About the Black Vegetarian Society of New York

Black Vegetarian Society of New York | e-mail us | 718 362 9552

Founders
Tracye McQuirter, MPH
Phil Carpenter Lee
Allison Khan

Executive Director
Melissa D. Haile

Director, Communications
NAkisha Henry

The Black Vegetarian Society of New York is a statewide, non-profit, member-based organization offering a culturally relevant and holistic approach to plant-based nutrition and lifestyles.

Our members embrace vegetarianism because of health reasons, spiritual affiliations, the environment and beliefs in non-violence. We realize we are what we eat and make a connection between preventive, holistic, and traditional practices for total health and wellness.

Our organization seeks to fill the gaps that exist in our communities; particularly in meeting and addressing the concerns of chronic and degenerative diseases that communities of color are disproportionately affected by such has high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.

For the purpose of our organization, vegetarianism includes veganism, and is defined as the practice of not eating meat, poultry, fish, or their by-products, with or without the use of dairy products or eggs.

Founded by Tracye McQuirter, MPH, the original group enjoyed meeting monthly for workshops, dining out, and events. Melissa D. Haile, LOHAS Entrepreneur, has assumed the responsibilities of BVSNY.

As a newly re-launched organization, we hope to continue to provide programming and services to help you connect with like-minded people on the path to vegetarianism and healthy living.

Our holistic approach to plant-based nutrition aims to:

Address the physical, cultural, spiritual, societal, and ethical ramifications of plant-based nutrition
Bridge the gaps between mainstream vegetarianism and communities of color
Serve as a clearinghouse for information, resources, and activities relevant to healthy plant-based diet transitions and maintenance
Promote vegetarianism in all its forms as a complementary tool in health and disease management
Increase awareness and participation in local and national efforts to promote vegetarianism and its related causes
Introduce members to all aspects of vegetarianism and healthy living
Foster community and business collaboration and partnerships

BVSNY will accomplish this by engaging members in monthly talks, restaurant outings, trips, e-mail discussions, and more.

Membership is open to all regardless of their eating habits, lifestyle choices, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, and orientation.

Veganism includes abstinence from the consumption of all animal products and by-products, including honey, eggs, dairy, and gelatin and all products made from animals-leather, wool, silk - and hair, skincare, and cleaning products made with animal ingredients.

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