Black Expats Seek Better Lives Abroad in Growing 'Blaxit' Trend
Black expats are increasingly leaving the U.S. and Europe, seeking better lives elsewhere. This trend, known as Blaxit, sees individuals and families relocating for affordable healthcare, lower living costs, and to escape systematic racism. We look at some stories of Black expats finding new homes and success abroad.
Sherry T, originally from Dallas, now calls Hurghada, Egypt home. She balances full-time studies with running a part-time social media company. Meanwhile, Leslie W. Stewart, IV, and his family of five enjoy a safe, beachside life in Nicaragua. Stewart, a Brooklyn-native, stayed in Nicaragua after his Peace Corps assignment, founding the real estate company Invest Nicaragua.
Social media groups for Black expats, like Kamra Clemons' AfroFlavors in Lisbon, Portugal, connect thousands worldwide. Popular destinations include Ghana, Senegal, and even Portugal. Stewart measures success by family joy and helping others through his business. He's part of an estimated 4 to 5 million Americans living abroad, with more Black Americans considering Blaxit. Growing destinations include Tanzania, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and parts of North America like Belize.
Blaxit reflects a global trend of Black expats seeking better lives abroad. With affordable healthcare, lower living costs, and cultural connections, countries like Tanzania, Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica are gaining popularity. As more Black Americans explore these opportunities, the Blaxit movement continues to grow.
