Yesterday, I saw something I never expected: I was featured in Architectural Digest as part of a story about Americans who chose to uproot their lives. Not for adventure or convenience, but because of deeply held values, concerns, and a pursuit of belonging.
Being included in this piece is more than a moment, it’s validation that a Black woman’s voice belongs in conversations about migration, identity, and possibility. It affirms that our experiences matter and deserve to be heard on platforms that reach the world.
In the AD story, my journey, leaving New Jersey for Spain after the 2024 U.S. election, is part of a larger conversation about how politics is reshaping where Americans choose to live.
Here’s what that meant for me:
It wasn’t just geography. It was about safety, dignity, and peace.
Like many families, the political climate deeply impacted how I saw the future for myself and my daughters. I wanted a life where we felt free to be Black, to live without constant fear, and to embrace a slower, richer daily rhythm. Spain gave us that, and I am endlessly grateful for the space to breathe, grow, and thrive.
I hope this inspires other Black voices.
Representation matters. Too often, narratives about relocation or life abroad center a narrow slice of experiences. My story challenges that showing that Black families can, do, and will choose their own paths, even when it means making bold changes.
Thank you to Architectural Digest.
Thank you for making space for a Black mom’s story. For acknowledging that the decision to leave home isn’t just political, it’s deeply human. And thank you to the amazing writer and author of the article, Jessica Goodman, for sharing our narrative with readers around the world. This kind of visibility doesn’t just elevate a personal journey, it opens doors for countless others who see parts of themselves in our story. Thank you to the amazing photographer, Jonathan Ristagno Trisi for really capturing the essence of the piece in photos.
If you’re reading this and thinking about your own path, whether it’s moving abroad, reimagining your life, or standing up for what matters to you.. know this: your voice matters. Your courage matters. And your story deserves to be shared.
With gratitude,
—Violet
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