Episode 598: The Rise of Black Veganism ft. Omowale Adewale

by Jasmin and Mariann June 26, 2021

We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Black VegFest founder Omowale Adewale back to the podcast this week! A passionate social justice activist fighting for the liberation of all beings, Omowale discusses food accessibility and why he believes we are at a critical moment in helping Black communities gain access to healthy produce at a low cost. He explains how he himself was tipped into veganism by his concern for animals and offers his thoughts on how Black veganism relates to Black liberation. He also shares his philosophy on decolonizing our diets and explains how vegan festivals are a gateway tool that can help nonvegans learn about plant-based eating and animal equality.
Omowale Adewale is the co-founder of the Grassroots Artists MovEment, a non-profit organization that uses hip-hop, art, and social justice programming to empower Black and Latino communities in their fight against socioeconomic and political injustices. Omowale is committed to organizing events to advance the socio-political climate for poor and working-class Black people that center on activism through community, food, fitness, and art. He is also the founder and curator of Black VegFest and is certified in plant-based nutrition. He is the author of An Introduction to Veganism & Agricultural Globalism and the editor of Brotha Vegan: Black Men Speak on Food, Identity, Health, and Society.

“Two things happen when you go vegan: you get a higher sense of consciousness and compassion, and you want to look and do more research.” – Omowale Adewale

Interview Highlights:

Why Omowale believes Black veganism connects to Black liberation
The COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of George Floyd’s killing on the Black community in the context of Black veganism
The conception of Black VegFest and how Omowale and his community first established the festival
How Omowale’s concern for animals led him to veganism and why going to animal sanctuaries helped him understand animal equality
Omowale’s philosophy on decolonizing food
Ways we can show up in non-vegan communities and advocate for veganism

Connect with Omowale Adewale:

Connect with Our Hen House:

Other resources mentioned:

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This episode is brought to you in part through the generosity of A Well-Fed World. A Well-Fed World provides the means for change by empowering individuals, social justice organizations, and political decision makers to embrace the benefits of plant-based foods and farming. Learn more at awfw.org.

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Don’t forget to tune into Our Hen House’s other two podcasts: The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and The Animal Law Podcast.
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