Paula Charles:
A Journey of Passion, Expression, and Activism

Born in 1956 at Park Royal Hospital in London, Paula Charles began a life that would be defined by courage, heartbreak, tenacity, creative expression, and a relentless pursuit of justice. At the tender age of five, Paula moved to the idyllic Caribbean Island of St. Lucia, where she was raised by her beloved grandmother, a woman who would have a lasting impact on her life.

On the 5^th of May 1978, at the age of 21, Paula’s life took a dramatic turn when she moved to Switzerland. Her first job would be as a go-go dancer. In her 20s Paula lived a transient existence, never staying in one place for more than two weeks, hauling her pots, pans, clothes, in suitcases and heavy bags from one place to the next. Her dynamic presence caught the eye of many, leading to chance encounters, including an unforgettable conversation with a gentleman in an expensive nightclub that would change her life’s trajectory.

Driven by an intense need to express her thoughts and confront her experiences, Paula was motivated by her then boyfriend to write professionally. This was in 1988 and she’s never looked back since. These stories and articles became the foundation of her writing career, where she could pour out her frustrations, particularly about the treatment of Black people in European, and more specifically, Swiss society. Writing was her means to see herself more clearly and to confront the challenges she faced.

Her talent for writing soon found an audience beyond her personal circle. The work of Paula Charles was first published in 1990 in a feminist magazine, where she wrote small articles that resonated with many. Armed with her trusty Olivetti typewriter, she continued to explore her voice and share her stories. By the time she turned 32, Paula had established herself as a powerful voice in the literary world, with three books and numerous articles to her name.

Paula’s contributions extended beyond the written word. She became a community activist,deeply involved in advocating for the rights and recognition of marginalized groups. Her columns at the Rote Fabrik, a cultural center in Zurich, were known for their incisive critiques and passionate calls for change, focusing on issues of race, identity, and social justice.

Today, Paula Charles still resides in Zurich, where she continues to write, practice, and teach yoga, infusing her classes with the same energy and spirit that define her activism and her writing. Her journey from London to St. Lucia to Switzerland, from a go-go dancer to a respected writer and activist, is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to making the world a more just and inclusive place.