Reference News, August 4 report - According to the Associated Press on July 25, Kenneth Harris spent most of his time in Atlanta, longing for a place where his dark skin would not raise suspicion, but rather be a symbol of a shared heritage. Two years ago, the opportunity came - he bought a one-way ticket to Kenya.

This 38-year-old veteran found a community in the capital of this East African country, and now he runs an Airbnb accommodation there. He enjoys watching the golden sunsets over Nairobi from the rooftop terrace, and he lives comfortably in a stylishly decorated apartment in an upscale neighborhood.

Harris is one of the increasing number of African Americans moving to Kenya. Their reason for relocating is to connect with their ancestors - or "go home," a phrase often used by the black community.

Like dozens of other African Americans who have moved to Nairobi in recent years, Harris was attracted by Kenya's tropical climate and the warmth and friendliness of the locals, which he described. He believes he shares a common history and culture with them.

Harris said: "I've always had that spirit of adventure, especially after serving in the military and traveling to different countries. So, I seized the opportunity to explore new places. This made me find a home away from home. Kenya is my new home."

He said some friends have already contacted him, exploring the idea of leaving the United States "for inner peace."

Several other African Americans like him who have "returned home" are running travel agencies, restaurants, and farms in Nairobi, and their businesses are thriving.

Many African Americans seeking or considering a better life abroad say that the Trump administration's crackdown on diversity programs is not the main reason they want to immigrate.

Instead, most say they have been considering relocation for some time, and the current political environment in the United States may push them to accelerate their initial plans.

American YouTube user Austin Holiman, who has lived in different countries for nearly 10 years, settled in Kenya nine months ago because the people there "looked like me."

He added, "It's not like going to Europe or some Latin American countries, where there aren't many blacks."

Holiman, who often films daily life, says he feels the social structure in the U.S. is "broken." In contrast, he feels accepted by society in Kenya.

Other African countries have even attracted more African Americans. Ghana launched the "Year of Return" program in 2019 to attract black people living abroad. The country said it held a ceremony last year to grant citizenship to 524 people, most of whom were African Americans.

African American companies such as Adila Relocation Services have noticed a significant increase in the number of African Americans seeking to move to Kenya.

The founder of the company, Adila Muhammad, moved to Kenya to heal after her mother's funeral. She said the calm and healing she experienced in Kenya made her stay and helped those seeking the same. Her company helps clients find housing, buy furniture, and ensure seamless bank and medical services.

She said: "So far, 15 families have arrived, and in the next 90 days, another five families will come. Some have scheduled to come in 2026, without specific dates, but they know they are leaving."

Muhammad said many African Americans have been planning to relocate for decades.

She said: "For me, it's a movement, people deciding to make choices for themselves. They are not forced, and the chains are being broken. When they say they are going home, they are choosing freedom. It's spiritual freedom, so I'm thrilled."

Experts say that African economies are likely to benefit from these actions, especially those willing to address corruption and create a healthy environment for investors.

Raphael Obonyo, a public policy expert at the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (Habitat), said the U.S. is losing resources and the popular notion that the U.S. is a land of opportunity and dreams.

He explained: "Reverse migration is weakening this notion, so the U.S. is most likely to suffer losses, including the outflow of talent."

For Muhammad, a sense of belonging gives her inner peace. "I like living here. Going back to Africa is one thing, finding a place where you feel a sense of belonging is another." (Translated by Wang Haifang)

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7534565086854136370/

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