Where Can My Black Ass Go? You Might Ask.
A review of the world.
Welcome to This Black-Ass Life! This week, apropos of nothing at all really, we wanted to explore places outside the U.S. where Black-ass people in America might consider living.
l. The Facts
Are you thinking of relocating somewhere? anywhere? else? Scrolling articles like these? We’ve made you a sort of pros and cons list of frequently mentioned destinations:
The Caribbean of the Great North, Canada, has some fabulous eats in Toronto, beautiful nature, and Caribana. There’s also not so fabulous accents. And… racism.
The UK Blacks seem to be having a good time, but you gotta listen to British rap aka someone yelling at you for no damn reason music (shots fired but our cousins across the pond even parody their own rap). Also, rampant brushed-under-the-rug racism.
Nigeria is full of beautiful Black people and Afrobeat, but climate change is disappearing West Africa’s coastal cities at an alarming rate so maybe you get 5-10 years-ish?
Speaking of Africa, the continent has the best barbeque, the most gorgeous landscapes, the world’s most fashionable people, and… anti-black racism and xenophobia. Looking at you Kenya, Tunisia, South Africa, and unfortunately many more.
In Jamaica, you can find great oxtail, dancehall, climate, writing, people, and…. homophobic policies. Check out the work of J-FLAG and this spotlight on Jamaican literature.
This village in Italy is selling houses for 1 Euro. Did people shout “Abyssinian” at me (Mitu) everywhere I walked in Italy as I tried to do my best Under the Tuscan Sun impression because country-wide racism is a thing? Sure!
You can go to Mexico and access amazing food, generously friendly people (especially given their rude upstairs neighbor), telenovelas, and a good exchange rate on the U.S. dollar. You absolutely should not move there and be like the digital nomads driving up costs for locals in Mexico City. It’s colonizer behavior, don’t do it!
Why does it matter?
We were in a silly goofy mood like Shemar when we made this list, but we do want to call out that the country we currently live in is a mess and that sucks.
Our path to safety and freedom is fraught, and while a blue (or similar) passport, money, an “acceptable body” (shout out to ableist migration policies), and a whole host of other privileges, might be at some of our disposals, the truth is, there is no country for Black people to be absolutely safe and well-resourced. And in moments like the one we are in now, what a truly heartbreaking reality.
Black people deserve to feel safe and supported wherever we are.
What can my Black ass do?
There simply isn’t a magical place in the world that is perfect for everyone, especially for Black people with intersecting identities. Whether you are in the U.S. or elsewhere, we hope you take the time you need to care for yourself, learn how to show up for your people, and apply that learning to take action for yourself and your community in a way that moves you.
I (Jumoke) currently have my head in the sand, have my nose in books, and I’m eating my weight in ice cream. I recommend it.
II. Other Things
Black-ass happenings.
The Wiz cast did a Tiny Desk. Voices of angels.
A closer look at Serena Williams’ fabulous fits at the Espys.
The Braxtons are coming back to TV on August 9.
Viola Davis and James Patterson are writing a book together.
On Angel Reese’s record-breaking season.
Denzel Washington dazzles in the Gladiator II trailer.
He also dazzled on a FaceTime with Lenny Kravitz mid Kravitz’s performance.
Sha’Carri and family looked stunning in Vogue.
Our Black-Ass song(s) of the week (Mitu):
Love that Meg has a hit on her hands with Mamushi.
Things we look forward to:
I (Jumoke) look forward to wherever I’m going to be in the world in November because it sure isn’t going to be America.
I (Mitu) recommend Act Your Age as a perfect lunchtime watch. Blessings to the visionary who cast Yvette Nicole Brown, Kym Whitley, and especially Tisha Campbell in this Golden Girls-esque sitcom.
lll. Message from a Black-Ass Baby
Kaavia’s roommate was acting a little too goofy, and she had to disengage from that behavior!
Stay Black, have a snack, and take a nap today.