Exploring the Connection Between Veganism and Black Culture During Black History Month
Reflecting on Veganism and Black Identity
As Veganuary came to an end and Black History Month was in full swing, I found myself thinking about my nearly three-year journey as a vegan and how it connects with my Black and Caribbean heritage. Growing up in a Jamaican-Trini household, I was used to meat-heavy meals like my mom’s famous curry chicken with chickpeas, potatoes, and rice. At the time, I never imagined that veganism could blend so beautifully with the flavors of a Jamaican Rastafarian Ital diet, a way of eating based on “vital foods.”
Cultural Roots and Discovering a New Kitchen
Transitioning into a vegan lifestyle meant rethinking those dishes I grew up with. I learned that the magic wasn’t in copying meat exactly but in celebrating the spices and ingredients that make every meal special. Stocking up on basics like grains, legumes, and beans opened the door to recreating familiar flavors—whether it was a hearty chickpea curry or a Jamaican-inspired “beef” patty. Along the way, I experimented a lot. Sometimes I ended up with too many trial-and-error recipes or defaulted to popular meat substitutes like Gardein and Beyond Meat. Have you ever wondered how transforming classic recipes into vegan versions can be both a challenge and an adventure?
Infusing Identity into Everyday Meals
It wasn’t just about removing meat—it was about reconnecting with my roots. Moving away for college pushed me to find my own food identity. I discovered my favorite dairy-free cheese, fell in love with oat milk, and began curating a social media feed full of Black and Caribbean vegan inspiration. Watching creators like Rachel Ama and Tabitha Brown share their twists on traditional dishes reassured me that vegan food could be deeply rooted in culture and soul.
Navigating Questions and Shifting Perspectives
Despite embracing veganism, I still navigated a maze of questions at family gatherings and community events. Attending barbecues as the only vegan sometimes made me feel isolated, especially when hearty, meat-based Southern and Caribbean meals were the norm. I eventually learned that many beloved dishes—like collard greens or steamed cabbage—can be easily adapted to suit a vegan lifestyle. This journey wasn’t just about food; it was about redefining what it meant to honor both my health and my culture.
Veganism, Environmental Justice, and Racial Perspectives
There’s more to veganism than personal health—it’s also a stand against environmental harm and systemic injustice. For me, cutting out animal products became a window into understanding environmental justice. It made me realize the links between diet, race, and access to healthy food. While many white vegans focus on animal rights and personal benefits, the conversation for vegans of color often includes topics like food apartheid—a term that highlights how communities of color face significant barriers in accessing nutritious, affordable food.
Understanding Racialized Food Access
Living in Tallahassee at a historically Black university, I experienced firsthand the challenges of living in an area limited by "food deserts" and "food swamps." For clarity:
- Food Deserts: Areas where fresh, healthy foods are hard to come by due to expensive prices or plenty of barriers.
- Food Swamps: Regions where fast-food outlets and convenience stores dominate, and healthy groceries are few and far between.
These challenges are not natural occurrences but are created by social and political disparities that disproportionately affect communities of color.
When ‘White Veganism’ Misses the Mark
Conversations with activists like Isaias Hernandez—also known as @queerbrownvegan—opened my eyes to how colonization and global capitalism have shaped our food systems. Many white vegans might appreciate the aesthetic or health benefits of a plant-based diet, but they often overlook the broader social injustices, such as the plight of Latinx farmworkers or marginalized communities facing food scarcity. It made me realize that embracing veganism fully means understanding the intertwined nature of cultural identity, food access, and environmental activism.
Celebrating Black Veganism Every Day
Being a Black vegan isn’t just about skipping meat—it’s about celebrating our rich culinary heritage. Whether it’s waiting in line for a famous plant-based burger in Atlanta or introducing Meatless Monday to a family that cherishes soul food, my experience is shared by many in our community. The blending of vibrant Caribbean flavors with soul and Cajun influences has reaffirmed my belief that vegan eating can be both delicious and deeply connected to our history.
Have you ever wondered how food can bring culture, history, and activism together on your plate? This journey of exploring veganism as a tool for environmental and racial justice continues to inspire me and many others who see food as a way to honor our past and shape a healthier future.