For POC Thinking of Leaving America For Good: Here Are Some Who Already Have

In a period of time where marginalized communities are being attacked from all sides, many are considering leaving the U.S. for good. I spoke with two POC who made the move.

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Last week, I wrote a piece about my desire as a Black woman to leave the United States for good. Between hate crimes, mass shootings, and the threat of every restrictive bill congress attempts to pass - I’m damn near done. 

I was not expecting this sentiment to resonate so deeply with so many. Following the initial piece, I received dozens of emails from people of color expressing parallel thoughts, and a few Black people who had already made the choice to leave. 

Reading all of the stories in both emails and comments opened my eyes to a whole new world of thought. It has been valuable to me, I wanted to share two stories from Black Americans who decided to make the move. 

Dr. Dwanda F. 

Belize

I left America July 20, 2021 and I'm not coming back! I have moved to Central America and am living in Placencia Belize.  I knew on January 6th my Black body was not safe in America and no one was going to protect me.  I had to get out! I AM my own protector and if I don't look out for me, no one will.  

All my life I worked hard to achieve the American Dream. I got an education (Ph.D.) trying to make myself good enough. I spoke articulately. I permed my hair and wore a weave for years. I never used drugs, never had children out of wedlock, and never did a crime. No matter what steps I’ve taken to be great (and there are many and I AM) America never lets me forget for one moment that I am Black and undeserving of basic human dignity.