Black American Refugee

Escaping the Narcissism of the American Dream

By: Tiffanie Drayton

Narrated by: Tiffanie Drayton

Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

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?

©2021 Tiffanie Drayton (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"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

"…extraordinary and representative." —NPR

Loved it

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

The Book I Always Wanted to Write

Ms. Drayton's comparison of the United States to an abusive romantic partner beautiful and thoroughly illustrates an analogy I've had for years. I suppose many people have had this idea, which makes it so relatable. Her story is similar to many stories and I'm thankful that she shared it with us. Both mundane and inspiring, this is a book that can benefit anyone who has ever spent time in or near the United States of America.

Falling back in love with myself!!!!

THANK YOU MS. Drayton!!!!! This was an amazing piece of literature. This book not only drove you deep in to the realization with the status quo of the United States but put an * on the pollution we as black people endure. May your growth spread to all that need to hear it. I would suggest not only every black young girl and woman read this book, I also suggest black men need to pick it up too. Gave me a lot of insight into our mothers, sisters, daughters, grandmothers, and women friends realities. Things I simply didn’t consider. A must listen/read.

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.

A gripping story that is both personal and universal

Essential reading for white Americans (myself included) who genuinely want to understand institutional racism and its impact. A beautifully written testament to the power and resilience of a Black woman and her family.

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!

Facing the truth of America-the fallacy of the American Dream

Truth will set you free. The author lays out a thorough and compelling premise that America has an abusive relationship with people of color. She is fortunate that she had a viable option for living a life elsewhere.

Fenominal read

This book is healing through it truth about reality and not the ignoring of the daily abuse of BW by the hands of society in all its pressures to assimilate that abuse to others.

Thank you Sis!

I loved it and wasn't expecting to agree with your viewpoint. Thank you insight.

Glad I took a listen. Hope you are enjoying Sweet Sweet T-n-T!