Unruly with Shelah Marie: Episode 33 - "Expat or Escape? The Truth About Leaving the U.S. for Good" Featuring Imani Bashir

Release Date: May 20, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 33 of Unruly with Shelah Marie, host Shelah Marie engages in a profound conversation with Imani Bashir, an award-winning multimedia journalist, travel expert, and culture creator. Imani brings a wealth of experience as a global citizen, having lived in five countries while raising a multilingual son. The episode delves into the complexities of being a black expatriate, dismantling stereotypes, and exploring the intersection of travel and activism.

Challenging Stereotypes of Black Travelers

Shelah opens the discussion by addressing prevalent stereotypes about black travelers. When asked what stereotype she would erase, Imani candidly responds:

[03:10] Imani Bashir: "Um. Ooh, stereotype that we don't have money."

Imani emphasizes that black travelers have the necessary funds to explore the world, countering the misconception that they lack financial means. This sets the stage for a broader conversation about the realities and privileges associated with black mobility.

Experiencing Home Abroad: Imani's Journey in China

One of the most compelling segments is Imani’s unexpected sense of belonging in China, a country often stereotyped as unwelcoming to Muslims. She shares her experiences:

[03:51] Imani Bashir: "China's a very family-friendly place. Now granted, I do not speak Mandarin... I was very comfortable walking the streets... I never had a situation where I felt unsafe or like I didn't belong."

Imani highlights the rich Islamic history in China, noting the presence of ancient mosques and halal restaurants, which contributed to her feeling at home. She contrasts her positive experiences with the current treatment of Uyghur Muslims in northern China, underscoring the diversity of experiences within the country.

Practical Travel Tips: Building a Black Travel Starter Kit

Imani provides invaluable advice for black travelers, advocating for tools that enhance safety and connectivity:

[07:18] Imani Bashir: "I would download the app called Green Book Global... It's very similar to TripAdvisor, but for black folks... It even has a mechanism to reroute you outside of sundown towns."

She recommends the Green Book Global app, designed specifically for black travelers to review and share safe and welcoming destinations. Additionally, Imani underscores the importance of practical items like tracking devices for luggage and obtaining a Real ID or passport ahead of upcoming regulations.

Upbringing, Identity, and the Influence of Family

Shelah explores Imani’s upbringing and its impact on her global perspective. Imani recounts her late start in travel and the pivotal role her family played in shaping her identity:

[13:31] Imani Bashir: "My father's side comes from generational Islam... Black Muslims were the first to practice, pray, and fast in the United States."

Imani delves into her family's rich Muslim heritage, emphasizing the preservation of Islamic traditions despite historical challenges. She shares poignant family stories, including her grandfather's fight to retain the family name "Bashir" against racial classification.

Motherhood and Raising a Third Culture Kid

A significant portion of the episode focuses on motherhood and the unique experiences of raising a third culture kid. Imani discusses the challenges and joys of her son's upbringing across five countries:

[46:23] Imani Bashir: "My son's lived in five countries, he's eight. He’s fluent in Spanish, and he loves to learn new things."

Imani describes how her son's exposure to diverse cultures fosters his inquisitiveness and adaptability. She also shares her personal experience of giving birth in Poland through an unassisted birth at home, highlighting the importance of creating a nurturing and culturally rich environment for her child.

Being a Black Expat: Privilege and Ethical Travel

Imani addresses the nuanced topic of being a black expatriate, emphasizing the importance of ethical travel and community integration:

[58:19] Imani Bashir: "An expatriate is someone who traditionally is a bit more nomadic... But it's not okay that words that mean things are demonized against one set of folks over another."

She encourages black travelers to avoid creating isolated expat enclaves that alienate local communities. Instead, Imani advocates for building genuine connections, supporting local businesses, and immersing oneself in the host country’s culture and language.

Initiatives: The Passport Project

Imani passionately discusses her initiative to help 15 individuals obtain passports through donations, addressing financial barriers that restrict travel:

[62:49] Imani Bashir: "People started donating. I have a Gifts and Go campaign... I have to slow walk it that way, but it's been a blessing."

Despite facing challenges such as being removed from TikTok’s creator fund, Imani perseveres by pivoting to community donations. Her commitment underscores the broader goal of facilitating black mobility and empowering individuals to explore the world without financial constraints.

Toolkit Advice: Embracing a Traveler’s Mindset

As part of the episode's toolkit segment, Imani offers a profound piece of advice inspired by Islamic teachings:

[67:27] Imani Bashir: "Be in the world like a traveler or a wanderer along the path... Enjoy the things that you learn, the people that you meet, the conversations that you encounter."

Imani emphasizes the transient nature of life and the importance of embracing each moment with curiosity and openness, fostering a deeper connection with oneself and the world.

Conclusion

The episode culminates with heartfelt acknowledgments and encouragement for listeners to pursue their own journeys of mobility and self-discovery. Shelah commends Imani for her initiatives and invites listeners to support her work, reinforcing the episode's central themes of freedom, community, and ethical travel.

[70:34] Sheila Marie: "Imani, thank you so much for joining us today. I'll definitely see you on the Internet later."

Key Takeaways

• Challenging Stereotypes: Black travelers have diverse financial and cultural backgrounds, debunking myths of economic limitations.

• Sense of Belonging Abroad: Personal safety and belonging are attainable in unexpected places, such as China, due to rich cultural histories.

• Practical Tools for Travelers: Utilizing specialized apps like Green Book Global and ensuring proper documentation (Real ID/passport) are essential for safe and informed travel.

• Cultural Identity and Heritage: Understanding and preserving one’s cultural and religious heritage is crucial in shaping a global perspective.

• Raising Global Citizens: Exposure to multiple cultures fosters curiosity, adaptability, and a love for learning in children.

• Ethical Expatriation: Integrating with local communities and supporting local economies prevents the creation of isolated expat enclaves.

• Empowering Initiatives: Efforts like Imani’s Passport Project address systemic barriers, promoting greater black mobility and access to global opportunities.

• Traveler’s Mindset: Embracing life as a traveler encourages mindfulness, appreciation, and continuous personal growth.

Connect with Imani Bashir

• Social Media: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Threads
• Newsletter: The Borderless Life on Substack
• Contact: speakpipe.com/unruly

Stay inspired and empowered by embracing your own journey toward mobility and self-discovery. For more transformative conversations, subscribe to Unruly with Shelah Marie and join the community dedicated to holistic wellness and personal growth.