What should I expect...
I'm an African-American female who's planning on taking a solo trip to Europe in the new future, and I'm just wondering if I should be prepared for anything, given the current climate in Europe. I'm pretty dark-skinned and could easily be mistaken for an African, and I\'ve heard that Africans in Europe are often not treated well. I'm not going to Spain or Italy and will probably only be in the cities, but I'm a bit nervous about traveling alone on trains. Have any African Americans or other minorities on here had any trouble traveling in Europe? Any harassment from police or immigration? Would it be a bad idea for me to venture to Dresden?
Reply to this Hi Rudi,
Most cities in western Europe have large African populations. The vast, vast majority of us Europeans will treat you as a local, or a guest. You won't feel any different to how you do in American cities.
There are fewer dark-skinned people in eastern and south-eastern Europe, so people may be curious and stare a bit, but even there there's little chance of you coming to any harm.
Tell me where you're going, and I'll be more specific.
Jon
Reply to this Hey Rudi!
I don't think you will encounter too many issues in most major Western European cities. As a Black Canadian female who has lived and traveled throughout Western Europe, I found that most major cities have large and relatively diverse populations. You may receive some curious looks and perhaps stares in smaller towns but I doubt that you'll have any problems. You might even find that people are interested in talking to you.
Throughout my travels, I haven't received harassment from police or immigration per se; however, in this current climate of suspicion of immigrants and visible minorities, I would be prepared for some scrutiny at certain border crossings and airports. I have never encountered any problems traveling alone on trains. I have been to Germany (mainly Hamburg and Berlin) and found them to be relatively safe, vibrant and cosmopolitan. I have not been to Dresden but I don't think you need to worry too much about making a trip there.
There are quite a few websites and blogs by black women traveling and living in Europe, which could potentially be a good resource for you as you prepare for your trip, namely: http://blog.blackwomenineurope.com/
I hope that this helps a little. Happy travels!!
Reply to this Thanks, good to know! I know it's unfair to Europeans for me to go into this trip assuming that I'm going to be stuck dealing with ignorant, prejudiced people, but really, there are prejudiced people everywhere and I know that it can take on different forms in different places in ways that I, as an American, might not be prepared to deal with. Anyways, I hope that it isn't something that I should worry about.
Vinovat Sudarynya, I'm planning on going to England (probably just London), Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Reply to this All of the countries on your itinerary have huge immigrant populations; no-one will think anything of your dark skin. London and Paris have more black people than anywhere in Europe, and all five countries are home to many first and second generation Africans.
That isn't to say that they're safe countries, or that all their people are wonderful, but you don't have to be any more apprehensive or careful than white Europeans. You're much more likely to receive unpleasantness for being American!
J.
Reply to this London is a very ethnically diverse city, you shouldn't find you have any problems, although Vinovat is right in saying that your American accent is more likely to be a problem than your skin colour. The following quote from wikipedia shows the demographics of London.
According to the Office for National Statistics, based on 2006 estimates, 69.4 per cent of the 7.5 million inhabitants of London were White, with 58 per cent White British, 2.5 per cent White Irish and 8.9 per cent classified as Other White. Some 13.1 per cent are of South Asian descent, with Indians making up 6.5 per cent of London's population, followed by Bangladeshis and Pakistanis at 2.3 per cent each. 2 per cent are categorised as "Other Asian". 10.7 per cent of London's population are Black, with around 5.5 per cent being Black African, 4.3 per cent as Black Caribbean and 0.7 per cent as "Other Black". 3.5 per cent of Londoners are of mixed race; 1.5 per cent are Chinese; and 1.9 per cent belong to another ethnic group. In January 2005, a survey of London's ethnic and religious diversity claimed that there were more than 300 languages spoken and 50 non-indigenous communities with a population of more than 10,000 in London.
Wikipedia:Demography of London Reply to this Hello Ridi 😊
While we do have our share of rascist nut bags in Europe, I dont thing the problem is severe enough for people of various races to avoid Europe. In fact, I dont think you will find it any worse than the US.
There are Neo Nazis in Germany and the other countries have theirs, but mainly they are frowned upon and just about everything they do is illegal. When they are out in number, so are the police to watch them.
And, the other threat is drunken rascists in night spots, and at football matches. When you are at any of those, then keep well out in the open, where you will be visible to police, security people and the general public.
Mel
Reply to this 
