In the heart of many Black Americans beats a yearning for liberation, a desire to transcend the confines of their enslaved history and rewrite their narrative on a global stage. Central to this yearning is their deeply-seated need to embark on a transformative journey beyond borders… specifically to Africa. Their stories, a testament to true resilience, resonate with the echoes of hope and possibility, inspiring a generation to embrace the call of distant shores.
Undoubtedly, the proliferation of social media platforms has played a significant role in this trend, with hashtags like #livingabroad, #expatliving, #blackandabroad, and #expatlife showcasing the experiences of those who have chosen to join this movement. On this journey, the Black American who began her journey here is Daniella Marie.
Daniella is a Black American lawyer and lifestyle Influencer. Much recently, she moved to Lagios, Nigeria, Africa, from America. “All my life, it had always been a desire of mine to reconnect to the Motherland. This desire began when I studied abroad in South Africa for a few years and then on my many visits to Ghana. On a last minute trip to Ghana, I had a few days left, and on the recommendation of a friend, I decided to visit Lagos, Nigeria.”
Although Daniella’s trip to Nigeria was spontaneous, it felt completely ordained. “What was supposed to be a short visit turned out to be one of the biggest decisions I have ever made in my life. I decided to pack up everything I owned in America and move to Lagos, Nigeria.”
Living in Lagos has allowed her to explore and immerse herself in the myriad facets of Nigerian life. “Lagos has opened my eyes to so many insights about Nigerian and African cultures. All of which spurred the need for me to create something great – Thee New Nigerian Brand.”
Thee New Nigerian Brand is Daniella’s gift to the world. It chronicles her experiences living in Lagos, Nigeria, as a foreigner. Through her brand, she seeks to share real, unfiltered stories and experiences that capture the essence of life in Africa from the perspective of an outsider-turned-insider. At the core of her brand’s vision is creating a world characterized by the mutual celebration of cultural diversity, honoring differences, and, ultimately, forging meaningful connections.
In recent years, the urge to leave the United States has become increasingly popular, with millions of citizens seeking opportunities abroad. According to the American Citizens Abroad, as of 2022, there were 5.1 million U.S. citizens abroad, with a large percentage of others expressing a desire to leave the country permanently. From freelance workers to families and retirees, people from all walks of life are considering life outside the United States.
We could say that the past few years since the COVID-19 pandemic played a huge role in the recent wave of people around the world migrating to other parts of the world with the urge for more. As individuals grappled with the stifling effects of lockdowns and restrictions, they found themselves yearning for a sense of purpose and fulfillment beyond the confines of their immediate surroundings.
In addition to that, Black American women, confronted with the enduring threat of systemic racism, economic inequalities, and lack of marriage options are seizing on the chance to seek an improved standard of living overseas. For individuals like Daniella, the decision to move abroad is about more than just seeking a change of scenery. For Daniella, it was a fulfillment of a lifelong desire.
“Although I have certainly experienced many benefits of my new journey in Nigeria, I have also faced my fair share of challenges.” “As a Black American, I have had to confront misconceptions or stereotypes about Americans held by some Nigerians and vice versa. Yet, I find solace in using my brand–Thee New Nigerian– to reveal the unfiltered truths of being a Black American woman in Nigeria.”
Historically, many Black Americans have gone abroad to escape racism. Maya Angelou relocated to Ghana and chronicled her journey in “All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes.” Similarly, James Meredith, known for integrating the University of Mississippi, later studied in Nigeria. There, he continued his fight against white supremacy.
Through Thee New Nigerian Brand, Daniella seeks to provide advice and support for people who would like to explore a better quality of life in African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, etc. Connect with Daniella to follow her journey on all her social media platforms. Join her as she redefines cultural narratives and forge meaningful connections that transcend borders.