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A Hawaiian Escape? How Black Americans Found Refuge and Solidarity in the Kingdom

For centuries, Hawaii has been a safe haven for Black people looking to escape since the days of chattel slavery.

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Brooke Obie
Apr 06, 2025
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Meesha Williams with her family. (Courtesy of Meesha Williams)

“And where would a fleeing Black man go if he wanted to escape?”

James Baldwin had asked the question facetiously to an audacious white reporter who had accused Baldwin of “escaping” anti-Black persecution in America by expatriating to France. Baldwin knew what we know: Anti-Blackness is a glo…

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Brooke Obie
Black Girl Watching is a film/TV & culture critique platform analyzing the latest in culture through a Black feminist lens by Brooke Obie. Brooke is an award-winning film critic, filmmaker, screenwriter and author of BOOK OF ADDIS.
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