In a world where the distinction between friends and food can often blur, actress Halle Bailey is making a conscious choice to keep that line crystal clear. At the 2023 Met Gala, Bailey, known for her upcoming role as Ariel in Disney’s live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid,” had a memorable response to a rather unconventional question: “If you had to eat Flounder or Sebastian, who would you eat?”
Bailey’s immediate and heartfelt reply was, “I would not eat either of them; they’re my friends.” This candid response piqued the interest of many, leading to a common question: Is Halle Bailey vegan?
Contents
Halle Bailey’s Vegan Lifestyle
Indeed, Halle Bailey is a vegan, and she isn’t alone in her plant-based journey. Her sister and bandmate, Chloe Bailey, of the musical duo Chloe x Halle, also follows a vegan lifestyle. The sisters’ journey into veganism began with their mother’s decision to try vegetarianism for a week. Halle Bailey shared in a 2017 interview with Complex, “One day she was like, ‘I’m gonna try to be vegetarian for a week. You can join me if you’d like.’ We started the week with her and just never went back.”
This commitment to a cruelty-free and plant-based lifestyle recently earned Halle Bailey a spot on PETA’s list of the “Most Beautiful Vegan Celebrities of 2023.” She shares this honor with Bella Ramsay from HBO’s “The Last of Us.” Lisa Lange, PETA Senior Vice President, emphasized the message behind this recognition: “Bella Ramsey and Halle Bailey remind everyone to save who you can save by keeping animals off your plate, both on land and under the sea.”
The Rise of Veganism Among Black Americans
Halle Bailey’s vegan journey is part of a larger trend among Black Americans. According to the Pew Research Center, Black Americans are more likely to adopt plant-based diets than the general U.S. population. The study conducted in 2020 revealed that while only 3 percent of the overall population identifies as strict vegans or vegetarians, this number rises to 8 percent among Black Americans.
In a recent interview with The Root, actress Persia White, known for her role as Lynn Anne Searcy on the sitcom “Girlfriends,” shed light on the role of Black women in driving the plant-based shift within their communities. White explained that Black women have played a pivotal role in shaping the food choices for their families for generations, often inspiring them to embrace veganism.
Prominent Black women in the entertainment industry, like Tabitha Brown, have also become influential figures in the vegan movement. Tabitha Brown’s engaging personality and approach to vegan cooking have garnered her millions of followers. Her collaborations have extended veganism’s reach into various sectors, including television and fashion, with a successful Target collaboration.
Entrepreneurs like Pinky Cole, the founder of Slutty Vegan, have made a significant impact by changing perceptions of plant-based food. Slutty Vegan has become an Atlanta-based sensation, demonstrating the appeal of delicious and indulgent vegan options.
The Health Benefits of Going Plant-Based
The growing popularity of veganism among Black Americans is often linked to health awareness. Consuming fewer animal products has been associated with a reduced risk of health issues such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Trayce McQuirter, a best-selling author and the founder of the organization “10 Million Black Vegan Women,” has been at the forefront of this health-driven movement.
In 2020, McQuirter’s online program inspired 15,000 Black women to go vegan for 21 days, many of whom reported significant health improvements by abstaining from animal products. McQuirter’s work continues as she co-chairs DC VegWeek, an annual celebration of regional vegan cuisine.
In her statement, McQuirter emphasized the historical role of African Americans in the vegan movement: “The first vegan establishments in DC were started by African Americans more than 50 years ago, and I learned how to be vegan from this community 36 years ago.”
In conclusion, Halle Bailey’s commitment to veganism is not only a personal choice but also a part of a broader movement. Her influence, along with that of other prominent Black women, is helping drive the plant-based shift within their communities and inspire others to embrace a cruelty-free and health-conscious lifestyle.
For more information on plant-based living and veganism, visit Crooked Beverage Co.