20 Black Vegan Activists Who Advocate for Total Liberation

Posted by Calvin on February 13, 2025

Living vegan is a political act against an unjust status quo that disproportionately affects POC, so it’s no surprise that Black vegan activists are trailblazing our movement. From influencers to athletes, these advocates use their platform to advocate for the liberation of all animals, including humans. 👏 Get revved up by these 20 Black vegans who make the world a better place for everyone:

Genesis Butler

We stan Genesis Butler so hard. The Gen Z animal advocate went vegan at six years old, gave a TEDx talk about how animal agriculture destroys the environment when she was 10, and teamed up with us to launch our “Cut Out Dissection” website. 

Stewart Mitchell

Stewart Mitchell (“the Vigilante Vegan”) has written two animal rights books—Kayla the Vegan and Liberation—that motivate children and young adults to join the movement. He also shows that he walks the walk by popping off at PETA protests.

Haile Thomas

This activist and author kinda does it all. She’s published a cookbook, opened a vegan tea café, and blessed us with countless vegan recipes—and she’s still in her 20s. 🤯

Chris Paul

One of the best NBA point guards of all time credits his late-career resurgence to going vegan in 2019. Since then, he’s been a huge advocate for the vegan lifestyle (and a monster on the court).

Cam Newton

Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton is another elite athlete who went vegan and hasn’t looked back. When people spew nonsense about how you can’t get muscular while eating vegan, show them a pic of Cam Newton.

Dominick Thompson

As a hardcore vegan athlete and activist, Dominick Thompson created Eat What Elephants Eat, a nutrition and wellness program centered entirely on vegan food. His story is extraordinary, and his decision to stop eating animals turned his life around. 

Cynthia Erivo

Her performances in Wicked, The Color Purple, and Harriet dropped our jaws. As if we needed more proof that the vegan lifestyle kicks ass, Erivo accomplished all this without eating animal-derived foods. 😎

Tabitha Brown

If you’re an aspiring vegan content creator, Tabitha Brown might be the #1 activist to take notes from. Her vegan food reviews, animal rights books, and advocacy content are made to help save animals and improve our well-being.

Pinky Cole

As the founder of Atlanta’s Slutty Vegan restaurant, Pinky Cole put together a mouthwatering menu that doesn’t harm animals for their flesh, eggs, or milk. She’s also helped push for meat, egg, and dairy subsidies to be redirected to fresh veggies, fruits, and other vegan foods. 

C5

The rapper C5 puts out banger after banger while eating only plant-derived foods. Scroll through his IG page for music snippets, words of wisdom, and eye-catching vegan meals.

Common

Speaking of rappers, one of the most influential figures in hip-hop history is a proud vegan. Common’s decision to ditch animal-derived foods can help save nearly 200 animals annually.

Dana Heath

Have you seen our collab with Dana Heath? We showcased the teen actor’s dream for a world where animals live free from harm and how you can help make it a reality, whether by choosing a veggie burger, using cruelty-free makeup, or picking up trash at your local park. 

Tabay Atkins

How is it possible to become a 500-hour vinyasa certified yoga teacher by age 19? Tabay Atkins credits much of his success to the tasty, nutritious vegan food that fuels him.

Shaka Smith

This actor/musician/lawyer constantly stands up for marginalized groups. It’s no surprise that his compassion extends to all species.   

Alexis Nikole Nelson

Check out Alexis Nikole Nelson’s feed for vids of her foraging and cooking vegan delights. You might even see some of her awesome companion animals if you’re lucky.

Colin Kaepernick

He’s one of the most popular protesters of the 21^st century, a past Super Bowl contender, and powered by plants. 🏈 Colin Kaepernick stands up to oppression and violence, whether it’s directed at marginalized humans or animals on a factory farm.

Gabrielle Reyes

Have you ever wanted to make a vegan recipe created by an award-winning singer/actor? This is your chance—Gabrielle Reyes’ delicious recipes are kind to animals, and most are allergy-free.

John Lewis (Badass Vegan)

John Lewis (aka Badass Vegan) advocates for animals in every aspect of his life. Whether through his book, podcast, or healthy snack line, his vegan message is crystal clear.

Choice Bison

Few people have mastered artivism like Choice Bison. Take inspo from him and use your artistic skills to show everyone the gut-wrenching cruelties of animal agriculture.

Grey

You might know hip-hop powerhouse Grey from his viral rap song “Vegan Thanksgiving.” He says his whole life changed when he went vegan, and now, he uses his platform and music to speak up for animals.

*****

Black advocates are also revolutionizing the beauty world. Shop from these Black-owned beauty brands for high-quality products not tested on animals.