Name: Kevin J. Bailey
Age: 31
Occupation: Federal Employee
Location: Washington, DC
How long have you been vegetarian? And what inspired your journey?
I’ve been a vegetarian for 11 years as of October. It was a gradual process for me, inspired by an attempt to live healthier. It also was an attempt to ward off the adverse effects I saw my “Southern” diet having on my family and my own body.
Has vegetarianism enhanced your health? Why or why not?
Going vegetarian has definitely enhanced my health and I’ve been able to see actual results of the change. Additionally, seeing these effects has encouraged me to think more broadly about the impact diet has on health and well-being.
In retrospect, how do you feel about meat? Or do you have any thoughts on America’s meat industry?
I feel meat is unnecessary. I feel that a vegetarian diet provides a healthier lifestyle – and a more sustainable, easier-to-live with lifestyle. Seeing aspects of America’s meat industry first hand* helped persuade me to consider a vegetarian diet.
*There’s a pig farm story…
Was there a community of black men that helped you along your meatless journey? And if not, what are you doing to change this for others?
A community? No. But I do credit an individual (who was vegetarian and black) for helping me understand his dietary habits and challenging me to try it. Which I did and never looked back. What I’m trying to do now is teach by example in hopes of encouraging others to at least consider a meat-free diet.
Are you a vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian? Email arielle@frugivoremag.com if you’d like to be featured in the Black Male Vegetarian Series. Check back every Wednesday for a new profile! Click to read past profiles here.
Peace, and good for you Kevin! i too, recently reached my 11 year mark. Have you tried going vegan before? I had attempted veganism about 7x in the past decade. I tried it again 4 months ago, and haven’t looked back! A green smoothie cheers to ya!