Everyone has great fun discussing Amerikkka’s favorite stereotypes concerning Black people’s cuisine, but would prefer to overlook conditions that systematically uphold them or historically root them. As a Black vegetarian myself, I could be out here advocating against my people eating fried chicken or other comfort foods that they were raised up enjoying, being bitter at others for putting absurd labels on us, and boasting with nonconformist pride, but I’d much rather move the conversation where I think it desperately needs to go.
That is in the direction of support for and recognition of Black people wanting to change their lifestyles, but are having to overcome additional barriers. . . like always. Sure, the barrier of being faced with stereotypes counts, but way more pressing is the costliness of prioritizing wellbeing in capitalist America.
Since I was in early middle school, I’ve been hearing different versions of “Wisdom why does everything have to be centered around racial issues, capitalism, and the flaws of America” but I do think that racial issues, capitalism, and the faults of America applying to everything is the bigger problem. How is this a place where everyone can design the lives that they want, when some people would have to struggle to eat the way that they need to eat.
Sorry not sorry, but the disproportionate placement of fast food chains in low-income areas seems pretty racist to me. Same as how certain demographics of people can afford to visit their nearby Whole Foods store since they have the time, extra money, and convenient access, but other demographics just don’t. We could also talk about the culture of being othered at cookouts for being “too-good” to eat meat, but how could you compare that to racism?
At the end of the day, struggle in one form or the other cannot be separated from the Black vegetarian experience, but I can confidently remind you that persisting is in our nature. It’s really a prime time for it.
I can’t assure you ease all the time, but this is what you can be encouraged by:
There are SO MANY Black-owned plant based restaurants and cafes ready to support you with open arms and put your dollar in circulation.
I think it’s really nice that there are so many black owned plant based restaurants. They reassure us that we are indeed out here living our best lives. You will be comforted by healthy people who are just like you, the Lauryn Hill soundtrack in the background, the ginger juices, and it’s really just a whole vibe when you find that spot. I know some cities are better for it than others but a google search will go a long way for you on your journey. I’ve had so many delicious avocado toast lunches and jackfruit burgers from black owned restaurants and I couldn’t say enough positive things. You can be vegetarian and still have flavor in your life.
Black people farm! Period.
I don’t know who said that Black people stay indoors and aren’t a people that enjoy being outside, but that’s false. We are the original farmers, and still are. Like stated above, google will help you find out where to go.
There are resources to teach you how to grow at-home gardens.
You would be surprised at the number of resources that are available to teach you how to support your lifestyle change at home. I’ve seen everything from tutorials demonstrating how to raise a garden in a small apartment space, to how to build raised garden beds in a backyard area.
Ironically, the last piece of meat that I consumed was my uncle’s delicious fried chicken during this time three years ago. I went through a painful Thanksgiving not eating meat that year, but after that, the rest was history. I don’t even crave it anymore. One of my favorite things since then has been seeing other Black people decide to take on vegetarianism for themselves. It has nothing to do with us breaking stereotypes, but everything to do with us resisting, breaking generational health problems, doing better for ourselves, and defying the odds put up against us. Much like our ancestors did. No matter how it seems, know that there are many things to be encouraged by on the way.
Xoxo, Wisdom