Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1184234
9 0 | M A C O N M A G A Z I N E . C O M A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 "F or years I was selfish," said Jessica Mack, who, along with Greg, her husband of nearly 14 years, owns and operates Southern Vegan Soul Café, an all-vegan eatery located in the Macon State Farmers Market, and the food truck Gourmet Goody Box, which pops up at various locations with savory offerings. "I ate whatever I wanted because it tasted good, but it was hurting me. I had to find perspective," she said. "In the grand scheme of things, I am important. I have to take care of me!" A quick Google image search for "what vegans look like" turns up unsurprisingly cliché imagery: lithe yoga moms, tie-dye clad hippies, shirtless bodybuilders – all with white skin. e burgeoning black vegan movement wants to change this narrative. ough eating meat-free has strong roots in Rastafarian and Nation of Islam dietary practices, modern black vegans are inspired by a number of intersecting issues, among them food access, personal health and social justice. "(Black Americans') diets need to be different than what we're used to eating," said Mack. Traditional Southern soul food is as comforting as it is delicious, and it's a beautiful homage to the resilience and creativity of its creators. But when the newest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that African-Americans ages 18-49 are twice as likely to die of heart disease than their white counterparts, something's got to give. Mack's reckoning came after her son's birth, when she realized she'd accidentally crept up to nearly 400 pounds. "You know how, when you're in love, you gain weight?" she laughs – but not being able to be as active a parent as she wanted to be was no laughing matter. Initially she shed pounds quickly with an intense workout regimen, but at her husband's suggestion, the family switched up their diet. ey started out doing one month vegetarian, one month off, then tried going vegan one day out of each week, which led to Heart and soul food Jessica Mack seeks to change perceptions about vegan diets with Southern Vegan Soul Café BY TRACI BURNS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA WHITLEY