Escape the Ordinary: Why More Black Americans Are Moving Abroad (and the Top 8 Destinations They're Choosing)
There is a huge trend of of Black Americans choosing to leave the US and build new lives overseas? Google searches, social media groups, and even reality TV shows like Coming from America have shown the rise in popularity on leaving the US and moving abroad, and what its like living in a new country as a Black American. If you have you ever found yourself wondering if a different chapter and a new landscape, might offer a greater sense of peace, opportunity, or belonging, you're not alone.
The idea of packing up and moving to a foreign country might seem daunting, but for an increasing number of Black Americans, it's becoming a compelling reality. The reasons for this growing interest in relocating are diverse and deeply personal, ranging from seeking more affordable living and better career prospects to desiring a greater sense of community and freedom from the racial challenges that can permeate life in the United States. This blog post will delve into top countries that have emerged as particularly welcoming and appealing destinations for Black Americans seeking a fresh start.
For many Black Americans, the decision to consider moving abroad isn't taken lightly. It often stems from a desire to navigate and potentially escape the persistent realities of systemic racism and social inequality that can impact various aspects of life in the U.S. From microaggressions and overt discrimination to disparities in housing, employment, and the justice system, these challenges can create a sense of frustration, exhaustion, and a yearning for a different lived experience. The emotional toll of constantly navigating these societal structures can be significant, leading individuals and families to explore environments where they might feel more seen, valued, and safe. The desire for a society that offers a greater sense of belonging and where their race is not a constant barrier can be a powerful motivator for seeking opportunities abroad.
So, where are Black Americans finding these more welcoming shores? Based on anecdotal evidence, community reports, and growing online discussions, here are eight countries that consistently appear as top choices, along with some of the key factors contributing to their appeal:
Top 8 countries for Black Americans to Move Abroad
1. Ghana
Often cited as a spiritual and ancestral homecoming, Ghana holds deep historical significance for the African diaspora. The "Year of Return" in 2019 and subsequent "Beyond the Return" initiative have actively encouraged people of African descent to visit, invest, and even relocate to Ghana.
Cultural Factors: A rich and vibrant African culture, a strong sense of community, and a growing recognition of the contributions of the diaspora. The welcoming nature of Ghanaians and the shared heritage can create a powerful sense of belonging.
Economic Factors: While still developing, Ghana offers a lower cost of living compared to many Western countries and increasing opportunities in sectors like tourism, technology, and agriculture.
Social Factors: A predominantly Black population can offer a respite from the racial dynamics experienced in the U.S. While not without its own challenges, many Black expats report feeling a greater sense of ease and acceptance.
2. Mexico
Offering geographical proximity and diverse cultural experiences, Mexico has become an increasingly attractive option for Black Americans, particularly those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle and affordable living.
Cultural Factors: A vibrant and welcoming culture with a rich history. While racial dynamics exist, many Black expats find communities where they are embraced for who they are. Coastal towns and larger cities often have established expat communities.
Economic Factors: A significantly lower cost of living, particularly outside of major tourist hubs. Opportunities exist in tourism, teaching English, and remote work.
Social Factors: While experiences can vary by region, many Black expats report finding friendly and accepting communities. The diversity within Mexico also means that experiences with race can differ significantly from those in the U.S. It’s also close enough to the U.S, so easy to go back and forth to visit family or have them come out to see you.
3. Portugal
With its stunning scenery, rich history, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to other Western European nations, Portugal has gained popularity among Black Americans seeking a European lifestyle.
Cultural Factors: A generally welcoming culture with a growing awareness of diversity. While not a majority-Black country, Portugal has a history of African influence and a more nuanced approach to race for some expats.
Economic Factors: A lower cost of living than many other Western European countries, and a growing economy with opportunities in tourism, technology, and renewable energy. The Digital Nomad Visa has also made it an attractive option for remote workers.
Social Factors: Many Black expats report positive experiences with locals and a feeling of safety. The slower pace of life and beautiful environment contribute to a higher quality of life for many.
4. Canada
Sharing a border with the U.S. and boasting multicultural cities and a reputation for inclusivity, Canada is a natural choice for some Black Americans seeking a different social and political climate.
Cultural Factors: Officially a multicultural society with diverse communities. Major cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver have significant Black populations and vibrant cultural scenes.
Economic Factors: A stable economy with opportunities in various sectors. While the cost of living in major cities can be high, it can be more affordable in other regions.
Social Factors: While racism exists in Canada, many Black Americans report a different social dynamic than in the U.S., often citing a greater emphasis on multiculturalism and inclusivity in public discourse and policy.
5. Colombia
Known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and relatively affordable cost of living, Colombia has been gaining traction as a destination for Black Americans seeking a dynamic and welcoming environment.
Cultural Factors: A rich and diverse culture with significant Afro-Colombian communities, particularly along the coasts. This can create a sense of familiarity and connection for Black expats. The warmth and friendliness of Colombians are often highlighted.
Economic Factors: A lower cost of living than the U.S., with opportunities in tourism, agriculture, and emerging tech sectors. Cities like Medellín and Bogotá are becoming hubs for digital nomads.
Social Factors: While racial dynamics exist, the presence of significant Afro-Colombian populations can lead to a different experience with race for some Black expats, fostering a sense of shared identity and community.
6. Rwanda
This East African nation has made remarkable progress in its development and is increasingly seen as a safe and forward-thinking country with a growing economy.
Cultural Factors: A rich and unified Rwandan culture with a strong sense of national pride. While the history is complex, the focus on progress and unity can be appealing.
Economic Factors: A rapidly growing economy with increasing opportunities in technology, tourism, and agriculture. The government's focus on development and innovation is attracting international attention.
Social Factors: While predominantly Black, the social dynamics are distinct from the U.S. Many expats report feeling safe and welcomed, appreciating the focus on community and national development.
7. Panama
With its strategic location, stable economy, and relatively easy visa processes, Panama offers a blend of modern amenities and tropical living that appeals to many seeking a change.
Cultural Factors: A diverse culture with influences from Latin America, the Caribbean, and North America. There are established Afro-Panamanian communities, particularly in areas like Bocas del Toro.
Economic Factors: A dollarized economy, making financial transactions straightforward. Opportunities exist in tourism, finance, and logistics due to the Panama Canal. The cost of living can vary depending on location.
Social Factors: The presence of diverse communities can create a welcoming environment for Black expats. The relaxed pace of life and beautiful natural surroundings are also significant draws.
8. Senegal
Located in West Africa, Senegal offers a rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and a strong sense of community. It can be an appealing destination for those seeking a deeper connection to the African continent.
Cultural Factors: A vibrant culture with a strong emphasis on hospitality ("teranga"). The rich history, music, and art are significant attractions. French is the official language, but English is increasingly spoken in tourist areas.
Economic Factors: A developing economy with opportunities in fishing, agriculture, and tourism. The cost of living is generally lower than in many Western countries.
Social Factors: As a predominantly Black nation, Senegal offers a different social dynamic. The strong sense of community and the welcoming nature of Senegalese people are often highlighted by expats. Just be sure to learn French, because you will need it!
Moving abroad is a significant decision, but for a growing number of Black Americans, the potential benefits – including a greater sense of belonging, new opportunities, and diverse cultural experiences – are proving to be powerful motivators. While each of the countries highlighted presents its own unique set of circumstances and it's crucial to conduct thorough research, they offer compelling reasons why they are becoming increasingly popular choices for those seeking a new chapter overseas.
Have you ever considered packing your bags and exploring life in another country? What are your thoughts or concerns about moving abroad as a Black American? Which of these destinations sparks your interest the most? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below! 👇
Top 8 countries for Black Americans to Move Abroad
Ghana
Mexico
Portugal
Canada
Colombia
Rwanda
Panama
Senegal
Read more content on travel and moving abroad!
6 Ways I Will Never Be the Same After Moving Internationally
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6 Ways I Will Never Be the Same After Moving Internationally
Happy New Year! It has been almost exactly 18 months since I moved out of the USA and I have learned so much in my experiences as an expat. While I currently live in Lebanon, this isn’t my first time living abroad. I have spent a few years living in Italy as well. If you want to learn more about my life in Italy, be sure to watch this videos on my YouTube channel!
I recently watched a video recently on TFD, one of my favorite YouTube channels, and it was about how Chelsea’s experience living in France changed some of her daily habits and it really got me thinking. I realized that after counting up the time I spent living in Italy and living in Lebanon, I have spent 5 years of my adult life out of the USA, and both stretches have been in the formative years of my mid 20’s and now mid 30’s.
The time I spent in foreign countries was punctuated by graduate school, my first job heading a major project and really being in charge, learning languages, having a destination wedding and building a global life with my husband.
It has definitely been quite a ride, so here are 6 ways I have permanently changed after living abroad.
6 Ways I Will Never Be the Same After Moving Internationally
I Take a Lunch Break
I’m from New York city, so the earlier years of my career were spent ordering lunch, doing a mad grab from reception, then eating with one hand while continuing to type with the other. But after I moved to Italy it was a whole new ball game.
My entire team and I would walk out for lunch, grab an outdoor table and sit down for a multiple course lunch - sometimes with wine! We were usually gone for at least an hour, sometimes an hour and a half every day of the week and guess what. Projects still got done, deadlines still got met, the entire company didn’t fall apart because the team decided not to scarf sad salads at their desk.
While it may be hard to push back on the kind of American corporate culture that normalizes intense work hours with little to no breaks during the day, try to experiment just a little bit. Assuming you’re back in the office every day, start slowly breaking the sad lunch desk habit at least twice a week. You will come back feeling recharged, relaxed and ready to be more productive the rest of the day.
I take all of my vacation days
I say this all the time, but one of the best things about living abroad is the ease of travel. Whether it’s by plane, train or road trip, everything suddenly is so much closer and more accessible once you leave the USA. Long weekend escapes are common, but so are 3 week long summer vacations where the office essentially closes and everyone goes on a beach vacation.
Unfortunately the average American only has 10 days vacation and some companies still have draconian policies about how you can accrue your vacation days and how many can be used in one stretch. But I make it a point to use every single vacation day available. The only reason I think it’s legit to keep some days in a calendar year is if the company lets you roll your accrued vacation days into the next year and you want to save them for a longer trip. And on another note, if you have sick days that you never use, give yourself a break!
Sick days exist for a reason, and if you are feeling under the weather it is within your right to use them. Too many of us feel the need to haul ass to the office while sneezing and coughing our lungs out, or even just being on the mend. Don’t be a hero, give yourself a break and call out, even if you just rest up on your couch or take a mental health day out of the office.
I am more careful about my spending
Some of the habits that I’ve picked up in Lebanon in particular will always stay with me, and one of them is carefully monitoring my spending. Lebanon is a cash economy - because of everything happening with the economy and local currency credit card use here is nonexistent. Everyone goes out at all times with a fat stack of cash and because of that I am so much more cognizant of my spending.
If I’m out at dinner I choose my entrée carefully and do a mental count of the cash in my wallet versus the cost of a second drink or dessert because I have to physically have the cash to cover my meal and anything else I did before dinner or planned to do after. While it can be an inconvenience to have to plan so carefully - not because you can’t afford it but simply because swiping a card isn’t an option, it does help keep my spending curbed because racking up credit card debt is simply not an option.
And yes there have been many times where I have changed social plans because I didn’t get to take money out before it was too late or found my stack of cash running low. There is also very little spontaneity - walk by a store and want to buy a cute dress - too bad. Overspent earlier in the day and found out all your friends are heading to your favorite bar later? Not you. But I do love that most stores are really flexible with holding items because they know everyone in the country is in the same boat.
I socialize in ways that don’t just revolve around eating or drinking
In the US most of my social plans revolved around brunches, dinners, and bar hopping, but since I’ve been an expat I spend more of my weekends doing cultural or physical activities. When you first move abroad it can definitely feel like an extended vacation, and all of the things you might pack into a few day trip, you tend to spread out over time. You definitely want to get to them, but you know that you have time.
So a lot of my socializing has started to revolve around sightseeing, museums, touristic or cultural activities, day trips, or even things like hiking or going on a long random walk around the city.
I have a more relaxed approach to beauty
Back at home I had my regular favorite salon and stuck to my regimen and favorite places like clockwork. But living abroad and bouncing between countries forces you to take your chances at new places, or figure out ways to do it yourself. I have experimented with cuts and color in Lebanon, getting sew in weaves in Paris and learned how to perfect a lot of my hair styling and updos for formal events that popped up here and there.
Bouncing around countries means a willingness to relax whatever standards of beauty you may have held yourself too, especially when it comes to blending in. Now, women in Lebanon definitely get glam, like even beyond glam. So I have plenty of opportunities to get dressed up and done up. But some of my other expat friends live in places where it’s not culturally acceptable to go out in a full face of makeup complete with lashes and perfectly coiffed hair just for a grocery run. Take your approach from the locals in the country you are living in, and don’t overthink not having access to your favorite salons or treatments at home.
I am always prepared to leave
And last but not least on a sad note, living as an expat is an amazing experience, but one that is not without its fair share of instability. So considering that one thing that expat life has permanently changed for me is the fact that I am always ready to leave. The last few years have turned the world upside down, and with increased political, economic, and environmental instability - I am always ready to dip at a moment’s notice. That means always having the funds available to book a last minute plane ticket and a plan for where I would go in an emergency.
For example, if shit ever really hit the fan in Beirut, I know that while there are very few daily flights to the US, there are about anywhere from 6-10 daily flights to cities like Istanbul, Paris, Doha, and Frankfurt, so even if I can’t get home, I can definitely get somewhere else.
I am a huge fan of the go bag - an emergency grab it and run backpack, but I also always keep a carry-on suitcase halfway packed with some basics so I could actually properly pack it in just a few minutes. Give some thought to how you have prepared yourself for an emergency or evacuation. It’s the very unsexy part of traveling and living abroad, but the kind of planning that could potentially save your lives.
6 Ways I Will Never Be the Same After Moving Internationally
I Take a Lunch Break
I take all of my vacation days
I am more careful about my spending
I socialize in ways that don’t just revolve around eating or drinking
I have a more relaxed approach to beauty
I am always prepared to leave
Check out more of my travel posts!
11 Things to Do Before You Move Abroad
https://www.malikahkelly.com/blog/2021/8/20/moving-abroad-tips
#LifeOnAPlane! 4 Ways for the Frequent Traveler to Stay Sane
https://www.malikahkelly.com/blog/2019/11/5/travel-tips-for-frequent-travelers
4 Easy Ways to Look Effortlessly Chic when Traveling
https://www.malikahkelly.com/blog/2019/10/13/4-travel-in-style
So I Moved to Lebanon
It’s been ages since I posted, I know! Things have been pretty busy with everything going on, and it also prompted me to take a much needed digital break.
But in case you don’t follow me on Instagram or YouTube, here is what you missed!
I moved to Beirut, Lebanon.
Lebanon is a stunning country on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It has a rich culture and history, incredible food, and beautiful scenery. It is unfortunately now suffering through multiple crises, from an economic crisis and hyperinflation to a shortage of essential goods, like fuel and basic medications. Despite the struggles, I have fallen in love with life here and all the potential this place has to offer.
Keep reading for some FAQ’s about my life as an expat in Lebanon.
What made you decide to move to Lebanon
This is the big one! The timing of the move was unexpected considering everything happening in the country, but we are making the best of it. The main reason for the move was a big job opportunity for my husband that we just couldn’t turn down. We are both people that love to travel and we have both lived abroad before, so this was a step that made sense for us, and I knew that we would likely move abroad together at some point in our relationship. Lebanon was not one of the places we imagined ourselves living, but we also knew that it would be an incredible experience for us both. We almost backtracked on the decision in the aftermath of the devastating port explosion on August 4th, 2020. We began to question whether we should still make the move, but we took a leap of faith and are overjoyed with our decision so far.
What are some things you love about Lebanon?
We moved over the summer, and it was the best time. The beaches are incredible and very few things beat watching the sunsets on the Mediterranean. I also love the Beirut beach club scene – they are all little private beach or pool clubs that have a different vibe – from pure relaxation to full blown parties. I have even fallen in love with nightlife again! In the US I stopped clubbing years ago, but it’s just a whole different ball game here. There is also a great beach scene, with private clubs that all have a different vibe.
Even the food and dining are remarkable, and even though I have never been a big fan of gin, the local distilleries have made me do a complete 180! I’ve only been here a few months I have already had so many unique experiences.
What about everything we hear on the news about Lebanon?
Well yea a lot of that is true.
It’s a long and complicated situation that cannot be adequately explained in this post, but conditions in the country began to rapidly deteriorate after the port explosion in 2020. Lebanon is currently experiencing one of the most devastating financial crisis ever seen. The Lebanese Lira has lost 90% of its value, many local businesses no longer take credit cards because of the collapse of the banking system. The price for goods and services are in a constant state of fluctuation. The Lebanese government resigned in the wake of the port explosion last year, and the country has had severe infrastructure issues since then. There are shortages of everything from fuel to medications, constant blackouts and issues with plumping and water quality. Almost everyone relies on private fuel run generators for power which are extremely expensive considering wages in the country.
And as much as I love the super fresh food, things go bad fast and food poisoning/food borne illnesses are extremely common, especially in the summer.
The mood has gotten more and more tense as the economic issues worsen and no one can predict what will happen over the course of the next few months. But all I can tell you is that we are safe and staying prepared.
So what’s next for this chapter in your life?
I’m not sure but am taking it day by day. The opportunity to move to a new country and the end of the year are the perfect time to really consider life’s changing directions and how to adjust. I have found myself moving more slowly and with more consideration, less focused on hustling and more focused just on living. But I am happily working in a new job and rebranding my business to more adequately reflect where I am in life right now.
And if you want to keep up, please follow me on Instagram @whereismalikah and on my brand-new YouTube channel for a look at this new chapter in my life and how it continues to evolve.
