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11 Black Vegan Chefs Who Are Changing the Game

These individuals go above and beyond to provide for their communities!

Shenarri
Food & Drink

Shenarri "Greens" Freeman Photo by Eric Medsker

These individuals go above and beyond to provide for their communities!

In honor of Black History Month, we’d like to honor these 11 Black vegan chefs who are changing the game.

Shenarri “Greens” Freeman

Vegan female powerhouse Shenarri “Greens” Freeman is highly acclaimed in the New York food scene. You may have read about her in The New York Times or Esquire or on the James Beard and Michelin Star nominees list. Freeman currently serves as Executive Chef at Cadence, where she recreates Southern childhood favorites using real fruits and vegetables in tandem with her impeccable culinary skills.

Shenarri “Greens” Freeman @ Photo by Eric Medsker

Shenarri “Greens” Freeman Photo by Eric Medsker

GW Chew

Not only does Chef Chew make the best vegan fried chicken on the market, but he also addresses major food-related issues in our society. For example, Chef Chew focuses his efforts on bringing plant-based foods to public schools, food deserts, and low-income communities. Be on the lookout for his new vegan restaurant and community hub opening soon in the Bay Area.

GW Chew @ Photo by Better Chew

GW Chew Photo by Better Chew

Ayindé Howell

Ayindé Howell wears many hats—lifelong vegan, chef, cookbook author, business owner, and activist. His goal in cooking is to create dishes with Southern, Caribbean, Nigerian, and other cultural influences for Black people to see themselves in a plant-based world. You can currently find his vegan Mac & Yease in select Costco and Whole Foods stores.

Ayindé Howell @ Photo by Nicole Somsung

Ayindé Howell Photo by Nicole Somsung

Makini Howell

Vegan cooking is a family affair for the Howells! Ayindé’s sister Makini Howell is also a lifelong vegan and chef who’s shaking up the foodie scene. Makini is a cookbook author and the head chef and owner of Plum Bistro, one of Seattle’s most popular upscale vegan eateries. Her Plum Restaurants brand has also grown to include a food truck, dessert shop, cafe, and salad stop.

Makini Howell @ Photo by Plum Bistro

Makini Howell Photo by Plum Bistro

Bryant Terry

With four vegan cookbooks as well as James Beard and NAACP Image Awards under his belt, Bryant Terry is a force to be reckoned with! Beyond creating amazing recipes, Terry serves as an author, educator, and community leader whose goal is to create a nutritious, fair, and sustainable food system for all.

Bryant Terry @ Photo by Carlos Chavarria

Bryant Terry Photo by Carlos Chavarria

Brenda Beener

Brenda Beener founded Seasoned Vegan in Harlem, New York with her son Aaron Beener. The duo crafts organic, vegan gourmet Soul Food. Their rendition of Soul Food is not only inspired by the South, but the Beeners draw inspiration from other cuisines across the globe. Popular items include the Po’ Boy Sandwich, Sweet Potato Souffle, and Burrito Bowl.

Brenda Beener and her son, Aaron Beener @ Photo by Seasoned Vegan

Brenda Beener and her son, Aaron Beener Photo by Seasoned Vegan

Angela Means Kaaya

From the big screen to the kitchen, Angela Means Kaaya shines bright! The Black female actress opened Jackfruit Cafe in 2017. The business has gone through several iterations, like a food truck and a ghost kitchen—and most recently, a meal prep business. Angelenos can now order flavorful, nutritious dishes like Kelp Chow Mein and Butternut Squash Soup with Roasted Brussels Sprouts.

Angela Means Kaaya @ Photo by Jackfruit Cafe

Angela Means Kaaya Photo by Jackfruit Cafe

Babette Davis

Chef Babette Davis is our idol! At age 72, Davis is going strong as co-owner and head chef of Stuff I Eat, health and fitness coach, motivational speaker, and content creator. If you need some serious inspiration and joy in your day, check out her Instagram videos. And if you need some insanely delicious vegan Soul Food in Los Angeles, hit up Stuff I Eat!

Babette Davis @ Photo by Craig Stuart Eisenberg

Babette Davis Photo by Craig Stuart Eisenberg

Lemel Durrah

Lemel Durrah is one of the first vegan chefs to cater plant-based fare to Black communities in food deserts like Compton. Through his business Compton Vegan, Durrah offers comforting vegan meals like Buffalo Chik’n Mac, Jackfruit Ribz, and Chick’n & Waffle Sandwiches.

Lemel Durrah @ Photo by Compton Vegan

Lemel Durrah Photo by Compton Vegan

Gregory Brown

After adopting a plant-based diet, Baltimore native Gregory Brown learned the ins and outs of veganizing Soul Food recipes. In 2011, the self-taught chef opened Land of Kush with his wife, Naijha Wright-Brown. Aside from owning and operating the revolutionary vegan restaurant, Brown is a board member of the Black Veg Society and works to educate the community on the benefits of plant-based eating.

Gregory Brown and his wife, Naijha Wright-Brown @ Photo by Scott Suchman

Gregory Brown and his wife, Naijha Wright-Brown Photo by Scott Suchman

Tamearra Dyson

Since age 18, Tamearra Dyson has perfected her vegan Creole recipes to share with the masses. In 2007, Dyson left her medical career to open Souley Vegan with zero savings. The restaurant is now a staple for Oakland, California foodies, who love the Southern Fried Tofu, Okra Gumbo, Portobello Mushroom Burger, and other mouthwatering dishes.

Tamearra Dyson @ Photo by Souley Vegan

Tamearra Dyson Photo by Souley Vegan

Allie Mitchell

Allie Mitchell

she/her

When Allie responded to an Instagram post on @vegoutlosangeles a few years ago, she had no idea she’d join the coolest vegan team on the planet. An Austin native, actress, yogi, and part-time sword fighter (don’t ask!), Allie is on a mission to live her best life and inspire others to do the same. She graduated from Hussian College In Studio with a B.F.A. in Contemporary Musical Theatre + Film and currently acts, writes, and eats her way through Los Angeles.

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