American actress KJ Smith is urging Black people in the U.S. to explore relocation to other countries in response to the nation’s current political climate.
Speaking at the 56th NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, Smith shared her thoughts when asked what conversations she wished were more prevalent in the Black community.
“Understanding our roots,” she responded. “I think it’s really important. We’re not trapped here. With everything happening politically in the U.S., there are places that welcome us—offering not just refuge, but citizenship with open arms.”
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The 39-year-old actress believes now is the time for Black Americans to seriously consider living abroad.
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“I want to make it clear that my goal is to inform and empower, not spread fear. Many in our community are already looking at ways to reconnect with their heritage and explore new opportunities,” Smith told Fox News.
She pointed to the growing Blaxit movement, which encourages African Americans to seek opportunities overseas, particularly in Africa.
“More Black Americans are realizing that conditions in the U.S. are not improving for us—in fact, they seem to be getting worse. Other communities have considered alternatives, and so should we,” she explained.
KJ Smith highlighted specific initiatives, such as Ghana’s Right of Abode policy, which allows individuals of African descent to live and work indefinitely in the country. Similarly, Benin has introduced a citizenship pathway for descendants of enslaved Africans who can trace their ancestry.
“These programs give us real opportunities to reconnect with our origins and find places where we are truly valued,” she added.
Since 2020, Sierra Leone has granted citizenship to individuals of African descent who can prove ancestral ties to the country, often verified through DNA testing. Smith also mentioned organizations like the Exodus Alliance, which aims to help one million African American families relocate to Africa.
Best known for her roles in Tyler Perry’s productions, Smith has also made guest appearances in shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Queen Sugar, and Black-ish.
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The NAACP Image Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in the arts, particularly in film, television, and theater. This year, former Vice President Kamala Harris received the Chairman’s Award, an honor given to individuals who excel in public service and use their platforms to drive meaningful change.
In her acceptance speech—her first major address since the 2024 election—Harris spoke about the ongoing challenges facing the country.
Meanwhile, discussions about leaving the U.S. have surfaced among Hollywood celebrities, particularly in response to President Donald Trump’s potential return to office. Stars like Sharon Stone, Cher, and Barbra Streisand have publicly stated they would consider leaving the country if Trump were re-elected.
This trend isn’t new. In 2016, Whoopi Goldberg, Miley Cyrus, Amy Schumer, and George Lopez were among the celebrities who vowed to move abroad if Trump won the presidency. While many stayed, some, like Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi, reportedly followed through on their plans to leave the U.S. after Trump’s victory.
As the political landscape continues to shift, Smith’s call for Black Americans to consider global opportunities adds to a broader conversation about identity, mobility, and the pursuit of a better quality of life.
