Jane for Tea from France, reinforcing the celebration of Francophonie through music, literature, and gastronomy.
For more Francophone festivities, don’t miss the upcoming French-American Cultural Days co-organized by the French Consulate and the French-American Cultural Society at the Lycée Français de San Francisco this Saturday March 15, promising a full day of French culture and arts!
