In this book, we have tried to bring an understanding of the distinctive experiences of sub-Saharan African immigrants as well the diverse and multifaceted challenges that they encounter once they emigrate to the United States. The respondents in this study have shared their stories of relocating, adapting, and coping with their new realities. Storytelling and reflection are not only powerful but also empowering. Giving sub-Saharan African immigrants the opportunity to tell their own stories in their own voices empowers them in an authentic way to become agents of their own lives. This results in the ability to forge a meaningful future for themselves. Moreover, their lived experiences will provide helpful lessons to future immigrants as they navigate their immigration journey.

We argued that acknowledging the historical nature of racial bias and White privilege in the United States without taking time to examine issues of race and privilege or considering the importance of cultural diversity is detrimental to all. Coming from countries where Blackness is not a point of reference, the sub-Saharan African immigrants are somewhat oblivious to racism and discrimination at first. Later, they come to realize that racism is a constant reality they have to deal with on a daily basis. Dealing with race thus becomes an important component of how they adjust to their new lives as immigrants. Even those who adapt fast eventually realize they will never be American enough going by the racially charged definitions and expectations.

Personal effort, determination, and eventual success of sub-Saharan African immigrants continue to be underappreciated independent of historical colonization, marginalization, stereotypes, and tokenism among other stigmas. These stigmas cause sub-Saharan African immigrants to be viewed as not being proactive or possessing agency in the process of personal purpose and self-determination. Sub-Saharan African immigrants are therefore constantly faced with situations that require them to debunk these myths or conform and exhibit the stereotypical images society has imposed on them.

Based on the challenges experienced by our respondents as discussed in this book, we as engaged scholars realized that there is a need for supporting and coaching sub-Saharan African immigrants to succeed and to continuously create conditions and institutional interventions that foster their integration, assimilation, and success in their host countries.