In 2022, Jordan E. Cooper’s bold and provocative play Ain’t No Mo’ premiered on Broadway. It dared to ask: What if the U.S. government gave Black Americans plane tickets to Africa? Cooper’s vision struck a deep chord with audience members in the throes of “woke” culture. It’s a powerful choice to relocate within the mother continent.
Ain’t No Mo’ became a theatrical mirror of society emerging after a period marked by relentless police violence against Black men and women like Sandra Bland, George Floyd, Michael Brown, Breanna Taylor and many other innocents. Cooper’s perspective captured a sense of displacement and yearning for a place where we could thrive without the constant weight of societal pressure, a place to experience Black joy.
The idea of leaving America for Africa is becoming a modern reality for a new generation. This wave of migration reflects a growing desire to reconnect with ancestors long ago and build a new life in a land where Blackness is celebrated rather than marginalized.
My journey to the Benin Republic in 2020 and 2021 was an exploration of peace and spiritual connection. Living in this French-speaking nation, a land once known as the Dahomey Kingdom, I experienced life in a place where my race was not the primary identifier—my nationality was. A new friend I made in Benin asked if I wanted to see her “holster.” When I assumed she meant a gun, she laughed and said, “No, you American. It’s not a gun, it’s a pouch I wear for spiritual protection.” Her comment was a reminder of America’s violent reputation and an invitation for me to see the world differently.
This experience in Benin, and similar stories from others, highlight the appeal of Africa as a refuge from the racial chaos in America. However, relocating to Africa is not as simple as boarding a plane with your passport. It requires thorough research and an understanding of local cultures and traditions.
For those ready to take the plunge, organizations like Repatriate to Ghana offer invaluable support. Its founder, Dr. Obadele Kambon left the U.S. 16 years ago with his family to Ghana. His organization provides a structured approach to relocating. “Someone who’s already there should be the best to assist others who are coming behind,” Dr. Kambon explains. His goal is to help people avoid the pitfalls that come with relocating to a new continent. “It’s not just about moving—it’s about thriving.”
Jessica Ann Mitchell “JAM” Aiwuyor, a National African American Reparations Commission commissioner, shares that repatriation for a person of African descent differs from being an expat. “Repatriation is about reconnecting with the land our ancestors were forcibly removed and displaced from during the Transatlantic slave trade. This is not simply about moving or living abroad. Repatriation is a reconnection with the land of our ancestors, the home they never had the opportunity to return to. A repatriation return is an act of Black self-determination,” she explains.
In 2020, Ghana’s government launched the “Beyond the Return” campaign, a 10-year project themed “A Decade of African Renaissance, 2020-2030.”
Dr. Kambon, an associate professor at the University of Ghana’s Department of African Studies, starts his clients with a “Repatriation Readiness Quiz” that asks why you’re moving and whether you’re coming alone or with family. The quiz explores what kind of environment you’re looking for, which helps clarify your vision for life in Ghana. Kambon wants to ensure your move aligns with personal and professional goals to put you at an advantage and in touch with numerous resources and local relationships.
Once you complete the quiz, you can schedule a consultation that further tailors the experience to your needs. Repatriate to Ghana offers different packages, from basic advice and contacts to full-service assistance, including securing citizenship.
An Instagram account that stands out when researching a move back to Africa is BlaxitGlobal. It is a collection of podcasts, videos and social media content that detail the emotional and logistical aspects of relocating. The account shares personal stories and provides practical advice.
Blaxit Tribe is another brand that focuses on the success stories of those who have relocated to countries like Ghana and Tanzania. Their content is rich with tips, from navigating the local culture to setting up a business. These influencers document their journeys and provide a supportive community for others contemplating the move.
Moving to Africa is not without challenges, but for some, the rewards far outweigh the transition. With organizations like Repatriate to Ghana and platforms like BlaxitGlobal, we are finding that Africa can be a place to reclaim heritage and build an ideal environment that fits our humanistic needs.
