Actress says Black people should consider moving to other countries due to political climate

Actress KJ Smith said that Black people should consider moving to other countries due to the political climate.

During the 56th NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, a reporter asked Smith what was something she wished was discussed more in the Black community.

"Understanding our roots," Smith said.

"I think it’s really important," she added. "We’re not trapped here. With the political climate that’s going on in the United States of America, there are places we can go. There are countries that are receiving us back — citizenship back — with open arms."

Smith believes "it's time" for the Black community to seriously consider leaving the country.

Fox News Digital reached out to Smith for a comment. The actress sent the following statement.

"I want to emphasize that my intention is to inform and empower, not to spread fear. Many Black Americans are exploring opportunities to reconnect with their ancestral roots and consider alternative living options," Smith said.

"I believe that more Black Americans are recognizing that conditions in the United States are not improving for us; in fact, they seem to be deteriorating. It’s time we consider alternatives, much like other communities have. The 'Blaxit' movement encourages African Americans to explore opportunities abroad, particularly in African nations. Ghana, for instance, offers a ‘Right of Abode’ policy, allowing people of African descent to live and work indefinitely in the country. Similarly, Benin has introduced a law granting citizenship to descendants of enslaved Africans who can prove their ancestry."

Smith explained further that these "initiatives provide us with viable options to reconnect with our roots and seek environments where we are truly valued."

"Since 2020, Sierra Leone has offered citizenship to individuals of African descent who can trace their ancestry to the country, often verified through DNA testing," Smith added. She continued, "Organizations like the Exodus Alliance are facilitating these connections, aiming to assist one million African American families in relocating to Africa."

Smith has starred in numerous Tyler Perry-produced shows and movies along with guest-starring in a number of sitcoms such as "It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia," "Queen Sugar," and "Black-Ish."

The NAACP Image Awards' honors performances in the arts, most often in film, television and theater.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, also in attendance, received the chairman's award, which is given to "individuals who excel in public service and leverage their unique platforms to ignite and drive meaningful change."

When accepting the award, Harris delivered her first major speech since her election loss in November.

Many Hollywood actors have been critical of President Donald Trump and threatened to leave the U.S. if he were to be elected in November 2024. Among those celebrities are Sharon Stone, Cher and Barbra Streisand.

Celebrities vowing to leave the U.S. when Trump gets elected has been a trend since 2016.

Whoopi Goldberg, Miley Cyrus, Amy Schumer, George Lopez and other celebrities previously vowed to move out of the U.S. if Trump was elected president in 2016.

On the other hand, Ellen DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi reportedly left the U.S. following Trump's victory. A source told The Wrap that Trump's re-election had factored into the couple's decision to pack up and move.