Tips, Resources, and Inspiration for the Black Vegan
From politicians to rap stars, respected actors to distinguished athletes, the list of African Americans who give attention to animal rights is growing. Beyoncé and Jay Z promote healthy vegan foods, and Kid Ink, Taraji P. Henson, and Waka Flocka Flame speak out against fur. The Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA loudly and strongly campaigns for a more compassionate world. Forest Whitaker, Kimberly Elise, and Cory Booker adhere to plant-centric eating and encourage others to do the same. Bryant Terry writes delectable vegan cookbooks. David Carter, Brandon Flowers, and John Salley took the sports world by storm with their healthy vegan living. And civil rights activists such as Dexter Scott King, Dick Gregory, and Angela Davis choose to eat compassionately while advocating for a world in which all species are treated with dignity—as the late Coretta Scott King did as well.
Are you ready to join these role models by saying no to injustice? We’ve compiled some resources to help you transition to your new cruelty-free lifestyle!
Black Vegans Rock
Black Vegans Rock spotlights everyday African-American vegans who are looking to get their work, art, music, restaurant, book, or other projects in front of fellow vegans. The website was started by activist and writer Aph Ko, and it brings the black vegan community together while celebrating its diversity.
Inspirational Videos
Hear one person’s story in this heartfelt video entitled, “Black Vegan Testimonial.”
Vegan Food Making Its Mark
Black chefs are reshaping the culinary landscape with their innovative, delicious vegan recipes. Alicia C. Simpson shares her healthy take on Tex-Mex, backyard barbecue, and more in her most recent book, Quick and Easy Low-Cal Vegan Comfort Food, while Tasha Edwards dishes up delectable desserts and food-fusion items on The Sweetest Vegan YouTube channel. There’s also Taymer Mason’s new Caribbean Vegan cookbook.
Those who shine in the kitchen can also pick up a cookbook by chef Bryant Terry for some creative vegan cooking. His book Afro-Vegan features more than 100 tantalizing animal-free recipes, like Black-Eyed Peas with Cornbread Croutons, Tofu Curry with Mustard Greens, and Cocoa-Spice Cake with Crystallized Ginger. Watch him cook breakfast here.
It’s also never been easier to be a soul food–loving vegan. Southern-cuisine restaurants—including the delicious Stuff I Eat in Inglewood, California, and Everlasting Life near Washington, D.C.—are popping up across the country to satisfy your cravings for barbecue and mac ‘n’ “cheese.”
Chicago’s all-vegetarian Majani Catering brings food of the African diaspora to local events, and there are black-owned vegetarian and vegan restaurants in cities throughout the U.S.
African American Vegan Starter Guide
Tracye McQuirter, animal rights activist, public health nutritionist, and author of a vegan lifestyle book targeted to black women, By Any Greens Necessary, has released the first African American guide to clean eating. African American Vegan Starter Guide is a free 40-page resource for people interested in getting their hands on vegan recipes created by renowned chefs as well as advice about dining out, shopping, raising children vegan, and so much more.
McQuirter created the guide to “empower even more people to take back control of their health, to recognize that plant-based foods are a part of our cultural heritage, and to realize that African Americans benefit the most from eating a plant-based diet, which enables us to live longer, healthier lives.” Order one today, and it might just save your life as well as the lives of many animals.
Cruelty-Free Cosmetics
More and more cosmetics companies are saying goodbye to testing on animals and hello to ethical customers. With our list of foundations that are cruelty-free and vegan and match every skin tone, you’ll never have to guess whether your makeup’s as kind as you are.
Cruelty-Free Hair Care
If you’re cruelty-free, why should your hair be any different? Check out our list of great natural-hair products that will maximize your locks’ moisture, curls, and sheen while maintaining your commitment to compassionate living.
If you’re still looking for inspiration, take a look at our list of iconic black vegans and vegetarians, and then pledge to go vegan today!
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Chef Philip Khoury has delved deep into patisserie in an attempt to make desserts that are “cleaner” and that present finer flavors and textures. In this cookbook, he transforms the traditional building blocks of baking by using plant-based ingredients, including ones that have been in use for over 100 years.
