An Oral History of Black Women Living Abroad

Jordynn McKnight, a creative director living in Amsterdam, shares her path from growing up in Northern Virginia in a creative, curiosity-driven family to studying abroad in Milan and completing a master’s in interactive media that included work in the Dominican Republic. After working in New York design agencies and being laid off, she applied widely and moved to Geneva, ultimately leaving and moving to Amsterdam after a 2019 visit.

Zamzam Khalfani, a Bahamian educator now in Maputo, Mozambique, shares how leaving Nassau at 20 shaped her identity, faith, and wellbeing. Raised in one of the Bahamas’ first Muslim families, she sought a larger Muslim community and connection to African roots, moving to Senegal to study French and later earning a master’s degree. For professional development and financial freedom, she relocated to China. After COVID-era lockdowns that brought xenophobia and concerns for her children’s mental health, her family moved to Mozambique.

Historian and writer Dr. Richelle Clark describes living abroad for over 20 years and now residing in Oahu, Hawaii. She pursued journalism, landed a Stars and Stripes job in Germany, and deployed to Bosnia and Kosovo. She lived in Brazil, and later, Portugal became her “happy place” and home.

Courtney Bowden shares her transformative journey from burnout and grief in the U.S. to finding peace and purpose in Mexico. After the tragic loss of a close friend and feeling disillusioned with the American Dream, Courtney takes a leap of faith to move abroad. She discusses her childhood in a sundown town in Michigan, and the various factors that led her to settle in Mexico’s Yucatan region.

Meka Walters shares her extraordinary journey of living and working across various countries, from Japan to Burkina Faso to Bhutan. She discusses significant challenges such as losing her job and contracting malaria. She delves into her teaching experiences, spiritual growth through yoga, and her current work with the Bhutan Wine Company.

Itiah Thomas returns to the show to share what she’s been up to since our last conversation. Itiah delves into her life abroad in Brisbane, from obtaining Australian citizenship to navigating professional evolution. She also shares her thoughts on aging abroad, retirement, and the wellness practices that keep her healthy and happy abroad.

Niana returns to share her thoughts on "Aging Abroad". Niana's first episode of the show was the very first episode of Flourish in the Foreign. This episode is being released on the 6th anniversary of the show. Niana has been living in the Netherlands for eight years (abroad 13 total). She shares what she has been up to since the last time she appeared on the show: buying a car and a house, moving to a rural village, and becoming a mother of two.

Dr. Tiffany Lashelle Smith returns to share what she has been up to since our last conversation. She discusses the impact of pursuing her PhD and the evolution of her identity as a Black American woman living internationally. Tiffany reflects on aging, family relationships, and the concept of migration as a form of liberation.

Roxana Bangura shares her extensive experiences navigating Black identity through her life and travels. Growing up in the Bronx to West African immigrants, Roxanna reflects on her family’s immigrant journey, her education in journalism and international relations, and her travels across Europe, West Africa, and Mexico.

Keturah Kendrick shares her experiences of living abroad in Rwanda, China, and now Portugal. She details her thoughts on community building, the importance of having a support system, and offers advice for Black women considering living abroad.

Candace Smith returns to the show to share what she’s been up to since our last conversation. Seeking a calmer environment, Candace strategically relocated from Istanbul to Málaga, where the favorable weather, peaceful atmosphere, and accessibility to resources for her daughter provided the stability they needed.

Sienna J. Brown shares her 12-year journey of living abroad, recounting her transition from New York to Murcia and Jávea, Spain. She discusses her struggle with cultural identity, experiences of personal growth, founding a business, and overcoming the challenges of life abroad, including losing her hair to alopecia.