Black Veganism

Transition to Veganism

2012-01-28T11:02:00.000-08:00

I have often wondered if veganism was something that would spread. Now I have been vegan for some time and I have always wanted to know how it was to go vegan. One of my friends has over the years been asking me to email him information on veganism. Then I would see post on his facebook that would say that chicken was good and I would think he hasn't started his transition to veganism. At the same time I did try my best to be open to the idea that it might happen some day and whenever I did post anything on my facebook wall about veganism he would comment with wanting more information and I would always send him information.

Now that we are in a New Year I have had the chance to chat with George and he has been going strong with his veganism and I could not be happier. When it comes to going vegan for people of color it can be heard. We are us to having "traditional" dishes to our culture like for Latinos meat is a very big thing as well in the Black community we do eat tons of eat from my personal experience. But when one of my friends of color decides to go vegan I want to be there to support them through this journey because it can be very hard at the beginning and I know all I needed was support to start off with veganism.

I emailed George yesterday to ask him a few questions. He was kind enough respond back to my email with some amazing response. I hope to meet up with George for a meal and do a in person check in. Here is the interview :

George Cruz gives me a personal understand of his vegan journey!!!!

1) Why did you go vegan ?

Me my brother and a couple of friends were talking about body fat and bmi, it just so happened I have an app that calculates it..I checked mine and it was horrible the exact words were " you are in obesity stage 1, a major lifestyle is needed because you are headed in the direction that can give you gall bladder disease, diabetes and a couple of more major health problems"...right then and there I started researching lifestyle changes and the #1 thing I kept noticing was "vegan" I read a couple of books the major one that stood out to me was "the beauty detox" I read the book in 2 days and changed my life around in a week.

2) Are you and your family ( Lisa and daughter) eating vegan together ?

Sadly no..I try talking them into it and bring up all the benefits that being a vegan can bring but being skinny all her life she feels its no point to even try being vegan, my daughter has some of the smoothies I make but when it comes to the solid veggies the only thing she likes is carrots.

3) What are some of your favorite foods?

I make smoothies every morning that consists of romaine lettuce head, 8 cups of spinich, celery, apple, pear banana and juice from 1/2 a lemon..for lunch I usually just make my own salads or have an advocado sandwich on millet bread those are my main meals that I focus on, of course I eat my fruit as well but I'm still a beginner looking for recipes and other ways to enjoy my vegetables

4) How do you feel now that you are vegan ?
The first thing I noticed was a boost of energy, and the more and more I ate healthy I felt the bloated feeling leave and in about two weeks I started noticing my skin clearing up, I also seen this documentary on animals and the way they are treated for food it was just so sad and disgusting , all the antibiotics they use and growth hormones all form toxins in our bodies that stop us from living truly happy and healthy lives, being vegan feels awesome I have no guilt when I eat :)

5) What do you miss ?
I really miss sweet's that is my thing ,skittles,juices , and all of those refined sugars. I really do not crave any products that contains anything that had a face, that documentary scared me straight

6) Tell me anything else that you would like to tell me.

Just that I've been trying to head in this direction for about 6 months and just kept putting it off, I did it and I feel so good and happy about my decision I just wish I can get my daughter and Lisa to join me.

Dun-Well Doughnuts

2012-01-14T13:43:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here in my Brooklyn kitchen just thinking about much time has gone by since I decided to become a vegan. I remember that day like it was yesterday when I was sitting in my dorm room at Northfield Mount Hermon and just thinking that I needed to make a decision about the way that I was eating and living my life. On the cold and rainy day I decided that I would try out veganism for 7 days and I never looked back. I called my friend Jennifer who has been vegan for 20+ years to get some advice and support in making this decision. But the one thing that I remember telling myself was that I have to be able to eat yummy sweets.

Veganism is now one of the most talked about things it seems. People are writing more books and more vegan dining options are popping up on the menus of great places to eat in New York City and around the world. But I have to say nothing excites me more than when a new Vegan place opens that is dedicated vegan treats. I have had doughnuts and the first doughnut that I recall having was the Babycakes NYC doughnut it was so yummy and I knew right away that it was super healthy. I thought that would be the end of my doughnut days because I knew that was the only vegan doughnut for me at the time.

Something magical happen and that's when I started hearing people speak about this Dun- Well Doughnuts and I was like okay I have to try it. When I was visiting my family when I was on break I remember going to a place that had the doughnuts and they informed me that they had sold out. That made me more and more excited to one day have one of these doughnuts that all of my other vegan counterparts in NYC had only tasted. I was so far behind and I was very sad about that because I was the one who would rush out and try that new vegan dish or dessert if it interest me.

Finally on a cold winter day in December 2011 I took the train from my Brooklyn apartment to a changing neighborhood now called East Williamsburg and all the real NEw Yorkers know it as Bushwick to try out these vegan doughnuts. I was heading to Indiana and I decided that it was time to get one of these doughnuts in my tummy. I have to say that Dun-Well is amazing and they have some of the best doughnuts I have ever had in my life. I love Chris because he is always so nice to me and was willing to explain to me what so special about the doughnuts.

I could not imagine not having Dun-Well in my life. But at the same time I feel that the message that they are sending is amazing and it just shows people that it's not necessary to use animal products to have a good tasting treat. I encourage all vegans and non- vegans to stop by Dun-Well Doughnuts and make sure to take a dozen home with you. It's worth ever penny and I hope that you enjoy them as much as I do when I'm biting into them.

Dun-Well Doughnuts
222 Montrose Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11206

New Year and a New Vegan

2012-01-12T18:13:00.000-08:00

It feels like I always start a blog post the same way because I never blog. I hope to start doing this more often since people actually read what I have to say. Because it's a New Year I have finally made some resolutions or better yet decided to start something and see how that all goes.

Since the last time I have blogged I have graduated from College. Travel on the road for many days with some of my college friends. Went to graduate school and decided that Public School teaching was not for me. Then moved back to New York and work at a great non profit and been enjoying the city. I have a boyfriend and being in a relationship has been a good thing for me. But most of all I have been eating out and not doing much cooking in the year 2011 and hope that will change in 2012. So far so good.

I have decided that right now I want to work out more and eat healthier than I have been doing in the past. I have been vegan for over 5 years and I think that it's time that I take more time to understand what I'm putting into my body. I have decided that I will be eating more fruits instead of unhealthy snacks. I will be cooking more vegetables instead of eating tons of processed meat alternatives. We need to think about the things that we put into our body so our body in the end can help us heal.

For the past two days I have been going to gym and cooking my dinner. Tonight I will be having collard greens, spinach, and organic carrots. Tofu will be my other addition with some yummy yams with Earth Balance. This is a yummy meal and I will see how this all goes in the end. Food is suppose to do many things for us and I want to make sure that I use food to help me and not harm my body.

It would be great to hear from friends about the new foods they will be cooking and the things that you have decided to change with this 2012 year just starting. Eat well and be well.

Vegans In Vegas

2011-02-07T19:51:00.000-08:00

It has been confirmed I will be speaking at the Vegans in Vegas event this year. This should be exciting. If you want more information check it out. Ryan Henn is doing a great job getting the information out to people.

http://vegansinvegas.com/
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My Bio:

Donnie Smith serves on the advisory board for the Food Empowerment Project (FEP), a non-profit seeking to create a more just and sustainable world by recognizing the power of one’s food choices. FEP’s mission is to encourage healthy food choices that reflect a more compassionate society by spotlighting the abuse of animals on farms, the depletion of natural resources, unfair working conditions for produce workers, and the unavailability of healthy foods in low-income areas. Donnie will be presenting on the connection between race, class and the inequity of our current food system for people of color and low income communities.

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Donnie is a graduate of Earlham College in Richmond, IN. where he was a member of the animal rights group on campus (Friends of Animals) and became active in the food movement by not only reaching out to fellow students about food policies, but also helping them understand how their food choices can change the world.

Dinner with Ashley

2011-02-07T19:17:00.000-08:00

Well it's always nice to have friends over for dinner. But nothing is more romantic then having one friend over for a meal. I finally had the time and patience to make my friend Ashley G a amazing vegan meal. She was just blown away. It's a long story how we got to the point that we had dinner with each other. But it happened.

The main course on the menu was a Spinach Lasagna with Mushroom's and Creamy Vegan Ricotta. This dish was fun to make and thanks to the great cookbook "Vegan Table by Colleen Patrick- Goudreau" I would not have been able to pull it off.

Being raised to believing that you cannot have a meal with dessert. I had to make a dessert for my friend Ashley. Vegans love food just like anyone else and we are Vegan Divas.

Red Velvet Cake with a Vegan Buttercream Frosting

Being vegan does not mean that you give up foods that you love. It means that you work hard to veganize into something that you can love.

Food and More

2011-02-06T18:07:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I have written on my blog about all of the great things that I have been doing. Have I been a bad vegan or a bad blogger ? I believe both.

Not writing on my blog has been good for me. I feel that I have been so creative in the kitchen and I plan to share it all with my followers. The adventure I have been on for the past couple of months has been amazing. My new goal is to post as often as possible. Meaning at least twice a week ( I hope I can stay on track).

Please feel free to send me emails black.veganism@gmail.com

Sex, Politics, Meat, & Carol J. Adams

2010-04-01T11:23:00.001-07:00

I have decided to dedicate this entry to talk about Carol J. Adams. I have had the great opportunity of meeting Carol when she spoke at Earlham College and presented her presentation on "The Sexual Politics of Meat". I was already vegan when she came to speak and we had to chance to become facebook friends. I have to say she blew me away because finally someone was talking my language.

Many people think about veganism as something that is just a diet and you need to make sure you dont eat meat,eggs, and any other animal products. At the same time it's so much more than consumption because as I see that everything is connected and no way that we can deny that.

Carol takes you on a journey to understand how women are used to market animal products to the use of animals to sell a dress. It's just sad to think that even PETA would go as far to allow people to get naked and at the same time it's "saving a animal". This is not okay and we need to make sure that we understand to stop on oppression we cannot allow others to be oppressed.

My favorite part of Carol's presentation would have to be called "The Block Vegetarian" someone who wants to be vegetarian and at the same time refuses to try and understand the importance this lifestyle. She makes you wonder about the people around you and makes a vegan feel good about being vegan.

I know that being vegan for so long how many people have made fun of me and feel that it's pointless for me to eat animals. But when Carol gave her talk I just was overwhelmed with joy and knew why I didn't eat animals. When you think about vegan food people think about salads and Carol shows images of how great a vegan meal could look and we had a great vegan meal with her.

If you have not read the Sexual Politics of Meat then go out right now pick it up or order it on amazon.com. I'm a big fan of this Eco Feminist who is trying to educate and change the world.

Vegan Men are Now "hegans"

2010-04-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

I could not believe my eyes. Men now have a word that describes there plant eating ways. I just need to say that this is not needed. We don't need to make a joke of veganism and I feel this just causes to many problems. Vegan is a fine word or just say you are eating a plant based diet. Hegan is suppose to be for men who adopt vegan diets in there 40s and 50s. We should not be putting age connected to a diet. Hegan should just not exist and people should not be made of fun of because of the time and age they choose to adopt a plant based diet.

Here is the story : http://www.salon.com/food/feature/2010/03/24/male_vegans_hegan

Vegans leave your comments and reflect.

The Killer in the Communities of Color

2010-03-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

Today I was with a friend and I could not stop thinking about the role that McDonalds, Burger King and KFC have played in my life. These places have changed the way I look at food. Because we all know that they all offer great cuisines for the pocket. Every time I walk pass one of these chains I think about suffering and oppression.

Many people are probably thinking how could a college student think of suffering and oppression when walking pass all American McDonalds. Think of oppression because in New York for example these fast food chains over take black communities and most community of color with cheap meal deals. It makes me sad that someone would be so oppressive and hateful to make food available to people that is unhealthy and highly processed foods. How is it that we live in a world that values a dollar more than making sure we all have healthy and fresh food to eat in our communities? We rather make the meat and dairy industry richer and not allow people to have access to the real soul food.

McDonald’s has changed the way I look at food because I always thought it was great to sit down and have a chicken nugget meal that to me at the time was tasty and had being eating since I was a child. It was considered to my dad at the time to be a healthy option on the menu. When I got older I just loved to the taste and the cheapness of the food before me.

When I decided to educate myself about food and factory farming I borrowed a book from my friend and co-worker called Fast Food Nation. I could not believe the way that animals were being treated. The thing I called food I could no longer feel comfortable eating animals again. Then I decided after completing the book I would give up land meat and then one day go vegetarian. I made it far and then January 2007 I decided to go vegan and eat a full plant base diet.

People feel that being vegan is the end of the world and that you cannot be healthy and happy. I have to disagree because food will bring us together at some point in our lives. We have to educate people and not allow food to be a privilege and let it be a right for all to have access to.

McDonalds has been killing people of color for so long and it’s not alone in this journey of destruction to the human body. I cannot sit her and support a industry that goes into community of color and put poison before them to eat. McDonalds is not marketing food that is healthy and balanced. They are marketing food that is cheap and at the end of the day comes with a whole host of health problem for the people who consume this products

I’m upset because places like this exist. I don’t feel that my parents did anything wrong by feeding me McDonalds. I’m upset because McDonalds is greedy and targeting the poor and people of color to consume this so called food. I think that people should know that Fast Food is going to be the killer in the black community and it must stop now. We must fight for food equality and start making healthy , organic , local , and fresh food access for all.

Understand Diets and Vegetarianism/Veganism When Traveling

2010-03-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

Today was a very interesting day for me. I spoke with my friend who is studying with me in London. She is just so amazing and a sweet person to know. We were speaking about our travels over our Spring. I went to Barcelona (pictures and information soon) and she went off to Madrid and Valencia Spain. She was explaining to me how hard it was to be veg.

I'm blogging about this because I just feel it can be hard to travel with people who are not veg because they usually feel that they have to have the local cuisine to gain the full experience. This is not true for all non-vegans and vegetarians. But we need to understand that veganism and vegetarianism is not just a choice all diets are a choice.

When you eat animal products and feel that it's not a choice you might want to sit back and examine your life choices. Why do people choose to be veg ? People choose to be veg because of health, environmental, and other positive reasons. Instead of feeling like it's hard to be veg you should test it out yourself. Your health is more important then a steak from Argentina and lard based beans from Mexico.

Travel is suppose to be fun and it drives me insane when people think the food is the thing that we should focus on. When I travel yes I think about food and at the same time I overall value the experience of being in a new place and continue to think what else I can do to learn more about the place I'm in at the moment. I don't need to eat meat to prove that I have gained a "real" life cultural experience.

I have to say that when I was in Barcelona I was the one picking the places we would eat and my dear non veg friend Rebecca enjoy it. She liked the vegetarian food that we got experience together. She was very respective to my diet as was I.

We need to stop thinking of veg people as problematic when it comes to eating. You should value the reason behind the choice in diet and I hope that can be respect.

Great News

2010-02-15T06:14:00.001-08:00

I have just created a gmail account for any questions or anything that you might want for me to know about in the black veg world or anything that has to do with the black community or communities of color that I may want to add to my blog. I hope to hear from you all. My email address : black.veganism@gmail.com

Can't wait to hear from you.

Away to Stonehenge and Bath I GO !!!!!!

2010-02-10T03:13:00.000-08:00

I had the chance to go to Stonehenge and Bath. Let's just say I enjoyed Stonehenge for what it had to offer at the same time I could not believe what I saw when to Bath. These are places that you should go when you are in the need to get away from the city of London or just want to have a nice little trip with friends and family.

The picture above is of Stonehenge. I'm not a fan of rocks but at the same time it was a nice way to start the morning out. We went to Stonehenge first and I might have to go back with my friends who may be visiting from Derry, Northern Ireland.

This is a picture of the Roman Baths

Next we headed to Bath which is about a good 40 minutes or more from Stonehenge. I could not believe my eyes. Bath is one of the most amazing places I have ever been in my life. The buildings, town, and everything else just made we want more of this place so I could take it home with me. It has so much history and I thought if these walls could talk they would tell me so much about what really happened in this town and the Roman Baths.

Food Time: Demuths Restaurant ( Positively Vegetarian)

This place was just amazing. I heard about it by looking at photo albums of my friend Petrina the Vegan. When I saw the photos of her meal and dessert I knew I had to make sure to get a table and tell you what I thought about the food and the restaurant as a whole.

Food is one of the most important things to me and I know to many of my readers. At the same time I want people to know that just because something does not have a animal by product or flesh in it does not mean it will be just horrible.

This was the tomato soup that I started off with 2 pieces of fresh bread and soya spread. It was just unbelievable and I could not wait to get my hands on the main course and at the the same time would have loved another serving of this delicious madness. ***** Five Stars out of Five

For the main course I had the mash with Veggie Links. It was tasty and rich. But something was really missing from the links. At the same time I could not put my spoon down to breath because it was just overwhelming to have this plate of mash and links in from of me and fully vegan. I would go back and have it again but request some more apple garnish stuff. **** Four out of Five

I was always tell people no vegan should end a meal without thinking about what they will have dessert. I was so happy to know that dessert was next on the menu for me. I was full and I knew I could not pass up dessert. So I had one of the best pieces of warm chocolate cake with chocolate on top and a scoop of soya ice cream. I was so sad to see it all disappear before my eyes. This is a must have at this wonderful place when you are in Bath. ***** Five out of Five

My experience in Stonehenge and Bath could not have been any better. I saw some historical place and had a great meal. What more can a Brooklyn Vegan ask for when traveling outside of London for the day.

More post to come. I'm a little backed up on posting because of my blog craziness.

Donnie on Blackveganism
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Mildreds Vegetarian Restuarant and Midsummer (A Play with Song

2010-01-22T04:02:00.000-08:00

London has so much for the vegan who is looking for something good to eat. I have been waiting so long to go to Mildred's because I had been told it's a place that I must try. Thanks to Carol J. Adams took the chance to have dinner at this famous eatery before heading to the theater. You should always have a good and cruelty free meal before you head out on a night on the town.

This was what I started out with a vegan burrito with a side salad. It was just amazing and I could not ask for anything else as I took slow bites into ever piece.

No meal could be considered complete without dessert. I thought this "cheesecake" brought to a great way to leave and head to the theater. It was one of the most delicious desserts I've had in London since my arrival.

Mildreds is the one place that advise everyone in London and who plans to come to London make sure you eat here. This place is amazing and the food is great as you can see. I felt very comfortable and could not wait to taste the food. I couldn't believe all of the great food I saw going to the tables and I plan to return to try something else and maybe I could encourage Mildreds to use less dairy and make more vegan. Otherwise, this is the place to be if you want to have a great home cooked meal and relax on a rainy day :)

MIDSUMMER ( A PLAY WITH SONGS) AT THE SOHO THEATER
When it comes to the play. I had a great time and I think it was a great thing to do after such a great meal. The food was everything that I needed an more. The play was funny, crazy, and everything I didn't expect. I love the cast and the purpose of the play. This is one thing you must do when in London go and see a play and enjoy everything that London has to offer.

Food and More

2010-01-21T08:34:00.000-08:00

The candy bar was just amazing it was about a 1.29 pounds.
No vegan should have to go without a sweet snack.

(Pad See Ew from a Taste of Thai 6.95 pounds)

London has given me so many opportunities to have fun and eat and eat more. I love this place :)

Many of my peers and close friends know I love to eat and I could not imagine myself not eating or cooking. I will share a meal with you today. I had Thai Food for lunch and it was yummy with a snack.

Who says that being vegan in London is hard. It's one of the most veg friendly places I have ever been.

Talk about London and more

2010-01-13T11:37:00.000-08:00

What do you think about when you think about this place call London ? Most people think about sports, Buckingham Palace , and Harrods. Since I have become a vegan and shopping I think about food and shopping. Yes. London is a great place to be if these are two things you enjoy doing. I have had some amazing India food here and just make sure to say no ghee or cream.

Food in London is said to be plain and not tasty. But my vegan experience has been difference. I have enjoyed all of the food that I have cooked and eaten. From Thai to Pasta dishes have just been great to my tummy.

I will post photos and reviews soon :)

The Black Vegan in London

2010-01-11T05:12:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

It has been a year since I have written anything on my blog space. I have decided I will do my best to get back into keeping up with my blog. I want to give people information on food, fun, and everything else that the black vegan is enjoying in London.

London is just amazing and my experience with the vegan options have been okay and I look forward to going to Brick Lane for some amazing Indian and I will be going out to check out some more veg places to eat.

Sainsbury is just amazing grocery. They have cheap soymilk and London cereals are pretty healthy for you unlike the states. I have been cooking and enjoying my experience so far. I will be planning a trip to Southhampton to visit my friend Petrina who is vegan and her partner can cook amazing vegan dishes and I can't wait to taste it all.

I will try to post at least once a week something new and cool. My dear friend Rebecca will be here in two days from Indiana to study for the semester as well. She's a great friend.

I can't wait to explore the land where the Vegan Society was founded. Until next time enjoy a pint.

Reasons to go Vegan

2009-01-22T22:11:00.000-08:00

Many people always wonder why does a person need or choose to go vegan. People go vegan because they no longer want to have animals suffering for meat, milk, and other animal products that are not necessary for human survival. Many people are seeing the health benefits of a vegan diet. Some people just want change and it all starts with ourselves. Like I always tell people how can we love someone when we don't know how to love ourselves.

Environment:

People need to know that meat is not "green".
http://www.goveg.com/environment.asp ( This is a great link to show you how resources are used to produce meat and the negative affects).

I hope that people will think hard when it comes to having steak or a veggie burger.

Here's a great piece on going green from food to clothing.

Green Scene: Going green from clothes to meat - http://www.insidebayarea.com/green/ci_11463165

Update-

2008-11-13T18:30:00.001-08:00

I know it has been awhile and I just want to put a note up letting all my readers know that I will be posting something soon. But I do have a few things I want to talk about since I have not being on my page in awhile.

Prop 2 - What a honor to be apart of history and now animals will be heard and I hope that this is the right direction we need to be going so that animals will be understand and not miss used. Prop 2 is great and I know I'm very happy about it success. But at the same time we must make sure that we continue to educate people in our communities about the importance of going veg or even just be more aware of how they are treating animals. For more information on learning about the mistreatment of animals look at Thanking the Monkey by Karen Dawn at

www. thankingthemonkey.com

Sincerely,

Black Veganism

The Foods That African Americans Eat

2008-08-10T19:36:00.000-07:00

I know it's been while... Missed you.

The food we chose to eat as African American is slave food if you think about it. When I think about the collard greens w/ pork and the cornbread with eggs,milk, and lard all mixed inside I yell inside. I don't understand why we continue to Enslave ourselves voluntary when we could get the fruits and vegetables so we don't have obesity and high blood pressure killing our people. I feel that black people and other people of color should be fighting and protesting the lack of healthy foods in local grocery stores in "ghetto" neighborhoods. We should not continue to accept liquor stores on ever corner and continue to have Popeye's,Chinese restaurants, and other fast food places continue to poison our bodies. I want all people to wake up and understand that we can no longer sit around and act like we are doing our bodies any good with animal flesh and by products. You do not need these Chickens,Cows,Horse( yes people eat horse) to survive in the world. We are not natural born carnivores we are herbivores check it out.

Karen Dawn's- Thanking the Monkey: Rethinking the Way We Treat Animals

2008-07-31T17:52:00.001-07:00

Thanking the Monkey is a amazing book and is Karen Dawn's first solo book. Dawn does a great job of showing us how we treat animals and the way they should be treated. Many people will not have the same reaction to reading this wonderful book as Dawn does not want you to feel bad. But she does want you to open your eyes and understand that you can do something to stop the killing and suffering of all animals. Karen Dawn has made the book fun to read and the pictures will keep you reading and the research is just amazing she has collected most of it from her website www.dawnwatch.com and it's just amazing. ( This is a great way to get involved in the movement through her website). Dawn's book is #1 on the amazon Animal Right's section and that's just amazing and when I found that out I order my friends each a copy from Amazon because she is doing great work. Make sure you get a copy of this wonderful at : www.amazon.com- type Thanking the Monkey

Donnie Smith

Black Vegan vs. Others

2008-07-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

What do you feel is different about being black and vegan, as opposed to white, or perhaps another ethnicity? Do you feel more/less hostility from your family as a matter of ethnic culture?
-Drew- Thanks for this questions very important

Well I do believe there is a different between black and minority vegans compared to white vegans. Black and other minority vegan mostly come from cultures that veganism is something new and weird. I know when I went vegan the people I first met were white middle class vegans and felt it was wrong to kill animals. I feel the same way but the vegan world is so white that many minorities are always seen as trying to be "white" because they choose not to eat animal products. If you notice many group of minorities plates are usually food of meat and animal by products so it's so hard at times for the family to understand that you want to be healthy and save animals from cruel lives.

I know many white vegans and it can be hard for there families to understand why they are going vegan. But at the same time they have so many famous vegans who are white they can educate their families about who are healthy and living a great life without eating meat and any animal products. Let's take a look at literature when it comes to Veganism,Animal Rights. There is only one book written by a black woman about this topic and that was in 1989 - The Dreaded Comparison: Human and Animal Slavery ( there may be more this is the only one I know of at the time). If you were asked to write a list of books written on the same issues from white authors you could probably write a very long list. This makes a very big difference and this makes me think about ways on how the black and minority vegfolk are going to change the way people are eating and treating animals.

I do feel that their is more pressure in the black community to eat meat and animal products. When I examine the plates at black social event's that are not vegan there is always so much meat and I don't meat like steak and veggies on the side. I mean the choices are usually meat and then you have the veggie ( collard greens with pork or smokey turkey for flavor) and rice and that usually will have some juice ( animal by-product to make it taste good) and then we make it to dessert cake ( contains,eggs, dairy, and other products). I do feel that in the black community there is more focus on making things taste good then how good it is for you.

Favorite Vegan Spots to Eat

2008-07-27T22:06:00.000-07:00

Well I love answer this question because there are so many good places to eat. But here's my list of places I love to go in New York:

Atlas Café & Bakery
73 2nd Avenue
New York NY 10003

- This place is amazing because they have the largest selection of Vegan Treats located in Bethlehem, PA. They also have a great selection of vegan sandwiches and it's just amazing. I advise people who are on a budget and fine there self near Atlas go in a get a panini and a slice of cake for $12 or a cupcake and that will cut the piece a little.

Curly's Vegetarian Lunch
328 East 14th Street
New York NY 10003

- Curly's has the most amazing veggie burger with curly fries vegan everything of course and the cheese actually melts. They have everything that a new vegan would want to have after transition to veganism. They cost would not keep you from getting back on the train because you have no more money. A good meal from Curly's will cost you under $10.00 and they are really nice people.

Madras Café
79 2nd Avenue
New York NY 10003

- This place may look empty but the food is no joke. Everything here at Madras is vegetarian and they are so nice when you want something vegan. I have been here plenty of times and they treat me like family and the service is great. If you are in the area and really don't want to eat something from Atlas come to Madras which are right next to each other and they will show you how amazing Indian food can really be to the soul.

Red Bamboo Brooklyn
271 Adelphi Street
Brooklyn NY 11205

- This place is amazing. I remember my first time walking in and I was so freaked out that they had fake meat and when I got the "beef" taco trio it was just amazing. They know how to make the palate happy and put a smile on your face with their all vegan desserts.... (yummy). This is the hotspot for young black veg folk and believe me will will be so many people of color you will put a even bigger smile on your face.

Vegetarian Palate
258 Flatbush Avenue
Brooklyn NY 11217

- I love this place.... I can't believe I didn't try this place earlier. When I went here I was so happy they know how to cook the food and keep you coming back for more. The steamed veggie dumplings are so yummy I can taste them right now. This is a place you will see tons of black folk grubbing on some veg food. I love support this veg restaurant because they make the best dumplings that I have ever had in my life.... No lie.

---- I use black folk because I like it better than any other and I hope no one is offended. If there are any issues place let me know and I will not use the word if anyone has issues with it.

Enjoy exploring the veg listing.....

Being Black and Vegan

2008-07-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

I have been vegan for almost 2 years an love ever minute of it. When I first went vegan I was so happy because I was feeling much healthier then I have ever felt better. But after a year I start to feel that I was missing something in my life. I wanted to be around more people of color who were Vegetarian and Vegan. So when I came home for the summer after my first year of college I found out their was a Black Vegetarian Society of New York and started to research and realized there were many more around the US. Veganism has been life changing and I'm so thankful for the person who let me read " Fast Food Nation" my life would probably be surround my meat and cheese. I learned so much from this book and then one day I went from vegetarianism for 6 days and then I went vegan. Life is full of challenges and obstacles an veganism can be a challenge at first but at the end of the day you are saving so many animals and the world is becoming a better place because of YOU.....