The reverse migration: African Americans relocating to Kenya cite heritage and restoration
The 38-year-old retired veteran has found a community in the east African country's capital, where he now runs an Airbnb business. He loves admiring Nairobi's golden sunset from a rooftop terrace, and enjoys a luxurious lifestyle in a tastefully furnished apartment in an upmarket neighborhood.
Harris is part of a growing wave of African Americans who are relocating to Kenya, citing the need to connect with their ancestors — or 'coming home,' a phrase often used among the Black community.
Like dozens of other African Americans who have moved to Nairobi in recent years, Harris was attracted to Kenya's tropical climate and what he describes as the warmth and friendliness of the people he believes he shares a history and culture with.
In search of community and a better life
'I have always had that adventurous spirit, especially when I joined the military and got to go to different countries. So I am taking the opportunity to venture out to new places,' he said. 'That is what allowed me to make a home away from home and Kenya is my new home.'
Some friends have been reaching out to him to explore a 'change from the U.S for their peace of mind,' he said.
Several other African Americans who have 'come home' like him have set up thriving businesses in Nairobi that include travel agencies, restaurants and farms.
Many African Americans who have sought a better life abroad or are considering it said President Donald Trump's administration — with its crackdown on diversity programs — isn't the main reason they want to move.
Rather, most say they had been mulling a move for some time, and the current political environment in the U.S. may be pushing them to act sooner than initially planned.
'I can't say the administration is the reason why the people I know want to part ways from America. Some are planning to move for a better quality of living life,' Harris said.
Auston Holleman, an American YouTuber who has lived in various countries for almost a decade, said he settled on Kenya nine months ago because people 'look like me.'
'It is not like going to Europe or going to some Latin American countries where there are not many Black people,' he said.
Holleman, who often films his daily life, said he felt that the social fabric in the U.S. was 'broken.' In contrast, he said he felt socially accepted in Kenya. He cited an experience when his taxi driver's car stopped, and in five minutes they got help from a random stranger.
'That made me realize I was in the right place,' he said.
Growing numbers are interested in leaving the US
Other African countries have attracted even larger numbers of African Americans. Ghana, which launched a 'Year of the Return' program to attract the Black diaspora in 2019, said last year it held a ceremony that granted citizenship to 524 people, mostly Black Americans.
African American businesses such as Adilah Relocation Services have seen a notable rise in the number of African Americans seeking to move to Kenya.
The company's founder, Adilah Mohammad, moved to Kenya four days after her mother's funeral in search of healing.
She says the peace and restoration she experienced in Kenya made her stay — and advocate for those searching for the same. Her company helps clients relocate by house hunting, shopping for furniture and ensuring banking and medical services are seamless.
'There are 15 families that have come so far, and we have five more on the calendar that are coming in the next 90 days. We have people that have booked for 2026 with no date, they just know that they are leaving,' she says.
Mohammad said many African Americans have been planning their move for decades.
'For me it is a movement. It is people deciding to make a choice for themselves, they are not being forced, shackles are being broken. When they say they are coming home, they are choosing to be free and it is mental freedom and so I am ecstatic,' she says.
Experts say African economies are likely to benefit from these moves, especially from those willing to tackle corruption and create a healthy environment for investors.
Raphael Obonyo, a public policy expert at U.N-Habitat, says the U.S is losing resources — as well as the popular narrative that America is the land of opportunities and dreams.
'This reverse migration is denting that narrative, so America is most likely to lose including things like brain drain,' he explained.
For Mohammad, the sense of belonging has given her peace within.
'I love being here. Returning to Africa is one thing, but finding the place that you feel like you belong is another,' she said.
_____________
The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
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28 Under-$25 Travel Finds To Make Your Next Trip Breezy
A luggage drink caddy to hold your essentials (iced latte, breakfast, emotional support water bottle) while you stay on top of the boarding passes and passports. This helpful holder attaches right to your luggage handles and can be quickly slipped on and off for max travel efficiency. The airport staff will all definitely agree you're the smoothest traveler they've ever seen — not that we care what they think... A pair of anti-nausea acupressure wristbands if you've been dreaming of lying deck-side with your piña colada but know your body may have other plans. These bands work by applying pressure to the Nei-Kuan point, which can help alleviate symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Reviewers with motion sickness have tested them against car, flight, and sea sickness and say they actually work — turning even skeptics into very thankful believers. A cosmetic bag that holds *so many* products and keeps them all organized in little compartments (including a center zipper-pouch to separate your brushes and keep the bag clean — genius). One reviewer says it's like having a vanity with you on vacation! It has a super elegant, chic look and can be opened flat to see everything inside, so no more dumping everything out and taking up the already very limited hotel counter space. A collapsable trunk organizer for those "uh-oh" road-trip moments when you hear all your travel gear rolling around the back after hitting a particularly ~sharp~ turn. The compartments and pockets are perfect for organizing all your essentials, and it's ultra-sturdy so they can even be stacked on one another! Or, it can be partially collapsed and put in the passenger seat to hold all your roadtrip snacks — Arizona tea and yogurt pretzels, anyone? A pack of body wipes if you're traveling somewhere with limited showers, need to clean off that icky feeling after a long flight, or just want to quickly freshen up before dinner after a day of sweaty sightseeing. These wipes have an oh-so-refreshing blend of antibacterial and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and oatmeal to help keep your skin hydrated while reducing grime. Reviewers love how large they are (12x12!), how gentle they feel on sensitive skin, and best of all, that they do 👏 not 👏 tear. A neck pillow-eye mask hybrid so you can finally catch some travel zzz's *without* that awful crick in your neck (or jolting awake when you feel yourself leaning toward the stranger in the middle seat). This design is *truly* innovative — it attaches to the flaps of a plane's (or car's!) headrest and uses the eye mask to keep your head in place for total 360-degree support. And the fact that reviewers say the Velcro doesn't catch on hair might just make it the answer to all your sleeping woes. A Tessan universal travel adapter that'll take all the thought out of charging your essentials (because you've got other things to worry about, like how the heck to get to the Airbnb). This little powerhouse works in over 200 countries and can plug in up to six devices at once (watch out for max watts, tho!), truly living by the motto "no device left behind". And it does it all while being a super portable little cube! A waterproof electronics organizer with a double-layer design so you'll know exactly where your chargers are — instead of rummaging in your bag, pulling out everything but what you need. It has different slots and compartments to keep your wires tangle-free and a spongey interior to cushion all your gadgets, and reviewers especially appreciate the bright color options so they can quickly spot it in their bag! Luggage-connector straps that'll make life a little easier for all the designated bag holders out there (we thank you for your service). These straps attach along the tops of your wheeled suitcases to create a train of luggage so you can stroll more smoothly with everything in tow. Reviewers have used these to securely transport five (and even eight) suitcases at once! Or, a bungee luggage strap so you don't need to lug your personal item on your back or constantly catch it when it slips off your carry-on. These adjustable straps stretch to hold your extra bags firmly to your luggage *and* have an easy slip-on design so you won't be fumbling when it's time to put everything away in the plane (and there's a line of people waiting behind you 😥). The Uniqlo crossbody bag if you don't want to carry a ton, but still want *just* enough space to keep your hands water bottle free. 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It holds 16 ounces of water and has a collapse-as-you-go design, so you're never taking up unnecessary space in your bag. And if you don't have the room to spare, no problem — it's got a nifty little carabiner built right in. A set of *compression* packing cubes that don't just keep all your clothes organized, but have some double-zipper action that helps squeeze all the extra air out (i.e., space for more options). What's left are super dense, super compact cubes that save up to 40% of space — which is especially helpful if you love the thrill of carrying two week's worth of clothes in a carry-on. Now you can easily pack double the amount of underwear you could ever need for your trip... ya know, just in case. A pack of travel-size laundry detergent because a capsule wardrobe is all fine and dandy until the staple plain white tee starts getting some pit stains. 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Buzz Feed
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Signs Someone Is American, According To Europeans
Want to know how to spot an American abroad? Ask a European. 'As someone who works closely with American clients through destination weddings and food tours, I've picked up on quite a few telltale signs,' Portuguese tour guide and food critic Carol Batista told HuffPost. From coffee orders to outfit choices to general vibes, many different kinds of signals can indicate someone is from the U.S. While some are endearing, others might raise more than a few eyebrows. 'I try to avoid generalizations ― a Brooklyn creative won't travel the same way as someone from Texas or the Midwest,' said Stéphanie Pons, the founder of Lisbon Insiders. 'But there is a shared sense of optimism, confidence, and curiosity.' Below, find 23 signs that someone is American, according to Batista, Pons, and other Europeans: Comfort-First Fashion 'You'll often see Americans in athleisure, sneakers, baseball caps, or hoodies, even when traveling, which is often a contrast to more polished local fashion in such European destinations like Italy, for example.' ― Jane Iskra, Iceland-based elopement photographer at ISKRA Photography 'That unwavering confidence of walking into a centuries-old basilica dressed like you just left a reformer Pilates class. Think: athletic leggings, oversized hoodie, and maybe ― just maybe ― sandals with socks. Practical? Extremely. Contextual? Not quite.' ― Luli Monteleone, Lisbon-based digital marketing specialist Big Spending Habits 'At supermarkets or stores abroad, Americans often buy in bulk or stock up more than locals, who tend to shop daily.' ― Iskra 'Americans love to spend ― and often do so more generously than other nationalities. But they also like to feel they're getting great value in return. I would say that the mix of enthusiasm and practicality is very American. Coming from a country with much higher wages, they sometimes don't realize how large the gap is. For example, in Portugal, the average monthly salary is about 1,100 € (~$1,250), so what feels affordable to them can seem extravagant to locals.' ― Batista On The Hunt For Iced Coffee 'The iced coffee hunt. Even in the middle of winter ― and ideally in a 500ml cup. There's a kind of dedication there that I honestly admire.' ― Monteleone 'I would say if they have a drink with lots of ice (either water or iced coffee).' ― Steffi Crivellaro, U.K.-based blogger at Steffi Daydreamer Loud Confidence 'One of the biggest indications is usually that you can hear them before you see them. It's not necessarily that they're loud, but they command attention wherever they are, which also leans into how confidence is built in America. I have often found that Americans are very confident. Even if it does not come naturally to each individual, they seem to have been conditioned or taught to be confident, which means they tend to take up space wherever they are.' ― Ronke Lawal, PR and communications consultant in London 'Americans tend to find everything 'amazing,' and they're not shy about saying so ― out loud and often. They speak with a volume that's just slightly above local norms, even when whispering. And in a world where many cultures lean toward discretion, that kind of openness stands out.' ― Pons Stanley Cups 'Reusable Stanley-style coffee mugs are a giveaway ― they seem to go everywhere with them, even when traveling!' ― Iskra 'Carrying a Stanley or huge water bottle.' ― Crivellaro Large Engagement Rings 'The big, sparkly engagement ring tradition is very American. In some countries, engagement rings aren't as flashy or aren't even a thing sometimes.' ― Iskra Jumping Straight Into English 'It's not the accent ― it's the cheerful assumption that English will always do the job. Most locals do speak it, but trying a simple 'ciao' or 'bonjour' tends to unlock a different kind of experience. It's a small gesture, but it changes everything.' ― Monteleone Seeking Air Conditioning 'In the summer, Italians love to stay outdoors: The squares fill up, and the outdoor tables are always the most desired. Americans, on the other hand, almost always choose the indoor spaces with air conditioning. For them, climate comfort is an absolute priority.' ― Diana De Lorenzi, Rome-based lifestyle blogger 'Americans are notoriously hot all the time and expect lots of air conditioning and ice when they travel, two things that aren't so easy to come by in Italy!' ― Livia Hengel, founder of The Italy Edit Warmth and Friendliness 'I've traveled extensively in the US, and if there's one thing I've consistently noticed, it's their amazing ability to start a conversation: openly, spontaneously, as if they already knew the person in front of them. It can be quite disconcerting for us Europeans, but it's a deeply rooted part of their culture. In France in particular, this kind of attitude is sometimes seen as insincere or self-serving. But I've always defended it, I actually find it refreshing to have even a short exchange with someone who is smiling, warm, and quick to compliment your outfit or haircut. Personally, I love good energy, and I take the good where I find it.' ― Kenza Sadoun el Glaoui, Parisian digital creator 'In Ireland, people are known for their friendliness, but we don't have a patch of the Americans. They say hello to everyone, they chat to locals, they ask questions, and it's lovely to see. There's a sort of genuine, open curiosity about an American abroad that I, personally, find very endearing.' ― Tara Povey, blogger at Where Is Tara? Genuine Enthusiasm 'Americans are often very expressive ― big smiles, open curiosity, confident energy. And when they feel they've been well taken care of, they're incredibly grateful. I've had food tour guests react like it was Christmas morning just because of a market tasting or a pastry they'd never tried before, and a bride bringing me a full suitcase with gym clothes as a souvenir from LA — and it's truly heartwarming.' ― Batista 'My partner Luca Veralli is a master gelato maker, and his gelato has been awarded by Gambero Rosso. Every time an American tourist tastes it, they always ― without fail ― say the same phrase: 'Oh my God!' For us, it's a joy. They say it with genuine enthusiasm that truly makes us happy. But it's funny how this exclamation is almost always identical, as if it were a ritual.' ― De Lorenzi, Generous Tipping 'One immediate giveaway is that American travelers are generous tippers ― even though the U.S. is one of the only countries in the world where a 20%-plus tip is expected as the norm. On the other hand, with average salaries nearly double those in Italy, tipping makes sense and is a great way to show appreciation for good service, especially in places where it's not expected.' ― Hengel 'America has a very generous tipping culture, unlike any other country I've ever visited. When Americans travel outside the U.S., leaving large tips is a sure sign of where they are from. In Ireland and most of Europe, we only leave tips if the service or the food has been particularly good, and servers definitely do not expect or rely upon tips.' ― Povey Paying By Credit Card 'Americans always pay by card, even for very small amounts like a 1 euro espresso. This is another cultural difference we see every day.' ― De Lorenzi Wide Smiles and Perfect Teeth 'Americans are known for having great dental care and wide, confident smiles. Smiles and perfect teeth are often one of the first giveaways.' ― Iskra Full Of Compliments 'I've always found Americans to be sweet and genuine! I can especially tell when a woman is American because she'll go out of her way to give me a compliment, and it's usually thoughtful and specific. It happens multiple times a day whenever I'm traveling in the States, and I've never experienced that kind of spontaneous kindness anywhere else in the world.' ― Kelsey Heinrichs, blogger at Kelsey in London Wanting To Customize Everything 'There's a kind of customization instinct ― asking for dressing on the side, almond milk in the cappuccino, or a dinner reservation at 6 p.m. (which still feels like mid-afternoon in Portugal). I see it as a reflection of their strong sense of personal agency, the belief that services can and should adapt to you, not the other way around.' ― Pons, Saying "Like" All The Time Paramount / Via 'The overuse of the word 'like' — especially with people from LA. Sometimes you'll hear 'like' eight times in a single sentence! It's a casual, filler-filled way of speaking, and of course, there's the unmistakable clarity of American English.' ― Batista 'Saying things like 'awesome,' 'you guys,' or the ever-present filler word 'like' always catches my ear with a 99% probability I hear it from an American.' ― Iskra Limited Geographic Knowledge 'A general lack of geographical knowledge is a sure sign. Americans tend to refer to any country in Europe as 'Europe,' as if we are all the same. There is a huge difference between Norway and France; they're completely incomparable. Referring to us all under one sweeping term of 'Europe' or 'Europeans' is sort of ridiculous. I once met an American man who asked me where I was from. When I told him I was from Ireland, he said that he had just been visiting my neighbors. I assumed that he must mean the United Kingdom (which I could understand). However, he then declared that he had visited Italy. Needless to say, neither Italy nor Ireland would ever refer to the other as a neighbor. It would take 27 hours to drive from Dublin to Rome. That's the equivalent of Miami to Minneapolis. Florida and Minnesota are not neighbors.' ― Povey Cappuccino With Dinner Peeradon Warithkorasuth / Getty Images 'If someone asks for a cappuccino with pasta or pizza and also at dinner, you can be sure: They are an American tourist. It's a cultural habit that always makes us smile because for us Italians, cappuccino is a morning ritual, part of breakfast, but it's nice to see how every culture experiences food in its own way.' ― De Lorenzi, Different Portion Size Expectations 'I notice this a lot during food tours ― Americans are frequently surprised by how small European portions can be (while we are shocked when we see their portions). I've heard more than once 'Wait, this is for one person?' and it's always funny.' ― Batista Fast-Moving Itineraries ''I've been to Europe' often means a whirlwind through Paris, London, and Rome in under two weeks. Honestly, impressive cardio — but also, you just missed the good bakery next door. And truthfully? Europe's charm often lives in the quieter, slower corners.' ― Monteleone 'Rushing to include their ancestry in an opening conversation. Don't get me wrong, I love that Americans are so enthusiastic about their heritage, and it certainly does wonders for Ireland's tourism industry. However, they are the only country that does it. Never have I met anyone from outside the US who has launched into their grandparents' origin story when we have just been introduced. While charming, it's definitely a telltale sign that someone is from the US.' ― Povey Steves' Love Of Rick Steves Guidebooks 'In Reykjavík, I immediately pick out Americans out of the bunch because they explore the country using Rick Steves Iceland as their compass. Not Lonely Planet. Or ,odors. Or even a local source. Good 'ol American Rick Steves ― who I met in person when I was his local guide in Reykjavík and is as 'Merican as they come. I'm sure other nations use guidebooks too, but Americans carry Rick with pride. Not tucked away in their backpack, ashamed of getting caught with something as gauche as a guidebook, but loud and proud. Out in the open.' ― Auður Ösp Ólafsdóttir, Iceland-based marketing professional walked That Intangible American Vibe 'As someone who works across lifestyle and hospitality in Europe, I often find myself noticing subtle (and not-so-subtle) clues that someone is American. The most obvious is the accent, but beyond that, there's a specific energy that's easy to spot.' ― Pons 'I somehow pick Americans out of a crowd, but I can't put my finger on how. It's something about how they're built and how they're dressed ― I really can't articulate it. They're just so essentially American that their Americanness shines, even in a culture where you'd think it would be harder to pick them out. Once upon a time, I think Americans just walked around with a certain air of confidence about them. They were proudly American, and you could tell in the way they walked. Nowadays, many conversations with Americans start with apologies. Their once-proud stance has been replaced with slightly hunched shoulders. Like they're aware that tolerance for American politics is wavering around the world and they don't want to take up too much space. But it's still something about how Americans walk in the world that makes them recognizable.' ― HuffPost.
Buzz Feed
an hour ago
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Tracee Ellis Ross Rejected Oprah Winfrey Calling Her The "Poster Child For Singledom": "I Don't Want To Be That"
Tracee Ellis Ross is reflecting on Oprah's comments about her ongoing single status. The moment came in an episode of Tracee's new series, Solo Traveling With Tracee Ellis Ross, which finds the Emmy-winning actor exploring the joys of the world as a single and childless woman. Reflecting on the freedom of solo travel, Tracee said, "So much of what traveling is about, is for me, not waiting for something in order to walk towards my life, in order to be in my life, in order to experience my life. I think that was why I took my first trip solo. And I know that in some ways — I mean, Oprah said it. She said that I'm the poster child for singledom. I don't want to be that." Instead, Tracee prefers to reframe the conversation as someone living on their own terms and not waiting for traditional things to add value and meaning to their life. "I want to be the poster child for being an inhabitant in your own skin," Tracee said. "For living in your own skin." Although some might see being single and childless at an older age as a negative, Tracee, 52, says it has afforded her a freedom and an experience that she might not have otherwise had. "Yes, I am a single Black woman who does not have children, but not having a relationship — long, long relationships — not having children has allowed me to explore things of my own humanity," she reflected. "It has deposited me here at 52 in an extraordinary experience that is filled with joy, loneliness, grief, exuberance, delight, like, literally all of it. And I feel available to it." While Tracee didn't specify when Oprah's comments occurred, they appear to be from a 2020 interview on her Your Live in Focus series, where Oprah told Tracee how many single women view her as "an example of what being an unmarried woman could and should look like." When asked if she ever imagined playing that role, Tracee laughed, "No. I, like many of us, was taught to grow up dreaming of my wedding, not of my life." She added, "I spent many years dreaming of my wedding, and also, waiting to be chosen. Well, here's the thing. I'm the chooser. And I can choose to get married if I want to, but in the meantime, I am choicefully single, happily, gloriously single." She repeated that message in a 2021 interview with Harper's Bazaar: "People are like, 'You're the poster child for being single.' And I was like, 'Great.' But what I would prefer is that I'm the poster child for living my life on my terms. And that there's a version of that for everyone. I don't live my life for other people. I just totally live it for me." You can (and should!) watch Solo Traveling With Tracee Ellis Ross now on Roku. Trust me when I say — it's great. Let me know what you think of her reflections in the comments below, too.
