Vegan Soul Food: Connecting Cultural Identity, Ethical Eating, and Spirituality with Christopher Carter

Consciously Clueless

What if embracing veganism could also be an act of solidarity with marginalized communities? In this episode, Dr. Christopher Carter guides us through the multifaceted intersections of veganism, race, and spirituality. Christopher shares a deeply personal narrative that connects their transformative path to veganism with their family's historical struggles, drawing powerful parallels between the exploitation of migrant farm workers today and the harsh realities of the Jim Crow South. As we explore these connections, we challenge listeners to rethink ethical eating as a profound statement of unity and resistance against systemic injustices.

We further untangle the complex threads linking cultural identity and dietary choices, shedding light on how historical diets have been manipulated to signify sophistication and power. Through engaging stories of resilience and adaptability, we discover the rich tapestry of vegan soul food and its ability to nourish both body and heritage. Inspired by the work of earlier trailblazers, our conversation emphasizes that aligning one's cultural identity with vegan values doesn't mean losing touch with one's roots but rather finding innovative ways to celebrate them.

The episode also takes a deep dive into the radical compassion inherent in Christianity, questioning if teachings can inspire a modern spiritual path of inclusivity and justice. By drawing on the legacies of Cesar Chavez and Martin Luther King, we discuss how religions can be reclaimed from oppressive narratives to create communities grounded in empathy and understanding. This discussion invites listeners to embrace personal growth, self-care, and community engagement, all while reflecting on the interconnectedness of life through the lens of radical veganism.

Guest Bio: Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter’s teaching, research, and activist interests are in Black, Womanist, and Environmental ethics, with a particular focus on race, food, and nonhuman animals. He is the co-creator of Racial Resilience, an anti-racism and anti-bias program that utilizes the combined insights of contemplative practices and critical race theories. His academic publications include “Blood in the Soil: The Racial, Racist, and Religious Dimensions of Environmentalism” in The Bloomsbury Handbook on Religion and Nature (Bloomsbury, 2018), The Spirit of Soul Food (University of Illinois Press, December 2021), and “Race, Animals, and a New Vision of the Beloved Community” in Animals and Religion (Routledge, 2024). Currently, he is an Associate Professor of Theology, Race, and Ecology at the Methodist Theological School of Ohio, a Faith in Food Fellow at Farm Forward, and lead pastor of The Loft at Westwood UMC, in Westwood California.

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Music by Matthew Baxley