Veganism has come a long way from its early days as a fringe lifestyle choice. It’s now a global movement, with plant-based options available at even the most mainstream grocery stores and fast-food chains.
But as we celebrate these victories, we must also confront a difficult truth: the vegan movement, as it stands, often fails to be inclusive of all people, particularly those from marginalized communities.
This is the core argument made by Noella Williams in her recent piece for Vox, where she skillfully critiques the movement’s lack of diversity and challenges us to do better.
Breaking the Stereotype: Veganism is More Than Just a “White” Movement
Williams sheds light on the pervasive stereotype that veganism is a “white” movement—an image that has alienated many people of color and limited the reach and impact of vegan advocacy. This stereotype, though partially based on observable trends, has created a cycle of exclusion.
People of color often feel unwelcome or unrepresented in vegan spaces, leading to burnout and disengagement. As Williams points out, this not only weakens the movement but also narrows the scope of what veganism could achieve if it were truly inclusive.
By perpetuating this stereotype, we are missing out on the diverse cultural perspectives and practices that could enrich the vegan movement. Williams highlights the frustration of activists like Christopher “Soul” Eubanks, who often find themselves as the only people of color in predominantly white animal rights spaces.
This isolation can be exhausting and discouraging, particularly when activists feel they must constantly educate others about issues of race and representation.
Beyond Tokenism: Addressing Systemic Inequities
Williams argues that the issue goes far beyond representation; it’s about addressing the systemic inequities that disproportionately affect communities of color. These are the very communities that suffer most from the harmful practices of factory farming, from environmental pollution to unsafe working conditions.
Yet, as Williams notes, these experiences are often overlooked in mainstream vegan discourse.
The history of industrialized agriculture is deeply rooted in colonialism, slavery, and the ongoing exploitation of people and land. Williams emphasizes that these connections have not been sufficiently acknowledged within the vegan movement, leading to a failure to fully address the broader social injustices that intersect with animal rights.
Decolonizing Veganism: A Necessary Shift
Williams calls for the “decolonization” of veganism—a process that involves challenging the dominant white narratives that have shaped the movement and making space for the voices and experiences of those who have been historically marginalized.
She points to the rich plant-based traditions within Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color, which have often been overlooked or erased in mainstream discussions about veganism.
For instance, Williams highlights the historical and cultural significance of plant-based diets in Rastafarian culture and traditional West African cuisine. These traditions are not new, nor are they merely adaptations of a Western vegan lifestyle. They are rooted in anti-colonial and anti-capitalist histories, offering a powerful example of how veganism can be both a personal choice and a political statement.
Building a Movement on Intersectionality
Williams argues that true progress in the vegan movement will only come when we embrace an intersectional approach—one that considers race, class, gender, and culture as integral parts of the conversation about animal rights.
This approach challenges the notion that veganism is solely about diet or animal liberation; instead, it positions veganism as part of a broader struggle for justice.
Williams shares her own experiences as a Black vegan, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces where people of color feel seen and heard. She calls for greater support of BIPOC-led vegan organizations and a more intentional effort to include diverse voices in the movement. This, she suggests, is not only a matter of fairness but also of effectiveness.
A Vision for the Future
The insights provided by Noella Williams in her Vox article are a crucial wake-up call for the vegan movement. If we are to succeed in our goals—whether they are ending factory farming, reducing environmental harm, or advocating for animal rights—we must expand our understanding of what it means to be vegan.
This means actively working to dismantle the barriers that have kept people of color on the margins of the movement and ensuring that their voices are central to our advocacy efforts.
Williams reminds us that veganism, when rooted in intersectionality and inclusivity, has the potential to be a powerful force for both human and animal liberation. It is time to move beyond a narrow focus on diet and to embrace a vision of veganism that is truly inclusive of all people, regardless of race, class, or cultural background.
The path forward requires us to listen to voices like Williams’—voices that challenge us to confront our shortcomings and do better.
By committing to this work, we can build a vegan movement that not only fights for animal rights but also stands in solidarity with all oppressed communities. This is how we create a future where everyone, human and nonhuman alike, can thrive.
