Thanks for watching this video and following @MelaninManTravels. Please hit the NOTIFICATION bell and share this video with some friends. In the video, I didn't return to the story about the other brother in Lisbon. So I'm telling you below. I didn’t return to the story during our chat, so I will discuss it here. In the States, when a black person sees another black person, typically we do the “wassup, head nod” thing. It’s a simple gesture, saying “I see you and acknowledge you in this space.” There have been situations where I have seen a Black man, made eye contact, did the head nod and was completely ignored. I don’t always know what a person’s situation is at the time, but with some occurrences, it is clear that the individual has a desire to have a proximity to whiteness, and creates separation from me. It is a form of othering - “I’m different or better than THAT black person.” That feeling came up at the Taco shop with Chrishan when I acknowledged a “brotha” on two separate occasions. I thought, he’s one of “those” Blacks in Europe. As I sat down to share this with Chrishan, he came over and struck up a conversation. He was such a pleasant person. I felt obligated to share my initial thoughts about him and apologize. He shared that he had a major family issue that day, and he was in his head and didn’t even notice me. We had a lively conversation after that. Not only did he talk with us, he shared that he would never ignore his own people and made it a point to come over to us. A few days later, when I was eating at a different outside café he noticed me and came over with his friend to say hello, and to make an introduction. Again we had a great chat. In decolonizing my mind, I am learning to give others more of the benefit of the doubt, instead of operating in my normal protective manner based on my experience as a Black man in America.
I love to hear Chrishan speak. Freedom is a state of mind. We must understand our privilege as Africa Americans. It warms my heart to see that Chrishan is enjoying Portugal so much. I would suggest reaching out to Afrolis which is an organization which comprises of people from the diaspora in Lisbon. Carla Fernandes is over the organization and she speaks perfect English. Boa sorte!
I’m black American been living abroad for 20 years! Best decision I made. I love going back to USA for a Visit but it’s not home anymore. Do most American become nomads or work locally / retired?
Hi there. Thanks for following my channel. I don't have any specific statistics, but the requirements for working locally can be challenging. Many countries do not want foreigners (expats) to take employment opportunities from their residents which is completely fair and understandable. In this tech age, I would have to say most are digital nomads (working for their home country or self employed) or retired.
