FEATURE: Alice Wills

My name is Alice Wills and I am a fun and spunky freelance actress from North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I enjoy reading, writing, playing guitar, cooking, running and overall fitness just to name a few. I decided to go vegan mainly because of the cruelty and nonchalance towards animals. I remember a real defining moment in my life when I dissected a large cat in anatomy class and skinned its arm. It looked exactly like a chicken wing, and that's when it hit me-that I was strangely eating dismembered corpses.

I went vegetarian but didn't have the self control nor the right motivation to maintain it. So six months ago I decided to take my passion for fitness to the next level and become a personal trainer as a second career. I am the only person in my immediate family that loves fitness and I am breaking the cycles of obesity one step at a time. Learning how my body functioned optimally as well as performed with certain foods made me realize the meat wasn't something my body thrived from but rather something that kept the weight on.

My skin reacts very poorly to dairy and I've never really enjoyed milk my entire life. After watching Cowspiracy and Earthlings it drove home the point that the animals were at our mercy and by killing them for our selfish unnecessary taste, it was also destroying the environment. I went cold turkey (what a terrible expression) and haven't looked back. I am vegan for life and would love to spread this lifestyle throughout our community because so much heart disease and chronic illness runs rampant and so much can be prevented through the vegan lifestyle as well as not contributing to an animal Holocaust.

I find it amazing, so many people fight saying #AllLivesMatter then contribute to murdering animals as if they don't have lives. So far my journey has been amazing and I only regret not being born vegan. This reminds me of my natural hair journey, wishing I had been born without the brainwash. My family looks at it as a strange outside lifestyle but I know they'll come around. Yes, going out is hard, but I love the added creativity to my cooking as well as new information I learn every day about nutrition.

Every once and in a while I'll get into a debate with someone uncomfortable with difference but its honestly awesome to be different and spread this good news. I love the aha moment people have when then realize I'm making perfect sense. I have no complaints other than I wish more people would be exposed to healthier foods in North Philly and more Vegan options to expand their world. I do volunteer work and I hope it exposes more people to veganism, and I hope to learn even more as well. 

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Links

Instagram: @Ali_viatethemind

Facebook: Ali Ce  

Twitter: Ali_Ce92

Website: AliceWills.com 

FEATURE: MiLisa Coleman

My name is MiLisa Coleman, I’m 26 years old and a proud native of Cleveland, OH. I became a vegetarian in 2010 and at the end of 2013 transitioned into a vegan lifestyle. The catalyst was compassion for sentient life and my spiritual journey. I spend time outside with the Earth expressing gratitude and take pride in caring for my guardian of being (cat). Lately, I have been trying different recipes and doing a taste test at Cleveland area restaurants as they become more vegan friendly. I'd like to rock even more as a BLACK VEGAN by increasing my involvement in animal rights activism and have more intersectional discussions. I definitely see the links between anti-speciesism and anti-racism.

In Cleveland, I hope to form a group of black vegans and vegetarians that could use support and want to talk at length about the role veganism plays in the social justice movement. I enjoy the lifestyle very much and have become unapologetic about my choice. As vegans, we are looking at the world as a whole and mindful of the life we share the planet with. I am comforted by the digital platform Black Vegans Rock along with other Facebook groups as we know we aren’t the only ones and it is necessary to connect.

LINKS:

On my website, I introduce a few vegans/vegetarians I met in Cleveland and open the dialogue:
http://www.digimercy.com/perspectives/black-veggies-in-cleveland

I am also traveling to Egypt where I will be doing a journal project touching on veganism and intersectionalism:
https://www.gofundme.com/2n6ujrhu

I am open to submissions for my vegan blog:
http://www.digimercy.com/my-vegan-life

FEATURE: Olympia Auset

Olympia Auset, a 25 year old Howard University alumna, has founded a low cost organic grocery store to service low income communities in Los Angeles.

SÜPRMARKT operates weekly, providing 100% organic produce and aims to make great health and healing available to the communities that need it the most. SÜPRMARKT is seeking support with getting the word out, building partnerships, and gaining the exposure needed to keep this great thing going. They know expense is a huge barrier in convincing people to eat healthy and they want to burst through that barrier. 

Olympia writes:

I am a vegan of 6+ years (raw since September) who sees food as a huge key to liberation and consciousness. I cofounded an event series called The Lifted Gift to help my peers create a new kind of great time, which involves eating vegan, bringing themselves growth and joy, and having intriguing new experiences. 

I made a video last year which illustrates my mission in life, and how beautifully I'd like to see health and happiness spread.

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Black Vegans Rock Interview with Olympia

Here's a video interview with Olympia, and we have her text responses below:

BVR: Where did you first learn about veganism and why did you decide to become vegan?

OA: I had one vegan friend in high school who learned about the lifestyle because of a family member battling cancer. In college, I gained another vegan friend, but the greatest amount of information for me came from attending study groups where many issues, including food, were broken down to me deeply. I decided to become vegan to stop being poisoned by food and to help liberate the earth. 

BVR: How did your friends and family react when you stated that you were vegan?

OA: They were surprised. I've had my share of family members trying to cajole me out of it or debate with me, but as time has gone on, people have become more positive and I even think I helped. Some of the same friends I debated with have become vegan, which makes me really happy because I see it was all worth it. People are starting to get it now.

BVR: Why are you a raw vegan now?

OA: Raw Vegan is the next step in health/ awareness. We are all evolving collectively, and raw is the next step in us achieving that God-like spiritual state. I know that when you eat living food you feel alive; theres a certain high that comes from eating only living things. I always knew "I'd get there" but last year, my spirit/ body began making it very clear to me that the time was now. I think that it is a part of pioneering our collective progress; as I move on to raw, others can move on to vegan and we can all elevate together. When I met Khepra, he looked SUPER young, but he was more than twice my age- I knew then it was the thing to do. It has been a very beautiful, beneficial experience. Veganism, and even more so Raw Veganism creates a certain strength within you to "be the change" in other areas of your life.

BVR: What advice or insight can you give to our audience about blackness and veganism? A lot of black folks feel like veganism is "white" and bougie. What are your thoughts?

OA: There are many things I can say! I'd say eat what you need to in order to transition, but #StayWoke when it comes to what you put in your body. The further you move from processed and packaged foods, the better equipped you will be to have a happy, healthy life and create positive change on Earth. If your family/ friends trip, don't trip with them! The best persuader is experience, so stick to your path and be an example, and when they see how well it works for you, I PROMISE they will catch on, trust me!!! Feed them delicious vegan food and they will catch on! I've seen plenty of asiatic vegans and great chefs who look like me, so I have never really felt that it was a "white" thing- that idea is an illusion. Everybody knows we are AWESOME cooks lol. 

Social Media Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supr.mrkt/

Website: http://www.suprmarkt.la

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goys.entt

Twitter: https://twitter.com/flockabey

FEATURE: Dr. Richard Greggory Johnson III

Dr. Richard Greggory Johnson III, is a Tenured, Full Professor of Public Policy and Fulbright Scholar in the Department of Economics, Law and International Business, School of Management, University of San Francisco. Dr. Johnson's research centers on social equity within the fields of public policy, management, higher education and Human Resources Management.  He has been teaching in higher education for almost twenty years and is widely published with several published books and over a dozen peer-reviewed journal articles.  

Dr. Johnson is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. He currently services as the Northern California District Director for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Inc. Dr. Johnson holds graduate degrees from Golden Gate University, DePaul University and Georgetown University. 

Dr. Johnson has been a vegan for ten years and started his vegan journey after watching many of his friends and family pass away from diet related illnesses. In ways he serves as a vegan ambassador everywhere he goes, including work, social functions and fraternity functions. Dr. Johnson is also a committed human rights  activist and animal rights activist as well. 

One of Dr. Johnson's favorite hobbies is turning traditional meat dishes into vegan meals.  He hopes to write a vegan cookbook focusing on such dishes in the next couple of years. 

Dr. Johnson is a native of the Bronx, New York, but now makes his home in Sonoma County, 45 minutes north of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Social Media

Website: https://www.usfca.edu/faculty/richard-greggory-johnson-III
Twitter: www.twitter.com/greggory345

FEATURE: John Salley

Photo Credit: 3 Cubed Studios

John Salley is a former NBA champion, health/wellness advocate, and talk show host. He's also partnered with The Vegan Vine, a vegan wine company. His goal is to educate the public and the wine drinking community about animal products used in the production of wines. 

Salley is from Brooklyn, New York. He accepted a Basketball Scholarship to Georgia Tech to play for legendary head coach Bobby Cremins. From there Salley went on to become a 15-year NBA veteran and was the first NBA player to win four championships with three different teams. After his retirement from the NBA in 2000, Salley explored several opportunities in both television and film. John has served as host for numerous award shows and recently hosted the Reunion Shows of VH-1’s #1 rated show, Basketball Wives. John is also the head of his own production company, John Salley Presents, Inc.

On December 29, 2015, Salley wrote an open letter to Michelle Obama urging her to go vegan, particularly because Obama is very concerned with health and wellness. 

Learn more about John Salley and his ground-breaking work here:

www.johnsalley.com

Twitter: @thejohnsalley

Facebook: John Salley

IMDB: John Salley

The Vegan Vine

Dr. Nycole P. Lyles-Belton

In Love With My Vegan Lifestyle

By: Dr. Nycole P. Lyles-Belton

I have always considered myself to be loving, caring and compassionate. Due to my life’s challenges which I have overcome by the grace of God, my entire heart and soul has developed and even greater love and passion for total life in general. As one who empowers and travels the country giving messages of hope and transitioning from being good enough to living in greatness, I found there was still an area of my life where my compassion needed to be elevated. This area was my view of animals.

It was from a desire of being transparent and honest  that I started viewing various videos and posts via social media depicting animals being severely beaten, tormented and treated less than what any of us humans would like or tolerate. My attention was arrested and drawn to the importance of the life of animals. Animals, who I view as people who have their own individual personality and heartbeat who are deserving of living in a habitat or environment conducive to who they are, should not be harmed.

I began to think about my two fluff balls, my Teacup Poodle Nick and my Tiny Toy Poodle Mia. My thoughts began to linger around the question of what if my Poodles were tortured, harmed for the enjoyment of humans. That thought literally made my heart feel as if it was breaking into pieces. I knew at that moment I was ready to make the needed changes in my life to no longer allow my body to be a graveyard for animals. Instead of selecting my foods according to the desires of my taste buds, I began selecting my foods based upon the convictions I hold in my heart. It is my belief that no one or nothing should have to suffer or be sacrificed for my enjoyment. Therefore I began my journey for a year and a half as a vegetarian and transitioned to a full vegan.

Three years later, with much overflowing joy in my heart, I proudly saying, “My name is Dr. Nycole P. Lyles-Belton and I AM unapologetically a vegan.” It should be noted that though I am a vegan I do not judge others for their choices nor do I force my life choice on others. Instead, I use my own personal experiences to serve as my stance on veganism. I believe my approach in doing so has caused many others to also become vegans. Becoming a vegan is one of the greatest decisions I have ever made in my entire life and one that I honor with the utmost love and compassion. It is my prayer that my lifestyle in general empowers others to know they too can use their life challenges to become a greater person who makes powerful choices which positively impacts our world.

Social Media

Facebook: DrNycoleLylesBelton
Twitter: DRNYC2
Instagram: DRNYC7
Snapchat: DRNYC7
YouTube: DrNycoleLylesBelton
Email: BookDrNYC@Gmail.Com

FEATURE: Robert Wraith

I started my vegan journey by first becoming vegetarian 9 years ago for meditation purposes as well as health reasons. I was following the Satvic diet where you can't eat onions, garlic, or hot sauce. I was also vegetarian because I was not into the idea of eating animals, but I was still hanging onto cheese and eggs. It wasn't until a friend of mine who studied Chinese medicine told me about the harmful effects of dairy on the body (like inflammation) that I made the transition to veganism. 

I actually took to the lifestyle pretty quickly. The greatest part for me was the empathy for animals that I started to develop. That, and knowing that I was doing my part for the environment on our beautiful planet. I got lucky a couple of years ago and heard a fellow vegan say that feeling tired after the switch (as some people experience) is more about calories than nutrition. So, I eat a lot more and feel great!

My friends and family always act so surprised because I'm vegan! Even after five years, they can't help themselves when it comes to jokes and comments about the diet and the lifestyle. I've turned a corner this year though and things seem to roll off my back a bit easier now! I know they react more out of curiosity than malice.

If you're Black and looking to become vegan, just know that in our part of the world, everything is framed as being "white"...even Beyonce's music apparently! Once you realize the benefits of this lifestyle to you and your planet, you'll be able to get past any social stigma. Besides, it's our people who will benefit from the global environmental effects. Also, I know from experience that living this lifestyle is the best way to start a ripple effect of healthy eating in my family and my community!

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LINKS

Twitter: @ASDFMUZXXX

FEATURE: Kwame Whyte

Seven years ago, when I decided to become a vegan, my parents laughed at me. Not a chuckle but a deep, Santa Claus type, bellyaching laugh. My Dad quickly reminded me of all the times in my childhood when I wouldn't eat my vegetables. He also reminded me of all the nights I fell asleep at the dinner table because, even at the age of four, I refused to change my mind and eat it.

They had a good laugh at my expense. 

Telling your Caribbean family you no longer eat meat is both hilarious and frustrating.  

Jokes at your expense are par for the course, particularly around the holidays. You'll hear "I could never give up meat" for the umpteenth time. Or my personal favorite, "what do you eat"?

Uhhh, food!

Same as you.

What else?

I decided to stop eating meat for health reasons. I watched Forks Over Knives while a family member battled cancer and it opened my eyes to the link between diet and health. My daughter was seven at the time and while her paternal grandfather was in the hospital dying of cancer, all I could think was I can't let this happen to me.

I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic with a prolactinoma tumor and polycystic ovarian syndrome. And while these diagnoses aren't terminal, I do have a family history of diabetes and breast cancer.  All I could think about was I have to live to see my daughter grow up. I need to be a part of her life for as long as I can. If making better food choices could help me with that then, let's do it!

I'm a voracious reader. This quality initially helped with my transition to veganism. I did my research on veganism, the food industry, cooked dinner every night and juiced every morning but still couldn't stick to the vegan lifestyle. It wasn't easy for me to find lunch ideas for work. I lacked the imagination needed to construct a delicious vegan meal.

I started getting tired of eating the same thing all the time: soup, pasta, veggie burgers. I was lentiled and bulgured out!

In addition to my food frustrations, I had to deal with people questioning my lifestyle choice. Telling me I'd lose my hair or worse if I stayed a vegan. I didn't have the guts back then to stick it out.

It's shameful, I know. 

So I decided to become a vegetarian simply because it was easier to do. I could still eat dinner with my friends and extended family; because apparently it's less offensive to them if you at least eat the side dishes but not the meat. Being vegetarian was easier for others to accept and it still gave me the illusion that I was doing something good for my health. 

The vegetarian lifestyle for me was a heavy one. I was still able to eat cookies, ice cream, pizza and cheese. Oh cheese! I gained weight because I overindulged in sugar. And I was constantly bloated and uncomfortable due to my lactose intolerance. 

After years of giving up meat, I then succumbed to seafood. My mom makes the best fish on the planet. Salmon, red snapper, tilapia or king fish...she has the ability to turn that fish into a dish befitting a five star restaurant. How could I not return to seafood?  

My dietary journey has taken lots of twists and turns. I'm so happy that I've finally decided to be vegan. I know this time, it's for life.  

Back in the day, I lost sight of my "why". My why is my daughter, my health, the animals and the environment. With all the research I did back then on the food industry, healthy and unhealthy diets, I should have been more connected to my why. I'm learning to forgive myself for backsliding.  

Now, on my second vegan journey, I feel more energetic and creative in the kitchen. I cook breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cut up fruits and veggies for snack and I regularly make pastries for me and my daughter.

I find baking to be extremely therapeutic!

Even when my scones come out looking like muffin tops or when I forget to add sugar to my cookie batter...the muffin tops were still yummy; the cookies...not so much.

To keep my "why" etched forever in my brain, I watched tons of documentaries; like Food, Inc., Cowspiracy, Vegucated and Forks Over Knives and the scary ones like Earthlings. I also watched any footage that showed animal suffering due to factory farming. I had to scare myself straight. I couldn’t contribute to animal suffering anymore. I'm an animal lover, I feed strays and I have two cats and a dog. It would break my heart to see them mistreated. How could I allow this to happen to another being; for what burgers, cheese or milk?
 
I’ve made the decision that I need to live a good life today to be a part of my daughter's life in the future. I need to make smart decisions with my money and my health to ensure she has a future to look forward to. I need to help protect the voiceless.

I'm a vegan for my daughter, my health, the animals and the planet.

I'm happy with this decision and will remain a vegan for the rest of my life. 

For me, it's a lifestyle change worth making to ensure the well-being, success and future of others.

Social Media

Instagram: www.instagram.com/misskwame76
Twitter: www.twitter.com/kwame76
Website: www.misskwame76.com