Innholdsfortegnelse for The Black Vegan Issue i VegNews Magazine

HOW CAN WE DO MORE than just post a black square? That’s the question I asked our team more than six months ago when we began planning this issue. By June 2020, I was left reeling by the killings of, among others, Ahmaud Arbery in February, Breonna Taylor in March, and George Floyd in May. And I wasn’t alone—these senseless deaths became the kindling that ignited the nation, and over the course of a few weeks, I found myself masked up and armed with bottles of hand sanitizer, joining tens of thousands of people to march peacefully through the streets of Los Angeles. Eight days after George Floyd’s death, #BlackoutTuesday (a collective action to literally “black out” Instagram and bring awareness to how institutionalized and pervasive anti-Black racism is in…

The protests of 2020 were unlike anything we’ve ever seen. Up to 26 million people were estimated to have participated in the marches for George Floyd—a Black man killed in Minneapolis after ex-police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes. This made the demonstrations the largest protests in American history, even sparking outrage globally, with protests against police brutality taking place in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America. But for all the international momentum, back in Minneapolis, Floyd’s death hit particularly close to home for restaurateur Louis Hunter. In 2016, Hunter’s cousin Philando Castile, a beloved elementary school cafeteria worker, was killed by police during a traffic stop in St. Paul, MN. The killing became national news, and after protesters took to the streets,…

AS WE FOUND safety and sanctuary by retreating into our homes over the past year, one at-home trend has become even trendier: houseplants. And these green additions to our spaces do more than just make for prettier pads; houseplants can reduce fatigue, purify the air, lower stress and anxiety, and even improve mood. So when the global pandemic hit in early 2020, Danuelle Doswell and Mignon Hemsley’s vision for a virtual plant store and subscription service felt more needed than ever. Grounded launched on Earth Day, and for both Doswell and Hemsley, a love of plants is closely tied to their identities, interwoven with family histories filled with planting and gardening. So it’s intentional that Grounded centers Blackness in its captivating imagery, serving as a reminder that everyone can benefit…

Learn @BEETSBYBROOKE Run by plant-based medical student Brooklynne Palmer, this cheerful and inspiring Instagram account offers seemingly endless insight into the medical field and its connection between body image, LGBTQ+ mental health, racism, and social justice issues. Good for: Those interested in working in the medical field or learning more about the intersection between racism and public health @NEDRATAWWAB Licensed therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab, who specializes in childhood trauma and family interventions, uses her IG to destigmatize therapy and encourage followers to dive deep into self-reflection to create healthier relationships. Good for: Anyone who’s working to create better patterns, behaviors, and relationships Listen BALANCED BLACK GIRL This top-rated podcast by Lestraundra Alfred began as a way to provide a safe space for women of color to have candid conversations about…

PORTLAND, OR WHEN MOTHER-AND-SON team Kim and Alkebulan Moroski started selling plant-based versions of Cajun-Creole favorites in Jackson, MI, they were proud to be using their talents for good. But in 2019, when a state Senate bill passed outlawing the labeling of plant-based food as meat (essentially, their whole business), they had to pivot. “Selling vegan food in Mississippi can land you in prison,” they said. “[That bill] criminalized our passion.” Not willing to give up, they uprooted and moved cross-country to the vegan promised land that is Portland, OR. Setting up in the city’s all-vegan food-truck court, they’re now free to share their Southern roots, right in the middle of the Pacific Northwest. THE FOOD Ribs, fried chicken, greens, and gumbo—the Moroskis have that all down pat. But the…

Calypso Cauliflower Crispy breaded cauliflower stands in for the standard chicken or shrimp in this approachable but ultra-flavorful dish full of umami and spice. Add mango or pineapple salsa for a sweet-and-spicy kick or swap in a Scotch bonnet pepper for the serrano for some serious Caribbean heat. SERVES 4 1 large head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets¼ cup plain unsweetened vegan milk1 tablespoon cornmeal1 tablespoon almond meal1 tablespoon nutritional yeast1 tablespoon granulated garlic1½ teaspoons salt¼ teaspoon black pepper1 medium red onion, diced1 pound white button mushrooms1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped1 serrano pepper, seeded and chopped1 clove garlic, minced1 teaspoon saffron steeped for10 minutes in 1 cup vegetable brothZest and juice of 1 lime2 cups cooked brown basmati rice1 teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon black pepper 1. Preheat oven to…

Even amidst an industry-shifting global pandemic, for plant-based eaters, there’s still no place quite like Los Angeles. There’s the all-vegan burger shop serving up double stacks and tahini milkshakes in Chinatown. The Armenian bakery and café making buttery croissants and lavash tacos out in East Hollywood. In the glitzy Beverly Grove neighborhood, diners flock to Crossroads Kitchen for to-go orders of chestnut foie gras with a cabernet demi-glace and Georgian khachapuri cheese bread with vegan egg yolk. Head toward the ocean and take your pick of gluten-free brownie-sprinkled softserve, vegan barbecue pulled pork, or sophisticated pizza pies created with a coveted, superfine flour imported from Italy. From east to west, among glittering skyscrapers and tucked away in family neighborhoods, some of the best vegan food in the world can be…

For many, an important part of Black culture is hair. And while discrimination against natural hair continues to run rampant (a 2017 study revealed that Black women deal with more anxiety when it comes to hair compared to white women), luckily the movement around embracing and celebrating natural hair continues to blossom. But how to keep it healthy? What you eat can make a big difference. Pumpkin seeds, dried apricots, and fortified cereals are great sources of iron, which produces hemoglobin that carries oxygen to cells and stimulates hair growth. Pair your plant-based food with a vitamin C source such as orange juice or bell peppers to aid absorption. Beans, lentils, and tempeh will give you the protein boost you need to keep hair from becoming dry and brittle—after all,…

BLACK VEGANS HAVE EXISTED for millennia. Spanning the globe from Ethiopia to Jamaica to the United States, these trailblazers have been advocating for a rejection of the Standard American Diet in favor of a sustaining diet of plants for years. But even with this long and rich history of Black veganism, it’s still a lot easier to be vegan with your boo. So we went to some of our favorite Black and interracial couples for insight on the ways love has played a part in their veganism and how veganism plays a part in their love. 1 Understanding one another’s roots can create a beautiful synergy. The couple: Autumn & Taylor Riley-Parham Where they live: Las Vegas, NV What they do: Owners of Vintage Vegan Diner “Black love is so special.…

Six Kids, One Mission The vegan family behind @thisinfinitelife is your one-stop shop for reliable food reviews, adorable kid-friendly content, and the latest on vegan products. Regular grocery haul videos break down what it takes to feed a family of eight, their plant-based journey, and their joys and struggles as a Black family in America. Check out the IG highlights on their favorite vegan meals and products for fun food inspiration. True Compassion for All Los Angeles-based activist Gwenna Hunter has given vegans of all walks of life a digital place to congregate with this intersectional Facebook group. Born from a year of worldwide action and an anguishing lack of justice, Vegans for Black Lives Matter works toward fostering solution-oriented conversations for change within the community. Look out for Black-owned…

“I know the holidays are coming when I see the Holiday Issue of @VegNews. It’s one of my favorite magazines filled with good vegan recipes and so much more!”@vegan.ohana “@VegNews pulled out all the stops for the 2020 Holiday Issue … I don’t know how they did it, but this is one of the BEST issues I’ve ever seen!”@veggiechel “I always look forward to @VegNews Magazine, and this one did not disappoint! Need happy news and some vegan inspo? You’ll love it!”@frenchgirlwellness Tag your Instagram pics with #vegnews for a chance to be featured in the magazine! “Once my husband realized there’s an all-vegan magazine, he lost it! He won’t stop talking about VegNews’ Beef Wellington recipe.”@_lorri.sbach_ VEGNEWS.COM Must Reads! 1. The VegNews Guide to Vegan Black-Owned Businesses 2. We…

GROCERY GO LD KROGER, the largest supermarket chain in the US, has expanded its Simple Truth line to include 50 new vegan products. After generating more than $2.5 billion in sales in 2019 alone, Simple Truth is increasing its plant-based products “to provide an expanded selection of affordable, delicious, and quality products for our customers.” Here’s what to look for the next time you’re perusing the aisles: MEAT plus: • Emerge Plant-Based Chick’n Grind • Emerge Plant-Based Meatless Grind CHEESE plus: • Plant-Based Queso Style Dip • Plant-Based Cream Cheese Alternative DESSERT plus: • Plant-Based Chocolate Chip Cookies • Plant-Based Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough It’s McHappening! McDonald’s will finally be joining the likes of Burger King, Carl’s Jr., and Dunkin’ when it launches a plant-based burger later this year, according…

WHETHER YOU’RE soaking in the sun on the earth-toned outdoor patio or sweating through a vinyasa flow in its dreamy yoga studio, one thing’s for sure: Brooklyn’s HealHaus is equal parts hip and welcoming. Co-founders Darian Hall and Elisa Shankle opened the holistic wellness center in 2018 with the goal of creating an inclusive space for everyone, including men and with a particular focus on Black people. From the café—where you can enjoy an oat milk smoothie with activated charcoal and spirulina—to the more than 60 health practitioners and instructors from diverse backgrounds ready to lend a hand, HealHaus is exactly the calming sanctuary New Yorkers need.…

2020 was the year of illuminated injustice. Shadows came to light through a tragic global pandemic that claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands amid confusion and tension about how to keep ourselves and one another safe. Environmental destruction, political polarity, rampant police brutality, and contention around the resulting global civil-rights protests all became a part of the confronting, uncomfortable, heartbreaking backdrop of daily life. So what does this have to do with veganism? Everything. There is no more “single-issue” activism. Veganism is no longer just about the animals, it’s not apolitical, and it cannot center solely on white voices, faces, and experiences. Simply put, our lifestyle isn’t immune to the structural problems that exist in all other corners of American life. For veganism to grow—for more lives to be…

SEATTLE, WA IN THE LAND OF RAIN AND COFFEE, comforting vegan grub is practically a way of life. From a hot dog truck to a familyrun Thai spot to the country’s oldest vegan pizzeria, there’s no shortage of indulgences in Seattle. But when lifelong vegan Makini Howell left her New York City fashion designer job to return home to Washington—where she grew up working at Quickie Too, her mother’s all-veg diner in Tacoma—she set out to create the restaurant she’d longed for but hadn’t yet found. The result, Plum Bistro, is a fine-dining institution that’s been drawing customers, both locally and internationally, since 2009. THE FOOD Howell wasn’t named one of The New York Times’ “16 Black Chefs Changing Food in America” for no reason, and her customers know why.…

Buffalo Ranch Chickpea Tuna Melt Smashed chickpeas give this classic sandwich filling the flaky texture and briny taste of tuna. For extra seafood flavor, add kelp granules or hijiki seaweed. SERVES 4 For the buffalo ranch sauce: ½ cup Tangy Cashew Mayo (see recipe) or store-bought mayonnaise3 tablespoons hot sauce1 tablespoon minced garlic1 teaspoon dried dill1 teaspoon onion powder1 teaspoon dried parsley For the chickpea tuna salad: 1 (14-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed3 tablespoons pickle relish½ cup Tangy Cashew Mayo (see recipe) or store-bought vegan mayonnaise1 celery stalk, dicedJuice of ½ lemon¼ cup diced red onion3 teaspoons garlic powder¼ teaspoon salt⅛ teaspoon black pepper, to taste For the tuna melt: ¼ cup Tangy Cashew Mayo (see recipe)or store-bought mayonnaise1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon dried dill8 slices sourdough bread4 slices…

Caramel Plantain Cream Pie Maca and lucuma powders—potent ingredients believed to increase blood flow and enhance libido—add a little extra something sweet to this devilishly decadent dish, a perfect end to a romantic dinner. SERVES 8 For the crust: 2 cups sunflower seeds or almonds, soaked overnight, rinsed, and drained1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut8 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped2 tablespoons maple syrup For the cream filling: 1 cup tiger nuts or cashews, soaked overnight, rinsed, and drained1 (16-ounce) package frozen young Thai coconut meat, thawed and chopped2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut water1 cup mashed ripe plantain (about 1½ plantains)¼ cup maple syrup2 tablespoons lime juice½ teaspoon vanilla extract¼ teaspoon salt For the caramel sauce: 4 Medjool dates, pitted½ cup water3 tablespoons maple syrup1 teaspoon tahini1 teaspoon maca powder1 teaspoon lucuma powder⅛…

ASK AMAEZE Q As an activist, I’ve been feeling overwhelmed by how much there is to fight these days. But a friend recently told me that being in good health is resistance itself, and I can’t get that out of my head. How do I balance fighting for justice with taking time to care for myself? A Famed civil-rights activist Audre Lorde once said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” In terms of health, this means ensuring you do what’s needed to stay well, thrive, and continue making an impact in the world. Feeling burned out? Social media breaks are becoming more common for good reason, especially when we find ourselves mindlessly scrolling through Instagram for hours on end.…

WHAT HAPPENS when a Wall Street trader leaves her job to find artistic expression in the world of fashion? For Senegalese designer Diarra Bousso, it’s Diarrablu, a contemporary fashion label that merges sustainability with heritage. With designs that nod to both her worlds (patterns are merged with algebraic algorithms while bold cuts and color honor African culture), Diarrablu’s breezy, ethereal Sustainable Essentials line of vegan dresses and jumpsuits is also eco-friendly and size-inclusive to boot. DRAWING ON A background of painting and sculpting, woman-owned Aziza Handcrafted is dazzling fans with one-of-a-kind, artful jewelry pieces made to order in Brooklyn. Nobility and the essence of ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses serve as inspiration to founder Aziza Nicole, who transforms recycled materials into intricate, unisex pieces like layered choker necklaces, cuticle rings, and…

RACHEL AMA may be a rising star in the vegan food world, but at the end of the day, she's just like us. She's prone to impromptu dance parties, loves a good Spotify playlist, and is obsessed with vegan food. That's why more than 535,000 tune in to the Londoner and new mom's YouTube channel for her energetic and delightful takes on everything from her lockdown go-tos (Ital curry, anyone?) to what she eats to fuel her days as a new mom (braised jerk eggplant is clutch) to vegan renditions of the Caribbean dishes from her childhood. In her debut 2019 cookbook, Rachel Ama's Vegan Eats, the vibrant African prints and hand-painted serveware show off her beautiful aesthetic while serving as the background to some of the most colorful, delectable…

“In this new year, vegan actor and entrepreneur Ayindé Howell is making sure we don’t forget those we’ve lost with his single ‘Stop Killing Us.’ In this powerful song and music video, Howell speaks the names of Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland, Atatiana Jefferson, and says plainly and emphatically: ‘enough’ to the killing of Black people in America.” — RICHARD BOWIE, SENIOR EDITOR “She’s a choreographer, a vegan chef, and one of my all-time favorite foodies—I can’t get enough of Norma Pérez (@thesalvivegan). This Afro-Latina’s 50 veganized Salvadoran recipes (all mamá-Ever wonder what VegNews editors are obsessed with? Here’s a look at the media we can’t get enough of. Hit List approved) help connect me to my culture and cement her status as my ultimate #cookinginspo. And if you’re in SoCal,…

AGAINST ALL ODDS, we’ve made it through 2020. But while many are planning juice cleanses and meal-prep strategies to jumpstart the new year, we’re going all in—on cookies! And one bakery is helping us set the trend. Last year shone a light on how transformative supporting Black-owned businesses can be. Take Maya’s Cookies, for example. When the pandemic began slowing down business, owner Maya Madsen’s San Diego vegan pop-up was struggling—she was forced to furlough about half of her seven-person staff and was shipping just 20 orders a day. But everything changed when the country mobilized to support Black entrepreneurs. Almost overnight, Madsen saw a staggering 10,000-percent increase in sales, allowing her to nearly quadruple her staff and, last November, grew from a farmers’ market pop-up to full-blown, brick-and-mortar bakery.…

HAILE THOMAS Let’s Talk About It, p.40 Where I live: Hudson Valley, NY Veg for: Six years My #1 wellness tip: Explore what nourishes you beyond your plate My at-home fitness routine: Tune into my body to see what it needs, whether it’s yoga, a hike, or rest My favorite healthy meal: Anything with tempeh, sweet potatoes, arugula, and tahini Who inspires me: Janaya Future Khan When the world opens up, I’m going to: Iceland CHARLIE FYFFE Pie is For Lovers, p.66 Where I live: Las Vegas, NV Veg for: Eight years My #1 wellness tip: Early dinners for better sleep, digestion, and immune defense My at-home fitness routine: Jumping jacks, yoga, and slow push-ups My favorite healthy meal: Salad with kale, avocado, curried chickpeas, tempeh, quinoa, and tahini dressing…

Ask yourself: how long would you wait for your favorite food? Would you wait an hour? Two? Maybe … five? For the greater Atlanta community, waiting five hours in line is nothing for a business that long ago surpassed humble food truck beginnings to become a bona fide movement. It’s called Slutty Vegan, and it’s not what you think. To be “sluttified” means you’ve been enlightened to a plant-based universe that’s not only full of flavor that pops and texture that fools, but for those who brave the snaking lines, this local (and national) vegan phenomenon promises a party once you enter its doors. Pinky Cole would have it no other way. To say Slutty Vegan’s owner is a millennial on a mission would be as much of an understatement…

According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Black Americans are 20 percent more likely to experience serious mental health problems and are more likely to be exposed to factors such as homelessness and violence that increase the risk for developing a mental health condition. And if that wasn’t enough, finding Black doctors and therapists with an understanding of these unique experiences presents yet another obstacle. Here are five organizations working to combat this negative cycle. The Loveland Foundation Founded by writer, lecturer, and activist Rachel Elizabeth Cargle, the Loveland Foundation works to make mental health care more accessible for Black women and girls by providing financial assistance for therapy and a comprehensive list of mental health professionals that offer culturally relevant services. Black Girl in Om…

ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY, there’s a groundswell of activism in an effort to save the lives of Black mothers. Through direct action and systemic change, activists are righting the wrongs of America’s broken healthcare system—in which Black women are three to four times more likely to experience a pregnancy-related death than white women, a heightened risk that spans income and education levels due in part to institutional racism that permeates even the doctor’s office. And it all starts with equal access to fertility services and care. Here are a few of the changemakers you need to know about. ✕ In 2018, Sabia Wade founded the non-profit organization For The Village, a community doula program that provides free and low-cost doula services to underrepresented communities. ✕ Los Angeles-based LOOM, co-founded by…

IT'S BEEN NEARLY A YEAR SINCE WE STARTED social distancing, staying home to make mountains of sourdough, Korean whipped coffees, and focaccia bread art. But for all the at-home deliciousness we've mastered, we're ready for our favorite restaurants! So although travel is still off the table, we’re celebrating with a mouthwatering tour of the stories—and recipes—from some of the best-loved, Black-owned vegan restaurants in America. From soul food in Detroit to Ethiopian eats in Brooklyn to a stoner-inspired burger joint in Wisconsin, get ready, because it’s time to eat.…

THE FOOD Ethiopians have a talent for transforming vegetables, and Ras proves it. The team creates dishes that are humble and comforting, yet robust and complex—simmering, stewing, and spiking with aromatic herbs and spices like cardamom, fenugreek, cinnamon, and berbere, the fiery spice blend central to Ethiopian cuisine. For a culinary tour of the African country, order the vegan sampler platter, a smorgasbord of dishes including yatakilt (stewed cabbage, carrot, onion, and bell pepper), gomen (braised collards with sautéed onions), missir (slowsimmered red lentil stew made with berbere), and shiro (creamy, spicy stew made with ground chickpeas) all served with spongy, fermented injera flatbread. BROOKLYN, NY IN A CITY OF 8.4 MILLION, standing out can be a challenge. But armed with bold flavors, a keen eye for detail, and time-tested…

SANDIEGO, CA HUNGRY BRUNCHERS lucky enough to nosh on Todd Anderson and Samantha Aaron’s waffle-wrapped meatless sausages and plant-based McMuffins probably don’t know they owe their good fortune to a gnarly two-day hangover. But when Anderson returned home from a bender in Vegas feeling downright terrible, he knew something wasn’t right. So he began looking into ways to heal, and found that switching to a plant-based diet was the answer. Things then moved quickly. He dove into veganism, made like-minded friends, and eventually set out on a plant-based adventure to Costa Rica with a group that dubbed themselves the Spoiled Vegans. So when an opportunity arose for Anderson to start a vegan food pop-up, he had just the name. And the rest is history. THE FOOD At the city’s first…

Not Your Mama’s Meatloaf Adding ancient grains to this loaf imparts nutty flavor and toothsome texture, while a sweet-and-savory red sauce makes it top-tier tasty. Serve with roasted vegetables for a perfected Sunday dinner. SERVES 6 For the red sauce: ½ cup ketchup½ tablespoon agave nectar1 tablespoon veganWorcestershire sauce For the farro loaf: 3 cups uncooked farro¼ cup liquid aminos2 cups bulgur, soaked in water for30 minutes and drained2 cups walnuts1½ cups crimini mushrooms1 cup shredded vegan cheddar cheese2 tablespoons veganWorcestershire sauce¼ cup water1 tablespoon no-salt seasoning¼ cup chopped celery¼ cup chopped carrots¼ cup diced red onion 1. For the red sauce, into a bowl, add all ingredients and whisk. Set aside. 2. Cook farro according to package directions, replacing ¼ cup water with liquid aminos. Cook until tender, and…

When Chicago-born model, makeup artist, hairstylist, and cosmetologist Kaori Nik first went vegan, she knew she would have a lot of labels to read. After veganizing all of her food and beauty products, the 32-year-old decided to make it her mission to help others increase their ingredient literacy, too. That’s when lifestyle brand Afro-Vegan Beauty was born, with Nik at the helm of the judgment-free website, social media platform, and print magazine that shares products that showcase the power of Black beauty. VegNews Beauty Editor Aruka Sanchir sat down with Nik to learn about her passion for creating conscientious—and well-countoured—beauty consumers. “Everyone should care about what they put in and on their bodies.” VEGNEWS: Your platform is indispensable to Black beauty lovers looking to make more vegan choices. What made you…

1 AGELESS VEGAN Vegans of more than 30 years, mother-and-daughter duo Mary and Tracye McQuirter are the definition of #goals. So it’s no surprise they’ve penned this wisdom-filled cookbook on how to look and feel fabulous at any age. And if that means we get to eat Maple French Toast with Strawberries for breakfast, Thai Coconut Curry Soup for lunch, and Vegetable Pot Pie for dinner, we’re definitely not complaining! Must-make: Crispy Tofu Bites, Basil Mushroom Pizza, and Hazelnut Date Bars 2 HEALTHY AT LAST When Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, he knew lifelong medication wasn’t the answer. Research brought him to a plant-based diet and three months later, he reversed his diabetes. In his debut book, Adams details his health journey with a…

Oat Butter No, this isn’t the latest yellow-hued oat milk-based spread. This cinnamon-and-maple-spiced blend by WORTHY OF WELL DONE is closer to a chunky nut butter and tastes just like the filling of a cinnamon roll. Gluten-free oats, maple syrup, walnuts, coconut flakes, flaxseed, and a touch of olive and coconut oil make for a supremely crunchy-creamy treat that’s fantastic atop toast, swirled into oatmeal, or baked into a fruit cobbler. Crunchy Vegan Cookies Created to give peace of mind to snackaholics with food allergies, PARTAKE FOODS’ cookies are easily the go-to for school lunch boxes and midday office treats. Kids will love the crunchy Chocolate Chip and Birthday Cake varieties, while adults will swoon for soft-baked Cookie Butter and candy-spiked Triple Chocolate. As for us, age is just a…