Going vegan is becoming more and more popular these days for health, environmental and ethical reasons. And there are quite a few famous black faces leading the way!

Now, if you’ve been following my journey, you know I’ve danced between the vegan lifestyle and my occasional indulgences. Yup, I’ve been that girl who’s gone from sipping almond milk lattes to sneaking in a cheeseburger on a cheat day, or abandoning and returning to vegan life intermittently. But hey, life’s all about balance, right?

So if you want to know what Black celebs are vegan, I’ll highlight some of the top black celebs that have embraced veganism and share a bit about their journey. I’ll also sprinkle in some tips for transitioning to a vegan diet.

RELATED: How to Eat Vegan for $20 a Week

What you will definitely find, as I’ve experienced myself, “once vegan, always vegan” is definitely not a truth. Some of these celebs have embraced veganism long-term, others were once vegan and are making different choices today. Let’s dive in!

Stevie Wonder – Motown’s Finest Vegan Black Celeb

The legendary Stevie Wonder isn’t just a beacon of talent and inspiration in the music world; he’s also a proud advocate for the vegan lifestyle. Stevie made the switch to a vegan diet for both health and environmental reasons.

In an interview at the 2016 Global Green Pre Oscar Party, he delved into his vegan journey, discussing the numerous benefits he’s experienced. If Stevie’s doing it, with all the passion and commitment he brings to everything, there’s undoubtedly some magic in the vegan lifestyle!

Erykah Badu – Neosoul Vegan Black Celeb extrodinaire

The queen of neo-soul, Erykah Badu, has been a vegan for over two decades. While she doesn’t label herself strictly as a vegan, she’s dedicated to the plant-based lifestyle and prioritizes her wellness through diet and beliefs.

In a candid chat with One Green Planet, Erykah shared her journey, stating,

“I’ve been a vegetarian since my senior year of high school, that was 1989. And I’ve eaten like a vegan since 1997, so it’ll be 20 years next year. I wouldn’t call myself a vegan because I don’t subscribe to any type of organizations. It’s just what’s best for my body. If I was a Lamborghini I would want to put the best gas in it.”

She’s been an advocate for wellness, emphasizing the importance of nourishing the body with quality food. Erykah’s commitment to her health and the environment is truly commendable, and she serves as an inspiration for many looking to embark on a vegan journey.

Corey Booker – Strong Political Black Vegan celeb

Cory Booker, the first African-American United States Senator from New Jersey and former Mayor of Newark, is not only known for his political achievements but also for his commitment to veganism. In an exclusive interview with VegNews, Booker opened up about his vegan journey, which began around 1992. Initially transitioning to a vegetarian diet, he felt significant improvements in his health and energy levels.

His curiosity about these changes led him to research the health, environmental, and ethical implications of food choices, eventually leading him to adopt a vegan lifestyle.

Booker’s last non-vegan meal was on Election Day in November 2014. He emphasizes that his choice to be vegan is deeply personal and aligns with his values, but he respects everyone’s freedom to choose their diet.

As a senator, he has been an advocate for animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and public health, often challenging the practices of industrial animal agriculture. He believes in the power of informed choices and encourages everyone to be actively engaged in shaping a compassionate and sustainable future.

Jaden Smith – Chill and Uber famous black vegan

The multi-talented Jaden Smith, son of the iconic Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, is another star on the vegan list. Jaden’s commitment to veganism began in 2019, but it wasn’t without its challenges. During his appearance on Red Table Talk with Jada Pinkett Smith and Adrienne “Gammy” Banfield-Norris, Jaden opened up about his health and wellness journey.

He shared that after converting to a vegan diet, he faced health issues due to not getting enough protein, which led to significant weight loss and other concerns. His family even staged an intervention out of concern for his well-being.

Jaden explained,

“I was able to work with the doctors and really get my vitamins and get my supplements and protein shakes. That’s half of my diet. It’s like a password that I have to find to my body.”

With the guidance of health professionals and the support of his family, Jaden has since found a balance in his vegan diet, ensuring he gets the necessary nutrients. Beyond his diet, Jaden’s commitment to making a positive impact is evident in his initiatives like launching a vegan food truck to feed the homeless.

Venus Williams – Sports great black vegan celeb

Tennis superstar Venus Williams is not just known for her prowess on the court but also for her dedication to a raw vegan diet. In an interview with Health, Venus opened up about her switch to a raw vegan diet as a way to manage her Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease she was diagnosed within 2011.

This condition caused her to experience symptoms like dry eyes and mouth, joint pain, and fatigue, severely affecting her athletic performance. After her diagnosis, she took time off and returned to the court with renewed strength, attributing much of her recovery to her dietary changes.

Venus shared, “I started for health reasons. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, and I wanted to maintain my performance on the court. Once I started, I fell in love with the concept of fueling your body in the best way possible.”

She emphasizes the importance of enjoying what you eat and finding a balance that works for you. Her journey is a testament to the power of diet in managing health conditions and achieving peak performance.

And guess what, Venus is proof that sometimes your Vegan diet or lifestyle can take a few twists and turns.

Thank heavens I’m not alone.

Like Venus, who had some curves from raw vegan to introducing dairy products into her Vegan diet. Being a vegan who also consumes dairy while it’s extremely counterintuitive, is called being a “Cheegan.”

I’ve definitely been there and who says you can’t morph and flex with your diet and lifestyle?

Mike Tyson – black vegan heavyweight champ

Heralded as one of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time, Mike Tyson credits a plant-based diet for giving him “another opportunity” at life. In 2013, he shared with Oprah: “I just felt like changing my life, doing something different. And so I became a vegan.

Becoming a vegan, it gave me another opportunity to live a healthy life … High blood pressure, almost dying, arthritis, and once I became a vegan all that stuff diminished.” However, Tyson followed a plant-based diet for 10 years before giving it up in 2020.

As he revealed on Joe Rogan’s podcast, he quit because he was no longer getting the results he was looking for. “I stopped because of the training and because of what I wanted my body to look like and the strength that I wanted to possess,” he said. Tyson’s journey highlights the importance of personalizing one’s diet to meet individual goals and needs.

Mya – R&B Soul black Vegan

The radiant R&B singer Mýa has always been a beacon of beauty and talent, but did you know she’s also a passionate advocate for the vegan lifestyle? Mýa had been a longtime vegetarian, but her transition to a vegan lifestyle began as a simple challenge to her willpower.

However, after delving deeper into the realities of factory farming and the dairy industry, she experienced transformative benefits to her skin, body, and overall health. In an exclusive chat with PETA, Mýa shared the “wonders” of her vegan journey and expressed her commitment to never going back to her previous diet.

She frequently showcases her love for vibrant plant-based foods on social media, often accompanied by the hashtag #FountainOfYouth. Mýa’s journey underscores the profound impact of conscious eating, not just on our health but on the world around us.

Jermaine Dupri – Atlanta Music’s Finest Black Vegan

The music industry knows Jermaine Dupri as a Grammy-winning producer and rapper, but did you know he’s also a passionate vegan? Dupri’s journey into veganism began over a decade ago. Not only has he embraced the lifestyle for personal health reasons, but he’s also ventured into the vegan business world. In late 2021, Dupri launched his own line of vegan ice cream, JD’s Vegan, which quickly garnered attention and praise.

Mariah Carey’s daughter, Monroe “Roe” Cannon, even gave it her seal of approval, specifically loving the “Welcome to Atlanta Peach Cobbler” flavor.

As reported by Billboard, Dupri’s vegan ice creams are inspired by the flavors of Atlanta and primarily feature coconut as the main ingredient, mimicking the creamy consistency found in dairy ice creams.

Dupri’s commitment to veganism is evident not just in his personal choices but also in his entrepreneurial ventures, proving that you can seamlessly blend passion with business.

Russel Simmons – The Hip Hop Legend Black Vegan Celeb

As a co-founder of the pioneering hip-hop label Def Jam, Russell Simmons has always been ahead of the curve. But did you know he’s also a trailblazer in the world of veganism?

Simmons has been a dedicated vegan for over two decades, and his commitment to the lifestyle goes beyond just personal health.

In an enlightening video segment titled “How to Defend Being Vegan” by The Atlantic, Simmons addresses common criticisms of veganism and shares his personal journey.

He talks about the numerous benefits he’s experienced, from improved health to a deeper sense of spiritual connection. Simmons, author of “The Happy Vegan,” has been a vegan for 17 years and has heard all the arguments against it.

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In the video, he passionately defends the plant-based diet against common misconceptions. His dedication to veganism is not just about personal well-being; it’s a holistic approach that encompasses compassion for animals, environmental sustainability, and a desire for a kinder world.

My Tips for Going Vegan

There are so many amazing black celebs showing that going vegan can be accessible, transformative, and empowering. If you’ve considered making the switch to help the planet, improve your health, or avoid harming animals, or anything in between here are some tips to make the transition smooth:

• Take it slow: you don’t have to overhaul your diet overnight! Gradually phase out animal products while bringing in more fruits, veggies, beans, lentils, nuts, and whole grains.
• Learn some simple vegan meals: start with staples like tofu scrambles, lentil soups, chili, and curries. Having go-to recipes makes things easier!
• Experiment with vegan meat and dairy: try burgers and sausages from brands like Beyond Meat or Impossible. Swap regular milk for almond, oat, or soy milk. You’ll be surprised how similar the alternatives taste!
• Take supplements: especially vitamin B12 which is hard to get from plant sources only. I recommend the Nature’s Bounty vitamin B12.
• Join online groups for recipes, product suggestions, and support. Check out communities like r/vegan on Reddit and The Vegan Society website which has guides for beginners.

Well there you have it, friends! Have you been inspired to try out a vegan diet after learning about all these amazing black celebs making the switch? Or in some cases they made the switch, have switched, or go back and forth occasionally…your life, your body, your choices!

Let me know in the comments if you want any other tips for getting started, have questions or are just feeling inspired by these journeys!