In a movement dubbed “Blaxit,” a growing number of Black Americans are finding refuge and opportunity in Africa, leaving behind the racism and discrimination they faced in the United States.
Driven by the racial reckoning sparked by the murder of George Floyd and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals like Jes’ka Washington, Shoshana Kirya-Ziraba, and Mark and Marlene Bradley are embracing new lives on the African continent.
For Jes’ka Washington, relocating to Rwanda in 2020 offered more than just a change of scenery, reports The New York Times.
Living in a six-bedroom house with avocado trees and running a rabbit farm, Washington found solace in a community free from the burden of racial prejudice.
Similarly, Shoshana Kirya-Ziraba and her husband built a home on family farmland in Uganda, surrounded by goats, turkeys, and chickens, escaping the racial and religious tensions they experienced in the United States.
The Bradleys, now settled in Zanzibar, describe their move as a “load off their shoulders,” relishing the safety and acceptance they find in their new community. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture, these individuals are finding fulfillment and empowerment in Africa.
This migration trend is not solely about economic opportunity but also about reclaiming ancestral connections and a sense of belonging. With the rise of remote work opportunities, more Black Americans are choosing to make Africa their home, drawn by government initiatives like Sierra Leone’s citizenship pathway and Ghana’s Beyond the Return campaign.
However, this exodus is not without its challenges. Anti-LGBTQ sentiment is prevalent across the continent, posing a threat to LGBTQ individuals seeking refuge.
Yet, despite these obstacles, many Black Americans remain undeterred, driven by a desire for a life free from systemic racism and discrimination.
While Africa offers promise and opportunity for some, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Adwoa Yeboah Asantewaa Davis warns that the trauma of discrimination doesn’t disappear with a change of scenery, and some find themselves grappling with feelings of alienation and otherness. For others, the daily stresses of life in Africa lead them back to the United States.
As the Blaxit movement gains momentum, it serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of systemic racism and the resilience of those seeking a better life.
Africa may not be the answer for everyone, but for those who make the journey, it represents a chance for acceptance, opportunity, and a new beginning.
