Last updated on December 1st, 2020 at 02:59 am

Black people have poured so much into America and have gotten so little, if nothing, in return. Instead, we’re left depleted physically, emotionally, financially—systemically. Bit by bit.

Black Americans deserve better—to live a life of safety, freedom, and have our needs met.

America doesn’t give us that. Hasn’t given us that. And it’s time we experience free rein.

I’m not saying that everyone should flee and stop fighting for Black equity. We just deserve a breather and to experience normalcy (whatever that is.)

Like having encounters with the police without fearing for our lives. Having access to quality healthcare and receiving adequate treatment (especially Black mothers).

You know, basic rights.

I mean, do I need to continue? Chances are if you’re reading this—you’re Black. And living through racism is so normal that you don’t know a life without it.

But you could. And you deserve a life where—at the very, very, very, very bare minimum—you don’t have to fear for your life and have access to what everyone else does.

I know I’m probably preaching to the choir, but hey, I wanted to remind you all that what you’re experiencing in America is NOT okay.

It’s not normal. And if you want to escape for a bit, or forever, here’s why you should:

Healthcare

At the bare minimum everyone should have access to healthcare—no if ands or buts.

It sucks that marginalized communities keep getting the short end of the stick.

Ughhhhhh!

The fact Black women have a higher mortality rate for giving birth screams systemic racism!

So people feel unsafe to go to the doctors, or some folks flat out can’t because of lack of health insurance. Then that leaves us to deal with our health, by not dealing with it.

Not only is healthcare more accessible outside the country, it’s also more affordable.

When I lived in Thailand and had to pay out of pocket to see a doctor, the most I spent was $64. And that’s because I had to get an ambulance.

The quality of care is an enormous shift.

My point is, things happen you don’t expect, so why should you have to pay a premium for services that should be part of your basic rights?

When you move abroad chances are you won’t deal with this.

Mental Wellness

Speaking of health—mental wellness is equally important.

As if the rat race doesn’t wear people out enough, we also gotta deal with racism.

What feels like every other day, we hear about another Black person murdered by a police officer or a racist person.

We are mentally drained from a system that was built to work against us.

Although we are actively de-stigmatizing mental wellness, there’s still a lag in our mental health. We are more likely to experience feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and worthlessness than white adults. But could you blame us for feeling this way? Look what we’re up against.

A change of environment can shift this for you.

When you move abroad, it won’t necessarily be seamless because every country has their own problems. But will you have to worry about living conditions, access to health care, being targeted because you’re Black?

Probably not! *if you choose wisely*

But I also suggest checking out Blaxit: Black American’s Who Want To Exit The US & Move Abroad. You can find community, info about moving abroad, and resources to help you transition abroad.

Cost of living

The US is ExPeNsIvE!!!

I will say we have some of the highest paying jobs, but when you factor in cost of living and what you can save—it’s still expensive. And the benefits are worse than other countries.

You only get a handful of vacation days, a sprinkle of maternal leave, and the retirement age keeps getting pushed back.

An option is to find a remote job in the US, and work abroad. That way you can save, enjoy the finer things in life, and travel. Or find a job abroad.

In Europe they tend to give a month’s worth of vacation days and have universal healthcare.

My monthly budget in Chiang Mai, Thailand, ran me around $500. I was only making $1000, but if I wanted to, I could’ve saved half of my paycheck.

If you’re interested in a country, I suggest looking at the cost of living, and seeing what your best options are. You deserve to live a life of lavish.

Racism

Should be a good enough reason to chuck the deuces to the US.

It runs rampant in America, and the rest of the world knows it. But don’t get it twisted—racism is a worldwide problem.

I’ve never experienced overt racism in all my travel (could be because of colorism or being American). That doesn’t mean it can’t happen, or it won’t, but racism everywhere isn’t systemic.

It might be subtle, like someone moving seats because you’re Black. Or making slick comments. Not saying that’s ok, but it’s not the same as being murdered.

There are plenty of countries where you can experience little to no racism. And that feeling of just being, is liberating. Don’t you want that?

Cultural Exchange

Black Americans deserve to preserve our culture and spread it worldwide—on our own terms. And if we move to another country, we can share a part of our culture while learning about other people’s cultures.

You’d be surprised at how many people are intrigued by you and want to know more. So spread your wings. Expand. Grow. Immerse yourself in another country and take a part of our culture with you.

What I’ve learned from experience is you think you know something about a country, but then once you move there it’s eye opening.

These are just a few of the reason Black Americans should live out the country at least once. If you don’t like it, guess what? You can always come back.

It’s an opportunity for you to know what life it’s like outside of this racist a** country, and what it feels like to be embraced + accepted.

Have you thought about moving abroad? Comment below.