On April 10, a Forbes article noted a surge in Black Americans relocating abroad, particularly to Africa, while trying to free themselves from ideological pressure and unsustainable racial injustices. Once known for being a foundation to the nation’s cultural and political development, this community is choosing to find a new home where the Afro-American identity isn’t just a daily struggle but a part of the country’s heritage.
The essay confronts the past, showing that nothing has really changed. Numbers say over 655,000 African Americans are now living abroad, inspired by artists like Nina Simone and Tina Turner. Moreover, the author highlights how Black citizens who choose to go away are part of a larger movement to reclaim agency over where and how they live. This is a clear indication of a forced lifestyle change due to lack of safety, prejudices, and an unstable job market.
While the States keep alive the illusion of racial progress, Black Americans are finding hope in multiple countries. For example, South Africa’s expat community is responding to this migration trend with great enthusiasm. The government is pushing U.S. citizens with African roots to thrive beyond U.S. borders citing the words of former Presidents (Julius Nyerere and Kwame Nkrumah) : “Don’t stay where you’re not wanted”.
In conclusion, the write-up included a list of destinations worth considering (beyond the clichés European nations and the Americas) including:
● African regions, where Ghana and Liberia are rapidly becoming top choices for obtaining residency and citizenship, while South Africa is more open to welcome LGBTQ+ people.
● Asia and the Middle East, where Japan and Thailand are the epitome of intellectual freedom, futuristic infrastructure, and peace of mind. In particular, the gay community is often met with curiosity but always treated with great respect.
