feature: the ‘black vegans rock’ project, by writer & activist aph ko

As writer and activist Aph Ko states, “Black folks are regularly overlooked in the mainstream vegan movement”; and to combat this, Aph Ko is launching a new digital project in January 2016 that spotlights black vegans – entitled ‘Black Vegans Rock’. She writes, “As you might know, I created a list that spotlighted 100 Black Vegans back in June titled #BlackVegansRock: 100 Black Vegans to Check Out.” To this day, I am still receiving emails from black folks all over the world who are wondering how they can get featured on this list. Rather than adding names on, I decided to create a new digital platform where I can spotlight individuals and their work every single day. A Well-Fed World has provided me with a grant to get this digital project off the ground, though I am still looking for financial donations to help sustain the site. The goal of the website is to change the mainstream narrative surrounding veganism. Rather than pointing out how other vegan organizations aren’t inclusive, or don’t incorporate intersectional thought into their campaigns, I’m going to create a new space that privileges intersectional thought, and spotlights black people everyday.” She adds, “The goal is to: stop deconstructing white uncritical spaces, and start (re)constructing more black progressive spaces.” To be featured on Black Vegans Rock, send an email to submissions@blackvegansrock.com (including a high definition photo or video, 500 words about your work, and relevant website links) and CLICK HERE to keep updated on the website launch.

By Alexander Aplerku, AFROPUNK Contributor

(Art by EastRand Studios)

(Pictured: Rodney Perry and Matti Merrell of Green Seed Vegan and Chef Ahki – all featured in Aph Ko’s listicle, #BlackVegansRock: 100 Black Vegans to Check Out)