In a heartfelt and deeply unsettling video shared with her over one million followers on TikTok, solo female traveler Malikah opened up about her traumatic experience in a destination she vows never to revisit: Saint Kitts. The Caribbean island, often painted as a tropical paradise, turned out to be a nightmare for Malikah, who was subjected to racism and mistreatment—not from white individuals, as one might sadly expect, but from other Black people. Her story has sparked widespread shock, empathy, and a much-needed conversation about racism within the Black community and the challenges faced by Black female travelers.
Malikah, who has lived in and explored numerous countries, began her video by addressing a question she’s frequently asked: about the most racist places she’s encountered. With a solemn tone, she revealed that Saint Kitts stands out as the worst place she’s ever visited, a location where she was treated “like dirt” and had the most miserable time of her life. Her Caribbean getaway, which she had anticipated as a relaxing escape, quickly turned sour from the moment she arrived at her hotel. Despite pulling up to a welcoming scene where staff greeted other travelers with fresh drinks and luggage assistance, Malikah was completely ignored. While she initially brushed it off, thinking it might be because she didn’t need help with her carry-on, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being slighted. The cold reception was only the beginning of a string of disgraceful encounters.
The hotel staff’s hostility became even more apparent when Malikah attempted to check in. They claimed they couldn’t find her reservation and seemed to look down on her for not booking an all-inclusive package, offering no effort to assist or upgrade her stay. This dismissive behavior set the tone for the rest of her trip. Even at the pool and beach, Malikah struggled to receive basic service, finding it nearly impossible to get a server to take her order or refill her drink. She vividly described the frustration of watching staff eagerly attend to white guests while deliberately avoiding eye contact with her. “I would see them walk past my chair to every other white person,” she shared, mimicking the blank, standoffish expressions of the staff and shop owners she encountered.
Malikah’s struggles extended beyond the resort. Even when she ventured into local markets, she was met with the same frosty demeanor from Black shop owners. Her Only saving grace came on her final day and a half, when she connected with a corporate group who treated her with kindness and included her in their activities. This small act of compassion, however, couldn’t erase the pain of being mistreated by people who shared her identity. Malikah poignantly concluded her video by recounting how she bonded with another Black female solo traveler who was enduring the same treatment. Together, they commiserated over their shared experiences, finding a sense of solidarity in their isolation.
The video has sparked a wave of reactions from viewers, many of whom expressed shock and disbelief. “I was not expecting St. Kitts,” one commenter wrote, echoing the sentiment of many who ار乡 the island as a friendly and welcoming destination. Others, like a fellow Caribbean native from the Bahamas, shared their own theories about why such behavior might occur, while some expressed heartbreak over the pain evident in Malikah’s voice. Her story raises critical questions about intra-racial prejudice and the often overlooked dynamics of racism within Black communities, highlighting the ways in which internalized biases and colorism can manifest in hurtful ways.
Malikah’s courage in sharing her story has resonated deeply with many, particularly Black travelers who have faced similar challenges. Her experience serves as a stark reminder that racism is not confined to cross-racial interactions but can also emerge within communities of shared identity. While her video sheds light on a painful reality, it also underscores the importance of solidarity and the need for open, honest conversations about race and prejudice. For Malikah, Saint Kitts is now a place she will never revisit, but her story has become a powerful call to action, urging greater awareness and understanding in the pursuit of equality and respect for all.
