The African American Homecoming
By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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A growing number of African Americans are choosing to leave the United States and move to African nations. This movement, often called “Blaxit” (The Inquirer), is driven by a desire for cultural connection, a sense of belonging, and a wish to escape systemic racism and political tensions in the United States. Many Black Americans are finding new homes in countries like Kenya and Ghana, seeking a deeper connection to their ancestral heritage and a life free from the challenges they face in the West.
This “reverse migration” is not just a physical move; it is a spiritual and emotional journey for many. It represents a conscious decision for personal liberation, a path that intellectuals and artists have historically taken (go.gale.com). Today, this trend includes people from various professions who can work remotely, making a new life in Africa more accessible than ever before (go.gale.com). Government programs, such as Ghana’s “Beyond the Return” campaign, and vocal proponents on social media have further fueled this immigration trend (go.gale.com).
Ghana’s Open Arms
Ghana has actively encouraged the return of the African diaspora through initiatives like the “Year of Return.” This program, launched in 2019, invited the African diaspora to reconnect with their roots (youtube.com). The “Year of Return” was spearheaded by Ghana’s then-president, Nana Akufo-Addo, with the primary goal of reconnecting the African diaspora with their ancestral homeland (newlinesmag.com). It aimed to foster a renewed sense of identity, belonging, and economic opportunity for people of African descent worldwide (newlinesmag.com).
This initiative was more than just a tourism campaign; it was a movement that encouraged African Americans to retrace their roots (newlinesmag.com). Beyond economic benefits, the initiative sought to deepen cultural ties, leading to collaborations in education, arts, and business (newlinesmag.com). It positioned Ghana as a gateway to Africa for those seeking reconnection (newlinesmag.com). Events like the Full Circle Festival brought influential diaspora figures to Ghana, amplifying its role (newlinesmag.com). As a result, hundreds of African Americans have heeded the call (voanews.com).
Ghana has granted citizenship to hundreds of African Americans (youtube.com). As of 2023, Ghana had granted citizenship to 524 people, primarily Black Americans, as part of its efforts to attract the diaspora (africanews.com). Over 1,000 African Americans now proudly call Ghana home, with some having left lives in the West to reconnect with their ancestral roots (youtube.com). According to the Diaspora Affairs Office of Ghana, at least 1,500 African Americans moved to the country between 2019 and 2023 (go.gale.com). This influx of people to Ghana is sparking debate amid tough economic times in the country (dw.com).
Seeking Belonging in Kenya
Many Black Americans are making Kenya their new home, seeking to escape systemic racism and find a deeper connection with their ancestral heritage (youtube.com). Individuals like Auston Holleman, an American YouTuber, have settled in Kenya, citing a feeling of social acceptance and safety (africanews.com). He describes a sense of “home” where people look similar to him (africanews.com). Holleman believes the social fabric in the US is “broken” and contrasts this with his experience in Nairobi, where he feels socially accepted (africanews.com).
The political environment in the US, particularly concerns about the impact of figures like Donald Trump on global tensions and the treatment of expats, is a contributing factor for some (africanews.com). Holleman expresses concern about Trump’s potential to create global tensions, making it harder for Americans to travel or live abroad (africanews.com). He worries that in the wrong country, the environment could become hostile for Americans, with people showing resentment towards them (africanews.com). This sentiment highlights a desire for stability and a more welcoming environment.
Understanding Systemic Racism
Systemic racism refers to the ways in which policies and practices embedded in societal institutions perpetuate racial inequality. For Black Americans, this often manifests as disparities in areas like housing, employment, and the justice system, leading many to seek respite abroad (capitalbnews.org).
Navigating the Journey Home
Relocation services are playing a crucial role in assisting African Americans with this “reverse migration.” Adilah Relocation Services, founded by Adilah Mohammad, helps clients with house hunting, furniture, banking, and medical services (africanews.com). Mohammad herself moved to Kenya for healing, four days after her mother’s funeral, and now advocates for others (africanews.com). She describes the choice to move to Africa as “magical” and a “spiritual calling,” emphasizing it as a conscious decision for personal liberation (africanews.com).
African Americans are forming new frontiers in Kenya, driven by a desire for a new beginning (dw.com). While Ghana is generally considered a safe and welcoming country for Black expats, potential challenges for newcomers include land disputes and varying perspectives within the Black community itself regarding the “right” to return “home” (artenoir.org). Despite these concerns, including a wave of extreme anti-L.G.B.T.Q. policies across the continent, Black Americans continue to make the move (go.gale.com). Connecting with other Black expatriates through social media groups can provide valuable insights into local culture, cost of living, and best cities to live in, helping to navigate some of these challenges (expatlifeghana.com).
African American Migration to Ghana (2019-2023)
Implications for Nations
This “reverse migration” has significant implications for both the United States and African economies. Public policy expert Raphael Obonyo states that the departure of citizens represents a loss for the US, including talent, resources, and the narrative of America as the “land of dreams” (africanews.com). He suggests that perceived cuts in diversity programs in the US have contributed to some individuals feeling less settled (africanews.com). This trend challenges the long-held idea of America as a place of endless opportunity and social cohesion (africanews.com).
African economies are likely to benefit from these moves, particularly if they can address corruption and create a healthy environment for investors (africanews.com). However, African countries will need to prove their stability to retain these new residents (africanews.com). While comprehensive statistics across all African countries are not readily available, the trend in Ghana suggests a significant movement (go.gale.com). This trend is influenced by factors such as social transformation, which has a greater impact on migration than migration has on social transformation, except for higher educational attainment and improved household income (mdpi.com).
The Deeper Meaning of Home
The decision to relocate to Africa is deeply personal and often rooted in a desire for a sense of belonging that many African Americans feel is missing in the United States. The phrase “it just feels good to have a connection to an African country as an African-American, as a Black American” captures this sentiment (kbindependent.org). For many, America does not offer a clear trace to their roots, making Africa a powerful place to reconnect with their heritage (kbindependent.org). This connection provides a feeling of having done “something right” (kbindependent.org).
The concept of “home” extends beyond a physical location; it encompasses a feeling of acceptance and cultural resonance. The “Blaxit” movement, a play on “Brexit,” signifies an exodus of Black Americans to Africa (The Inquirer). This movement is fueled by a desire for a place where one feels truly seen and valued, free from the constant burden of systemic racism. The idea of a “spiritual calling” to Africa highlights the profound emotional and ancestral pull that many feel (africanews.com).
Key Motivations for “Blaxit”
Desire for cultural connection and ancestral roots.
Seeking a sense of belonging and acceptance.
Escape from systemic racism and discrimination.
Concerns about political tensions in the United States.
Spiritual calling and personal liberation.
Opportunity for a new beginning and fresh start.
Looking Ahead
The ongoing “reverse migration” of African Americans to African countries is a complex phenomenon with far-reaching implications. It highlights a profound search for identity, belonging, and freedom from racial oppression. While African nations stand to gain from the influx of talent and resources, they also face the challenge of ensuring stability and creating environments that truly welcome and integrate these new residents.
For the United States, this trend represents a loss of valuable citizens and a challenge to its narrative as a land of opportunity for all. The experiences of individuals like Auston Holleman and Adilah Mohammad underscore the deeply personal and transformative nature of this journey. As more African Americans consider making this move, the dialogue around systemic racism, national identity, and the meaning of “home” will continue to evolve on both sides of the Atlantic.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.
