Celebrating Juneteenth as a Black Vegan

We’re living in times where Marvin’s soulful soliloquies “What’s Going On?” and “Mercy, Mercy Me” are just as relevant today compared to when they were written FIFTY-THREE YEARS AGO (really, even more so).  

We’re also living in times where Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five’s “(The) Message” feels like a forever mood with current events having us “Close-to-the…Edge” as we walk around in a haze of depression and frustration, “try-ing-not-to-lose-our-heads,” (cue the reader singing “Hah-hah-huh-huh").

With examples of racism and discrimination being just as easy to find online as videos of furry companions playing instruments, people may ask- how can we celebrate a holiday labelled “Freedom Day” when (in many ways), Black people still don’t feel free?

People may also ask- with super inflated grocery costs, how can we willingly spend extra money on food for yet another holiday when it’s a struggle to affordably feed our families from week to week?

I’ll tell you how- with a “don’t start none, won’t be none” tone in our talk and an “ain’t no stopping us now” electric slide in our walk! If it’s one thing the Black American has learned to do, it’s finding a way to, somehow, lift ourselves up even when everything feels like it’s tumbling down. We got it honest from our ancestors so best believe, our “turn-up” card is never declined.

With warmer temps and cookout season in our midst, as an aspiring or recently transitioned vegan or plant-based eater you may start worrying that it'll be you vs everyone else when it comes time to get your grub on. To you, I say-CHILL (pun intended)! There are many ways you can simultaneously get your groove AND eat on while celebrating with family and friends that eat differently from you and, best believe, Afro-Vegan Society is here to show you how!

When we say "Plant Power to the People" we mean just that! Here's just a few helpful resources to help you navigate through your Juneteenth celebrations and not only do we have you covered for Juneteenth, we're bringing you cookout support all summer long!

Looking for some Summer appropriate Juneteenth recipes? Read this blog article:

Juneteenth is here, and this summer celebration provides the perfect opportunity to fellowship, reflect, and plan for the future in recognition of the on-going struggle for Black liberation in the US. Cookouts and festivals have been a fixture of Juneteenth celebrations since its beginning in 1865. While traditional foods eaten to celebrate Juneteenth include strawberry soda, black eyed peas, and barbeque, Afro-Vegan Society wants to help you breathe new life into your Juneteenth celebration with plant-powered recipes that will nourish your body and feed your soul. Check them out here!

Check out this snippet from one of our team discussions regarding Proper Potluck Planning:

And of course we've got a cooking demo! Check out one of our past broadcasts featuring

Delicious Drinks: Watermelon Lemonade, Fruit & Herb Infused Water, Peach Mint Tea and,

Enticing Entrees: Grilled Pineapple Burger, BBQ Jackfruit Sliders and Pasta Salad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN6lKtCReG4

Yours in Peace, Power, & Purpose

-RR