Any black vegans around?

[Supamum3]

My heritage is Jamaican and my husbands Antiguan. I am vegan and we have three children under 10 who are vegan, we are all thriving and confident with our choice not to eat animals, but I have mostly found that the vegan/plant based space very white having been a vegan for over 7 years. My parents were Rastafarian in the 80’s/90’s but adapted to the westernized culture once having children and meat has returned the their plate. As a result all family gatherings have me and my children feeling ‘othered’ because we don’t engage in that jerk chicken, fried chicken, curry goat culture, discussions around this are still very heated.

I’ve not come across many Caribbean/African vegans in real life. I’d love to connect if there any on here!

I'm not vegan per se but don't tend to need to eat meat with every meal. There's quite a lot of Black chefs/creators on Instagram I'd imagine - especially smaller establishments if not one-man-band type of set up.

I'm not Vegan but my daughter is. She's been Vegan since aged 14. She's 30 now. It's not been an issue at all. I'm surprised it is for you, because 'Ital' has been a Caribbean thing for such a long time. Veganism is just Ital repackaged. But I'm aware people can be entirely silly about food choices ie defensive if you don't eat what they eat/what you're "supposed" to eat. I'm sure there'll be Black Vegan forums online, in any event.

Thanks for the response, yes I do follow some accounts online, but yes mainly standalone chefs rather thank families.

Yes I get this, I spent my early childhood ital and often wonder what happened to those of my generation whose parents were Rastafarian? To be fair I was eating animal products from around 10 years old until into my thirties when I began avoiding animal based foods or products. I know back then it was challenging to eat ‘differently’ and it was probs easier to apply some values of Rasta but not all. Thanks for your response!

Have you tried added oyster mushroom? They take to jerk really well and are liked by vegan, vegetarians and meat eaters alike.

Not vegan but vegetarian and raising my kids same way. I find the problem is more with restaurants. They almost never offer meat free options. Just plantain and dumpling, or endless amounts of bland calaloo. I don't get it, since Ital is a home grown concept 😠

Hi, I am vegan from Ghana/Surinam

My family (daughter and husband are not) dont eat red meat and eat what i cook which is vegan.

Have been vegan for 4 years or so and before that vegetarian for a while

The Vegan Nigerian is a good one to follow. Tobi Makanjuola.

there’s an Ital restaurant on Sunday Morning tv now talking about ital food. Restaurant is called Livity

https://www.livityplantbased.co.uk/

Twins based in the Croydon area.

Yes I follow her she is amazing!!

I realise I do lots of research before we go somewhere sothat there are always options for me. He does not eat red meat and very little poultry but loves sea food. He is very supportive though and has no problem eating at an all vegan place when we go out. He would like to be vegan but loves seafood and the occasional chicken too much