Black Beyond Borders Podcast
By Ebony Walden
Building Community in Colombia with Royal Williams
In this episode of Black Beyond Borders, host Ebony Walden interviews Royal Williams, who shares his journey of living abroad in Colombia. Royal discusses his motivations for leaving the U.S., his experiences as a English teacher, and the challenges and joys of living in Medellin.
She also delves into her entrepreneurial venture, Yup, She Travels, which connects travelers with the Afro-Colombian community. The conversation highlights the importance of community, cultural identity, and the complexities of navigating relationships as an expat. Royal offers valuable advice for those considering living abroad, emphasizing the need for connection and intentional engagement with local cultures.
Connect with Royal online at www.yupshetravels.com or on Instagram @yupshetravels
Key takeaways:
- Royal's journey began with studying abroad in Spain.
- She found a sense of belonging in Colombia's Afro-descendant community.
- Cultural connections have deepened his understanding of identity.
- Navigating relationships as a Black American in Colombia can be complex.
- Community is essential for a fulfilling expat experience.
- Intentional engagement with local culture enriches the experience.
- Online tutoring has been a sustainable income source.
- Royal emphasizes the importance of finding community before moving abroad.
From Quitting America to Finding Freedom in Jamaica
In this episode of Black Beyond Borders, host Ebony Walden chats with the co-authors of We Quit America: Our Exit from a Country Designed to Kill Black People, Ronnie Galvin and Yanique Redwood.
Yanique and Ronnie talk about their new book, their motivations for leaving the U.S., the changes they made to adapt to their new life, and how they have redefined their relationship with work to prioritize personal well-being.
They also discuss the joys and challenges of living in Jamaica and the transformations in their identities since moving away from the United States. The discussion culminates in advice for others considering a similar path, emphasizing the importance of vision and community.
Buy the Book: www.wequitamerica.com
Follow Ronnie and Yanique on Instagram: www.instagram.com/We.Quit.America
Yanique Redwood
Dr. Yanique Redwood is the author of two books We Quit America: Our Exit From a Country Designed to Kill Black People (2024) and White Women Cry and Call Me Angry: A Black Woman’s Memoir on Racism in Philanthropy (2023). She is an expert on racial equity and racial justice and has spent her career writing and speaking on these topics for nonprofit and philanthropic audiences.
She resides in Washington, DC and Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Ronnie Galvin
Ronnie Galvin is the author of We Quit America: Our Exit From a Country Designed to Kill Black People (2024). Galvin was most recently the Managing Director for Community Investment at the Greater Washington Community Foundation. Prior to this role, he served as Vice-President for Racial Equity and the Democratic Economy at the Democracy Collaborative.
In addition to his professional endeavors, he enjoys Soca and house music, DJ’ing, reading biographies and non-fiction books, and debating social and political issues with friends.
He resides in Washington, DC and Montego Bay, Jamaica.
From Richmond to Dakar: Aisha Bullard’s Family Move to Senegal
In this episode of Black Beyond Borders, attorney, developer and social entrepreneur Aisha Bullard shares her family's transformative journey from Richmond, Virginia to Dakar, Senegal. Aisha discusses the motivations behind her family's move, the cultural adjustments they faced, and the entrepreneurial venture (opening The Original Drip Coffee Shop) she embarked on in her new home. She reflects on the joys and challenges of raising a family in a different country, the importance of community, and the unique experiences of being Black in Senegal. Aisha also offers valuable advice for those considering a similar path, emphasizing the importance of connection and adaptability.
Finding Home in Tanzania with Alqamar Malik
In this episode of Black Beyond Borders, host Ebony Walden interviews Alqamar Malik, a writer, entrepreneur, and adventurer, who shares her journey of repatriation to Tanzania. Alqamar discusses her motivations for moving, the cultural richness of Tanzania, the challenges of settling in, and her aspirations for entrepreneurship. She reflects on her experiences with community, identity, and the joys of living in a new country, while also offering valuable advice for those considering a similar path.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
- How the repatriate community in Arusha influenced her decision to settle there.
- The importance of learning Kiswahili for cultural integration.
- Insights into the affordability of living in Tanzania compared to the U.S.
- Navigating the complexities of obtaining residency and work permits.
- Tips for building relationships before moving to a new country.
- Vibrant social life and cultural experiences that exceeded her expectations.
- This episode offers practical advice and a heartfelt glimpse into Alqamar’s life in Tanzania.
📲 Follow Alqamar for More Insights:
- Patreon: www.patreon.com/alqamar
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/alqamar.malik
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/alqamarmalik
- TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@alqamarmalik0
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TAYDS144
Remote Working Across the Diaspora with Sawida Kamara
Host Ebony Walden speaks with Sierra Leonean born Sawida Kamara, who shares her experiences as a remote worker traveling across the diaspora for three years. Sawida (pr: Suh-wii-dah) is a capacity builder, coach, strategist, and activator. She was born and spent her childhood years in Sierra Leone and the U.S. Mid-Atlantic, eventually calling the DMV (Washington, DC area) home for over 20 years.
Sawida discusses the challenges and joys of nomadic living, cultural insights from her travels, and the importance of community and identity in her journey. She offers practical advice for those considering a similar path, emphasizing the need for intentionality in building connections and being open to new experiences.
Catch up with Sawida on IG @itssawida
Takeaways
- Sawida's journey began with her family's emigration from Sierra Leone to the US.
- Community is essential for a fulfilling nomadic lifestyle.
- Guyana offers a unique blend of Caribbean and South American culture.
- Navigating relationships while traveling requires clear communication.
- Ghana serves as a welcoming base for Sawida's travels.
- Being in predominantly Black spaces has deepened Sawida's understanding of her identity.
- Planning for creature comforts can ease the transition to new environments.
- Flexibility in travel plans can lead to unexpected opportunities.
- Building connections in new places enhances the nomadic experience.
Back to Her Roots: A Journey from the U.S. to Senegal with Anta Gueye-James
In this episode of the Black Beyond Borders podcast, host Ebony Walden speaks with Anta Gueye-James, a Senegalese-born U.S. citizen who repatriated to Senegal after living in the U.S. for 24 years. Anta shares her journey of repatriation, the challenges she faced, and the joys of returning to her roots. The conversation explores themes of race, identity, belonging, and the cultural differences between the U.S. and Senegal. Anta discusses the complexities of raising a child in a different cultural environments, and the realities of navigating relationships across continents. She also addresses the issues of racism in international development and offers valuable advice for those considering repatriation.
Find Anta on LinkedIn and her book Shattered American Dream on Amazon.
Garifuna Cultural Immersion in Honduras with Luisa Batiz
In Episode 1 of "Black Beyond Borders," host Ebony Walden sits down with Luisa Batiz, founder of Nuguchu, an eco-friendly retreat center located in a Garifuna village in Tela, Honduras. Luisa, a proud Garifuna and Brooklyn native, shares her journey from working in the education space to building a life centered on healing and organic farming. Luisa discusses her decision to leave the US, her passion for sustainable living, and the challenges and joys of creating a new life in Honduras. Tune in to hear how she's reconnecting with her roots and paving a new path forward.
You can find her on instagram and tiktok @sexy_sustainabilty or check out www.Nuguchu.com.