Black American Refugee

Escaping the Narcissism of the American Dream

By: Tiffanie Drayton

Narrated by: Tiffanie Drayton

Named "most anticipated" book of February by Marie Claire, Essence, and A.V. Club

"…extraordinary and representative."—NPR

"Drayton explores the ramifications of racism that span generations, global white supremacy, and the pitfalls of American culture."—Shondaland

After following her mother to the US at a young age to pursue economic opportunities, one woman must come to terms with the ways in which systematic racism and resultant trauma keep the American Dream inaccessible to Black people.

In the early '90s, young Tiffanie Drayton and her siblings left Trinidad and Tobago to join their mother in New Jersey, where she'd been making her way as a domestic worker, eager to give her children a shot at the American Dream. At first, life in the US was idyllic. But chasing good school districts with affordable housing left Tiffanie and her family constantly uprooted--moving from Texas to Florida then back to New Jersey. As Tiffanie came of age in the suburbs, she began to ask questions about the binary Black and white American world. Why were the Black neighborhoods she lived in crime-ridden, and the multicultural ones safe? Why were there so few Black students in advanced classes at school, if there were any advanced classes at all? Why was it so hard for Black families to achieve stability? Why were Black girls treated as something other than worthy?

Ultimately, exhausted by the pursuit of a "better life" in America, twenty-year old Tiffanie returns to Tobago. She is suddenly able to enjoy the simple freedom of being Black without fear, and imagines a different future for her own children. But then COVID-19 and widely publicized instances of police brutality bring America front and center again. This time, as an outsider supported by a new community, Tiffanie grieves and rages for Black Americans in a way she couldn't when she was one.

An expansion of her New York Times piece of the same name, Black American Refugee examines in depth the intersection of her personal experiences and the broader culture and historical ramifications of American racism and global white supremacy. Through thoughtful introspection and candidness, Tiffanie unravels the complex workings of the people in her life, including herself, centering Black womanhood, and illuminating the toll a lifetime of racism can take. Must Black people search beyond the shores of the "land of the free" to realize emancipation? Or will the voices that propel America's new reckoning welcome all dreamers and dreams to this land?

Critic reviews

"…extraordinary and representative."
—NPR

"Drayton's tale is told with verve and honesty."
—USA Today

"Drayton has written an engaging book, which is one of my favorite kinds to read. There are things I agree with, there are things I disagree with, there are things that are new to me. I hope everyone reads it for that reason."
—Trevor Noah, The Daily Show

"Drayton’s rich storytelling reveals the complex roles ‘victims’ and ‘abusers’ play in ‘American racial stratification’ and offers a path toward healing for both. Those seeking to better understand the long-term effects of racism should pick this up."
—Publishers Weekly

"Drayton examines her experiences as a Black woman in both countries, and how her personal story connects to the broader history of white supremacy."
—Bustle

"Drayton explores the ramifications of racism that span generations, global white supremacy, and the pitfalls of American culture."
—Shondaland

"A welcome addition to the literature on race in America…. Drayton has a powerful story and the voice to do it justice."
—Kirkus Reviews

Loved it

Great story. Great narration. Im a truck driver and listend to the whole book straight through.

Well done book

This book was indeed well-written and held my attention throughout. It was fascinating to explore the various stages of her life as she came to the United States. A truly commendable piece of work!

Healing Home

interesting perspective on the impact of systemic racism and its tangents as well as what makes one a refugee. ìntellgent woman, good writer with terrible judgement when it comes to men and her personal relationships with them. Historical ìnformation and lead ins were good technique and can serve as a springboard for the reader's additional research. well written slice of life memoir.

Beautiful, Painful, Nuanced

One of the best memoirs that I’ve read in terms of the narrative being compelling and dynamic while also educating us. Thank you for your emotional labor Tiffanie to put this out there 🙏🏼

Amazing must read for all Americans and any one else

The author was able to put into words the feelings I’ve had since being a small child. As an HBCU graduate I was able to come to terms with what happened to people of African ancestry in the Americas and the Caribbean through enslavement. Learning more about it and understanding that there are still people who support those ideals. Thank you Tiffany for bringing it all to life. I am happy that you are able to navigate your life and the challenges that were present it to you. I appreciate you I celebrate you thank you!