Black American Refugee

Více o knize

After moving to the US from Trinidad and Tobago in the early '90s, Tiffanie Drayton grapples with the impact of systemic racism on the American Dream for Black people. Initially, life in New Jersey seemed promising as her mother worked as a domestic worker, but the family faced constant upheaval in their search for affordable housing and quality schools, moving from Texas to Florida and back to New Jersey. As Tiffanie matured, she questioned the stark disparities in her surroundings: why were Black neighborhoods plagued by crime while multicultural areas thrived? Why was there a lack of Black representation in advanced classes? These inquiries highlighted the challenges Black families faced in achieving stability and the devaluation of Black girls’ worth. Eventually, Tiffanie returns to Tobago at twenty, finding freedom in her identity without fear. However, the resurgence of COVID-19 and police brutality in America reignites her connection to the country, allowing her to grieve and advocate for Black Americans from a new perspective. This work expands on her New York Times piece, exploring her personal journey alongside the broader implications of racism and white supremacy. Through introspection and honesty, Tiffanie examines the complexities of her life and the lives of those around her, centering Black womanhood and questioning whether true emancipation can be found within or beyond America’s borders.