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Why Veguary Matters Now More Than Ever

Welcome to Veguary 2026! For the month of February, we aren't just prioritizing plants on our plates; we are embarking on a journey of reclamation. This month-long celebration is especially situated during Black History Month to highlight the contributions of Black vegan trailblazers and the immense benefits of plant-based eating within our communities.


Afro-Vegan Society's theme for this year is Black Families Thriving Across Generations. This isn't just about a diet, it’s about the radical act of ensuring our families are healthy, vibrant, and connected for years to come. Plant-based living is our birthright. We say this boldly with the knowledge that our ancestors thrived on the bounty of the earth long before industrial food systems took hold. This February, we invite every generation of your family to pull up a chair to a table that truly nourishes us.


Reclaiming Our Roots and Innovating Our Future

For many of us, the journey to plant-based living is a homecoming. We often hear the misconception that veganism is something foreign or inaccessible to our culture. In reality, much of our traditional African culinary heritage is rooted in the earth. From the nutrient-dense greens of the South to the diverse starches and legumes of the Motherland, plant-based eating is in our DNA.


Vegan innovation in the our community today isn't about erasing our history; it’s about evolving it. It’s about taking the "soul" of our favorite dishes, the seasoning, the love, and the fellowship, and removing the animal products that too often lead to ongoing discomfort and chronic health issues in our community.


Why Family is the Foundation

Family is where our traditions are born and where our health legacies begin. Too often, our holiday tables are platforms for foods that don't align with our bodily needs, leading to generations of sometimes manageable but always unnecessary discomfort.


By choosing plant-based living, we are laying a foundation of generational health. When we show up to the family gathering with a delicious vegan dish to share, we aren't just feeding people; we are acting as trailblazers for a lifestyle that allows us to stay together longer. It is a way to respect our own beliefs while inviting those we love to thrive alongside us.


A Radical Act of Resistance

There is a lingering myth that living vegan is an "elite" lifestyle reserved for those with privilege. We’re here to tell you that in these times of societal uncertainty, reclaiming your health is one of the most radical and affordable things you can do.


The industrial food system—particularly the dairy and egg industries—is built on a destructive foundation of exploitation, including the use of prison labor and the abuse of undocumented workers. Choosing plants is a way to align our daily actions with our values of justice and liberation. Beyond the ethics, plant-based staples like beans, grains, and seasonal produce remain the most nourishing and budget-friendly ways to feed a family.


What to Expect This Veguary

Throughout February, we are offering a roadmap to help your family thrive. Here is a breakdown of our weekly themes and sessions:

  • Week 1: Exploring Plant-Based African Culinary Heritage & Evolution

    • Feb 3: Cooking Demo with Jessica: Reclaiming the Plant-Based Roots of Soul Food: Nourishing Soulful Vegan Sides.

  • Week 2: Bringing plant-based practices to your community & Hosting plant-based gatherings

    • Feb 10: Cooking Demo with Danni: Soulful Sharables: Flavorful Finger Foods for Festive Fun.

  • Week 3: Making plant-based eating Sustainable: Simplicity, affordability and enjoyment

    • Feb 19: Community Live | Topic: Heart Healthy Heritage: Uncovering How Plant-Based Foods Connect us to the African Diaspora.

  • Week 4: Creating new plant-based traditions: Creating deeper meaning and connection around plant-based eating

    • Feb 28: Cooking Video: Plant-Based & Powerful: Exploring Culinary Connections Between the Motherland and the Diaspora! Black Eyed Peas 2 Ways with Danni & Jessica.


Join the Movement

Don't navigate this journey alone! We have the resources to help you make this transition with joy and ease.

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