Nutritionist Tracye McQuirter Is Helping 10,000 Black Women Go Vegan

Award-winning public health nutritionist Tracye McQuirter is helping 10,000 Black women go vegan.

McQuirter, who has been vegan for 33 years, launched the new campaign to mark the tenth anniversary of her first book, “By Any Greens Necessary“—the first vegan diet book for Black women.

“To mark the tenth anniversary, I’m launching a program to help 10,000 Black women go vegan in 2020—in one year. Why? Because while Black women are leaders in so many progressive ways, we are in a crisis when it comes to our health,” the best-selling author said in a promotional video for the campaign.

The 10,000 Black Vegan Women Movement, which launches in October, includes a free, online 21-day program. The program features cooking videos, meal plans, vegan recipes, nutrition tips, and much more. It has garnered support from celebrities, including vegan singer Mya.

Fixing a Broken Food System

“We experience the highest rates of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer—the top four killers and disablers in the nation. And we’re getting these diseases as younger women,” McQuirter said.

McQuirter went vegan after listening to a speech by the late comedian, author, and civil rights activist, Dick Gregory, when she was a sophomore at Amherst College. He spoke about the diets of Black Americans and the social, political, and economic reasons for eating unhealthy foods.

The Food Empowerment Project—a nonprofit that promotes sustainable food choices—reports that Black communities are more likely to be located in places without access to healthy, affordable foods.

It notes that diagnoses of diabetes are up to 80 percent more likely for Black people than white adults.

Studies show wealthier areas have three times as many grocery stores. This means people in these areas have greater access to healthier foods than low-income areas.

“Plant-based foods are the healthiest foods on the planet. And eating them can reduce your risk of chronic disease by up to 80 percent more,” McQuirter said.

“I’m going to show you how to make vegan food affordable, convenient, and delicious,” she added. “So whether you’re 25, 55, or 85—you can go vegan and love it. Now is your time and this is your year.”