I did a food demonstration this morning at the Kingman Boys and Girls Club in Washington, DC for about 30 parents. They were mostly black women, as well as a few Latinas, and a few black men.
My presentation was about the health benefits of eating more plant-based foods. I demonstrated Spicy Kale Salad, which is usually a big hit. I’m happy to report that today was no different.
What was different was the overwhelming interest the parents showed in eating more plant-based foods. Their questions blew me away. They wanted to know about the difference between organic and sprayed food, the difference between vegan and vegetarian food, how to avoid e. coli bacteria, how to get enough protein, how to get their kids to eat more vegan foods, what seasonings to use, what supplements to take, and on and on. Some of the parents even asked me to come to their homes and help them replace what’s in their kitchen with healthier substitutes.
Also, when I told them that what made me seriously consider vegetarian foods was hearing a graphic lecture by Dick Gregory about how a hamburger gets from a cow on a factory farm to a slaughterhouse, to a fast food place to a heart attack, they asked me to tell them the graphic details. That caught me off guard! I can’t recall an audience asking me that before. (Most folks just hope I won’t go there.) When I suggested a few web sites where they could watch graphic undercover videos, I was amazed to see so many parents writing it down.
But then I really shouldn’t have been. Those were my own faulty assumptions at work. The parents’ interest in plant-based foods reflects findings by the Vegetarian Resource Group, among others. Namely that black people are more interested in eating vegetarian foods than any other group once we learn the health and environmental benefits.
So, it’s really me that got the education today. It took me back to the root of why I got excited about this work in the first place. Kingman Boys and Girls Club parents, thank you!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Tracye,
Do you mind sharing the sites where I can find the graphic slaughterhouse videos?
Thank you for sharing! This is awesome and so inspiring. What are the websites that show the undercover videos about the cows? I am interested as well.
One more thing, you stated that blacks are more interested in eating vegetarian than any other group, once we know the health benefits. I am finding this so true for myself. Where can I find the article or study on this? I am going testify at a hearing on how to prevent obesity and would like to use this information. Thanks again!!
Here are a few web sites for undercover videos on factory farming and slaughterhouses: peta.org, cok.net, and meat.org.
This is such an awesome story to hear! So glad that you are being a wonderful resource to helping “us” be the healthy beings we want to be. It inspires me as well:)!
Very excited by this post and your being blown away. Kudos!
This was a great email and I’m so glad to read this!
Just this morning, I was half listening to the news while packing up my lunch, trying to get my son off to school and playing w/my dog
, and heard some results from some org. on some report that “African American and Latino kids” are more likely to be overweight, compared to Caucasian kids and that it’s a direct result from lifestyle – eating habits and choices, economical status of family, etc; I thought to myself, you didn’t know that already?
I am vegan and proud to say that on March 17th (the day after my 42nd b-day!) it will be five months for me. I have lost 25lbs without even trying, don’t feel the strain in my left knee anymore, and I feel as though I can do anything at this point! I’m now going to the gym to hopefully double the weight I’ve lost!
I have to say that my co-workers have sincere interest and I’ve even heard several people make comments about it being brave and that they couldn’t do it….I make it a habit now to pack a bigger lunch bag because any time that folks come over to my table in the breakroom to ask what I’m eating, I offer them some. Every single person has said that the food is good, and some have said that they could see themselves having meatless meals a few times a week. Two of my best friends and hard core animal lovers (one on Long Island, NY with several chickens in a chicken coop and countless rescued cats, and the second a huge supporter of the No. Shore Animal League on Long Island, but now living in LA) are now meat free – one is vegan and the other vegetarian and I am thrilled knowing that my talking, sharing and crying has moved them to make these decisions.
It’s amazing how connected one feels to the environment, to our earth, when one decides to give up meat for the right reason. I no longer look up to my hero, Anna Wintour of Vogue magazine because she is a HUGE fur supporter. I will no longer purchase the same ole’ hair coloring that I used to get – along with toiletries and cosmetics, because they test on animals. My husband even came home the other day and was THRILLED that the cleaning solution that HE had just purchased specifically and proudly stated that it does NOT test on animals (he is not vegan, but I’m still working on him).
And it’s even more amazing, the connection that I feel towards others across the country, and globally, that are making changes, such as yourself. I would love nothing more than to one day stand up in front of people and help them to make life changes, like you’re doing – thank you for everything that you do, and best for you in everything you do!@