Slavery food, soul food, salvation food: veganism and identity in the African Hebrew Israelite Community

Food for the body and soul: Veganism, righteous male bodies, and culinary redemption in the Kingdom of Yah

“…The AHIC approaches soul food as a double-edged sword: a beloved and cherished component of their history and a contemporary means of African American oppression. They therefore devised and continually improve their vegan soul food in an attempt to maintain its cultural meanings and positive aspects while getting rid of its unhealthy components, both physical and spiritual (Avieli and Markowitz, 2018).…”

“…While many Israeli vegans, as well as members of AHIC, strive for an ecologically balanced, sustainable planet, we have never heard a Hebrew mentioning animal suffering (or animal rights) as the reason for their veganism. In fact, several of the Hebrew men we interviewed during 2017 and 2018, who are specialists in herbal medicine, healing, and exercise, pinpointed that difference in the problem of ignoring humanity’s responsibility for the earth. Although placed in the distinct role of caretaker, over the centuries, humans have been the primary agents of ecological damage.…”

“…5 Men as well as women experimented with tonics, brewer's yeast, and herbal supplements to enrich the fare. Over the years, several specialties in Israel-like hummus, tahini, couscous, falafel, and even mock-meat versions of shawarma and schnitzel-have become increasingly common on the menu at the Community restaurant and in Hebrews' homes (see Avieli and Markowitz, 2018). Expanding the culinary repertoire, enhancing tastes, and improving the nutritional content of their food are points of pride in the AHIC's Village of Peace, where a yearly Vegan Festival for the Israeli public has been held since 2015.…”

“…In return for adhering to the Edenic Divine Diet, Yah reciprocates by endowing the Saints with energy, health, and virility. Mediating between men and God, the savory plant food itself reflects the AHIC's history as Africans in America, Black Americans, and restored Hebrew Israelites while providing corporeal and spiritual nourishment (Avieli and Markowitz, 2018). It is powerful materially and symbolically, at once a sign of forfeiture and a divine gift laden with promise.…”

“We’re Not Meat Shamers. We’re Plant Pushers.”: How Owners of Local Vegan Soul Food Restaurants Promote Healthy Eating in the African American Community

“…Soul food is the term used to describe the ethnic cuisine that enslaved Africans prepared in the Deep Interior South for survival (James, 2004; Kittler et al, 2011; Miller, 2013; Van Deburg, 1992; Yang et al, 2013). Enslaved Africans had to make use of the limited resources provided to them to create foods in a foreign land under extremely disempowering conditions (Avieli & Markowitz, 2018; Devine et al, 1999). Many of these soul foods remain popular among Black and White adults in the South today (Yang et al, 2013).…”