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Community Gardens and their Impact on African American Popular Culture

December 9, 2024 / Izzy Klonsky / 0 Comments

Hello! I’m Izzy Klonsky. At Dickinson, I’ve been studying food deserts and their impact on African Americans. In my experience, nutritious food is hard to find here compared to my home in suburban Virginia. This is how long it takes to walk to a Giant in Carlisle versus my home.

Google Maps image of a walk to a Giant from my dorm, which takes 31 minutes.

Distance from my dorm to the closest Giant.

Google Maps image of the distance it takes to get from Springfield, Virginia to the nearest Giant supermarket, which is a 15 minute walk.

Distance to get from my hometown to the nearest Giant.

Look at how spread out the land is in Cumberland Valley, too. These houses are far apart, and so are the grocery stores.

Image of open landscape in Cumberland County. Only one visible house and the rest of the land is grass.

Look at the lack of grocery stores and houses along the horizon: where do people get food??

Image of road from car with a few houses, but mostly grass and road.

Similarly, look at how little there is around here, minus the road and the couple of buildings.

Historically, African Americans have been deprived of food throughout the enslavement period, and have been forced to adapt by planting/tending to their own crops, like black-eyed peas, a Soul Food staple.

Nowadays, African Americans tend to get worse housing and lower income jobs: according to the Economic Policy Institute, “In 2019, the typical (median) black worker earned 24.4% less per hour than the typical white worker. This is an even larger wage gap than in 1979, when it was 16.4%” (par. 3). This means that African Americans have a lower budget for food, and may have issues with getting to grocery stores because of the cost or length of transportation.

I watch a TikToker, Alexis Nikole, frequently. She talks about how to forage and procure food in nature, how to grow these foods for yourself, and garden with them. This made me think about community gardening’s role in the media and in other forms of popular culture. Here is one of Alexis Nikole’s videos to get a sense of contemporary gardening uses and purposes; keep in mind that these videos promote foraging and gardening in any area, meaning that this endeavor isn’t specific to people who own a lot of land:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8Nkkmrr/

Per the video, these plants can be reused and repurposed in many ways; nothing has to go to waste and people don’t have to rely as much on fast-food/ultra-processed food for sustenance.

Another common topic on social media is grocery store prices, and gardening can combat this, too: look at the price of black-eyed peas in-store versus as seeds: It’s much more economical to plant your own black-eyed peas. Gardening with them also allows African Americans to continue eating the food that has been adapted into their culture without the economic barriers that America has implemented.

Screenshot of TikTok search for "grocery store prices" and 4 videos that pop up describe the high prices of grocery shopping.

The first videos talk about how expensive it is to shop.

Google search of black-eyes prices, which range from $1.29 to $16.60.

Prices of black-eyed peas at stores on Google.

Google search of black-eyed pea seed prices, which range from $1.49 to $4.95.

Look at how much cheaper these seeds are than the whole beans!

Here’s a video discussing contemporary examples of African Americans using community gardens:

What’s so important about these findings? Community gardens have and continue to shape the future of African Americans and are not just a way to grow food: they also bring in community, art, and cultural identity.

Works Cited

“Black-Eyed Peas Have a Complicated History.” Seed World, 2 Jan. 2023, www.seedworld.com/us/2023/01/02/black-eyed-peas-have-a-complicated-history-2/#:~:text=Black%2Deyed%20peas%20aren’t,thus%20ignored%20by%20Sherman’s%20troops. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

“Food Deserts.” Food is Power, 2024, www.foodispower.org/access-health/food-deserts/. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

“1619–1865: Gardens of Slavery.” Smithsonian Gardens, Smithsonian Institution, 2024, gardens.si.edu/learn/blog/timeline/1619-1865-gardens-of-slavery/#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20tending%20the,produce%20to%20sell%20for%20profit. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Wilson, Valerie, and William Darity Jr. “Understanding Black-White Disparities in Labor Market Outcomes.” Economic Policy Institute, 25 Mar. 2022, www.epi.org/unequalpower/publications/understanding-black-white-disparities-in-labor-market-outcomes/. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

“Plantain! It’s growing near you!” TikTok, posted by Alexis Nikole, 27 Aug. 2024, https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8Nkkmrr/. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Ibby. “FYS Video Blog.” Youtube, uploaded by Izzy Klonsky, 6 Dec. 2024, https://youtu.be/JagZzPBYfnM. Accessed Dec. 8, 2024.

“Pictures of Black-eyed pea seed prices.” Google, 8 Dec. 2024, https://www.google.com/search?q=black-eyed+peas+seeds&sca_esv=64a609d90a359d40&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS1125US1125&biw=1615&bih=883&udm=28&sxsrf=ADLYWIJNhEgaeZwUaZi_bW5jWszDQts27w%3A1733688776904&ei=yP1VZ6DPNv_-ptQP5ZO36A0&ved=0ahUKEwig08r9_ZiKAxV_v4kEHeXJDd0Q4dUDCCA&uact=5&oq=black-eyed+peas+seeds&gs_lp=Ehlnd3Mtd2l6LW1vZGVsZXNzLXNob3BwaW5nIhVibGFjay1leWVkIHBlYXMgc2VlZHNIxA5QuQNY7AxwAXgBkAEAmAFAoAHkAqoBATa4AQPIAQD4AQGYAgOgAoUBwgIKEAAYsAMY1gQYR8ICBhAAGBYYHpgDAIgGAZAGCJIHATOgB9YK&sclient=gws-wiz-modeless-shopping. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

“Pictures of Black-eyed pea store prices.” Google, 8 Dec. 2024, https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=64a609d90a359d40&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS1125US1125&sxsrf=ADLYWIJ54ObNKOAChexORv83BnavFLMI_Q:1733688775042&q=black-eyed+peas&udm=28&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J7pRxUp2pI1mXV9fBsfh39Jw_Y7pXPv6W9UjIXzt09-YEIs5ATTcnTjDJVNBp4RbjWfOwdDigA7cgGTMAUqYq-XHEDvQBj6Tl1QS1iTN88pVlmn091C3m1whg-P_znMBPc134Mo5pdLl6dOdpk_DVU2P2jhAuxqhhJeiHOdPxH_lV-0F7w&ved=1t:220175&ictx=111&biw=1615&bih=883&dpr=2. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

“TikTok search of ‘Grocery store prices.’” Tiktok, 8 Dec. 2024, https://www.tiktok.com/search/user?lang=en&q=grocery%20store%20prices&t=1733691734112. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Slutty Vegan: Atlanta, Georgia

December 9, 2024 / Jay Penn / 0 Comments

Slutty Vegan is a restaurant located in Atlanta, Georgia, known for its creative and delicious vegan dishes. Pinky Cole, the owner of the restaurant, had a mission in starting her restaurant. She said, “Opening the conversation on vegan food options for people who have never considered them in this community that has such high numbers in hypertension, cholesterol, obesity, and a host of other food-borne ailments, is momentous.” Her mission was to not just serve food but to be a symbol of Black power. Throughout history Black Americans were only given the bare minimum, which was always unhealthy, and never had enough money to get access to better. That has all changed now thanks to Pinky Cole, her restaurant, and her foundation she is starting up. With her restaurant she has earned enough money to move away from simple food and began to expand by creating a foundation that helps underprivileged communities, especially Black communities, and build them up. Its aims to address systemic challenges by providing resources, education, and support for entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and generational wealth-building. One of the foundation’s notable efforts includes offering scholarships to students at historically Black colleges and universities.

Pinky Cole-Founder of Slutty Vegan

https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/pinky-cole-slutty-vegan-founder-clark-atlanta-commencement-address-llcs-gift/85-9c305a9c-e018-4609-893d-a5eff7f18e55

While the food itself is the star of the show, the restaurant stands out as an option for Black Americans who may not have previously had access to or considered plant-based dining. What makes Slutty Vegan so unique is its approach to vegan cuisine. It presents its dishes in a way that looks familiar and incredibly appealing by mimicking the appearance and flavors of traditional comfort foods like burgers and fries. This tactic of making vegan food look realistic serves an important purpose. For many people, the idea of trying plant-based food can feel unfamiliar or even unappetizing, especially if they are used to meat-heavy diets. By “disguising” vegan food to look and taste like traditional dishes, Slutty Vegan lowers the psychological barrier for people who are hesitant to step outside their comfort zones. The resemblance to familiar comfort foods makes vegan options feel less intimidating and more accessible, creating a bridge between traditional eating habits and a plant-based lifestyle. This approach not only makes veganism more appealing but also helps challenge stereotypes that plant-based food is bland, boring, or unsatisfying. Additionally, the realistic presentation of vegan food plays a crucial role in addressing cultural and societal barriers to adopting plant-based diets. In many communities, especially in Black culture, food is deeply tied to tradition, identity, and shared experiences. Slutty Vegan honors these cultural connections by recreating iconic comfort foods in a healthier, plant-based form. By doing so, it allows individuals to enjoy the flavors and experiences they grew up with while making choices that align with their health or ethical goals. This innovative approach has not only popularized veganism in Atlanta but also sparked important conversations about food justice, accessibility, and health within the Black community and beyond.

Food From Slutty Vegan

https://vegnews.com/slutty-vegan-nashville-florida-airport

Video of Pinky Cole Making ‘Slutty BBQ jerk tacos’

Slutty Vegan ATL. About Us, Slutty Vegan ATL, https://sluttyveganatl.com/about/.

Exploring the role of media towards appealing veganism to African American youth and women.

December 9, 2024 / Dahmhee Kim / 0 Comments

Scrolling through social media, it was difficult to overlook the eye-catching images of motivational posts from plant-based influencers. So I decided to examine how different media can influence people to become vegan, and how this affects the point of view of people.

Official Hip Hop Snack: Rap Snack

[Staff, MouthSoap, and MouthSoap Staff. “Rap Snacks to Be Distributed in Walmart, Teaming up With Slutty Vegan – the MouthSoap.” The MouthSoap – The Real Story Is The Best Story, 8 Nov. 2019, www.themouthsoap.com/rap-snacks-to-be-distributed-in-walmart-teaming-up-with-slutty-vegan.]

The magazine about Rap Snack which is available in Walmart and is having partnership with Slutty Vegan, triggers the psychological factor of youth. Youth tend to be sensitive towards trends, and interested in what the celebrities they love do. In the end, if it is easy and accessible they would follow what they do and this Rap snack is a perfect item for them. Hence, the promotion of rap snacks with Black artists guides the African American youth’s viewpoint towards changing towards veganism more positively.

Black Vegan Rock: Blogs

The BVR(Black Vegan Rock) Blog tells the story of African American people’s journeys to becoming vegans. A few African American women caught my attention by explaining how they became vegans and emphasizing the importance of being vegan in dragging people into veganism.

1. Clara Holmes – She has an inherited connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Surprisingly when she fully went vegan, it “shortened her recovery time”, and made her “gain more energy to support her physical and mental health” by just consuming a plant-based diet. This triggered her to avoid buying products that included leather, feathers, silk, and wool. @rollinfunky

[Instagram. www.instagram.com/rollinfunky.]

2. Lyssa Wade, aka Veggie Thumper– She didn’t have a straight-forward reason she turned vegan. However, as she experienced her dad’s sudden death, she decided to “eliminate processed food” and start eating garden plants they grew for herself and her family. Also, the trip to Peru has stimulated her to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle that as a result reduces the consumption of meat and increases the plant-based diet routine. Unlike other African American women, she slowly turns vegan. @veggiethumper

[Instagram. www.instagram.com/Veggiethumper.]

This information provided by the bloggers created empathy towards readers which was because either the reader is in a similar situation or got triggered to try a new pathway due to the fact it was interesting. Adding on to it, these people also emphasize the advantage of following a plant-based diet which also tears down the reputation of vegan food being tasteless.

Black Girls Gone Vegan by Gymnetics Fitness

[Gymnetics Fitness. “Black Girls Gone Vegan! Transition Your Body, Beauty, and Babies to Veganism in 30 Days.” YouTube, 8 June 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jxXJ2NUTuk.]

This video discusses the plant-based diet passed down through the generations and emphasizes the idea of “generation health being more than wealth.” Focusing on “generation health” leads people to feel sympathy, which can lead them to veganism.

By exploring the topic of Black veganism, I learn many perspectives of choosing vegan as their life method not only because of ethical and health problems but also more specific ideas such as improving inherited health problems and cumulative activity creating reason to pursue a plant-based diet. It was really interesting to learn a new topic that I never touched in my life.

I hope everybody get a chance to explore “Black Veganism” more!

BVR. “Blog — Black Vegans Rock.” Black Vegans Rock, 13 May 2022, www.blackvegansrock.com/blog.

“Fashion, Fitness and Travel Influencer – Rollin Funky.” Model & Lifestyle Content Creator | Rollin Funky, 20 Dec. 2023, rollinfunky.com.

Gymnetics Fitness. “Black Girls Gone Vegan! Transition Your Body, Beauty and Babies to Veganism in 30 Days.” YouTube, 8 June 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jxXJ2NUTuk.

Instagram. www.instagram.com/rollinfunky.

—. www.instagram.com/Veggiethumper.

Staff, MouthSoap, and MouthSoap Staff. “Rap Snacks to Be Distributed in Walmart, Teaming up With Slutty Vegan – the MouthSoap.” The MouthSoap – The Real Story Is The Best Story, 8 Nov. 2019, www.themouthsoap.com/rap-snacks-to-be-distributed-in-walmart-teaming-up-with-slutty-vegan.

“Veggie Thumper Vegan Foodtruck Iowa Home.” Veggiethumper, www.veggiethumper.com.

African American Foodways in American Popular Culture