10 Inspiring Vegan Philanthropists
Although vegans are often admired for nobly defending animal rights, we are also sometimes criticized by those who believe we do not put enough of our energy toward helping our fellow humans. At Oops, we believe that veganism should consider humans, as well as animals. After all, we are animals, too! As sentient beings, we also frequently suffer abuse at the hands of those in a more powerful position. When entire groups of humans lack a voice, vegans with more resources and a bigger platform can help spread their message and improve their situations as well. And that’s just what these amazing vegan philanthropists are doing!
Keep reading and find out how these admirable plant-powered public figures have been keeping their hands full, with both animal and humanitarian projects!
Aisha “Pinky” Cole
This plant-powered entrepreneur is doing great things not only for the vegan community, but also for Atlanta's youth. Her restaurant Slutty Vegan ATL has become a haven of hope for juvenile offenders in the area, giving them jobs and the resources to turn their lives around. She has also helped pay off 30 students' debt at her alma mater, Clark Atlanta University, and has provided the family of Rayshard Brooks with life insurance and full Clark Atlanta scholarships!
If you're inspired by Aisha "Pinky" Cole's accomplishments and mission, make sure to hit that follow button on her Instagram page for updates on this woman's amazing work!
Angela Davis
A fierce defender of women and civil rights, Angela Davis is an inspiration to vegans and non-vegans everywhere! Known best for her famous books on feminism, race, and politics, as well as her work as a professor and activist, Davis has dedicated the majority of her life to defending civil, and animal rights.
This rockstar vegan and political activist is fairly outspoken regarding the connection between issues like food justice and civil rights. She also highlights the importance of demanding both compassion for humans and compassion for other beings we share this beautiful planet with. Inspiring indeed!
Benedict Cumberbatch
Best known for his roles as Doctor Strange and Sherlock Holmes, Cumberbatch is both vegan and a women’s activist! As a male feminist, Cumberbatch takes pride in projects like SunnyMarch, a film production company that focuses solely on women-made projects. In fact, him and co-founder Adam Ackland are the only men working for this company, meaning SunnyMarch provides plenty of opportunities for talented women within the film industry.
In addition to this project, this actor now rejects any roles in projects that don’t pay his female co-stars equally. We love to see allies with firm values and integrity!
Cory Booker
Cory Booker is a democratic party senator from New Jersey, who ran for president in 2020! Did we mention he’s vegan? Regardless of your political views, you may be surprised to learn what a humanitarian this ethical vegan politician is! Among his noble feats, he’s run into a burning building to save someone’s life, and helped shovel snow from a stranger’s driveway after a severe snowstorm! During his time as mayor of Newark, he also raised $250 million dollars to provide solutions for vulnerable families living in the city. More recently, he’s spoken out on racial injustice and how to provide solutions for those struggling with the COVID-19 crisis.
Derrick Morgan
You may know Morgan from his days as a Tennessee Titans linebacker, but this now retired plant-powered athlete has moved on to humanitarian projects! For example, to combat economic inequality, Derrick Morgan is now investing in Opportunity Zones (low-income communities in the U.S. who may be federally designated to receive tax cuts) through his KNGDM Impact Fund. These investments allow him to support and empower people while creating a positive social or environmental impact! In addition to this noble deed, he’s currently looking into helping low-income communities have greater access to new homes, jobs, and businesses.
Joaquin Phoenix
Although Phoenix’s current main focus animal rights — an already admirable agenda — he’s also very much interested in human rights and civil justice. He’s a firm supporter of Amnesty International, The Peace Alliance Campaign To Establish, and has participated in the documentary “I’m Still Here Real”, which tells the story of Holocaust survivors. He was also an executive producer for the vegan film “What The Health”, which exposed the corruption of the animal agriculture industry, which hides the fact that meats and processed meats are classified as known carcinogens by the WHO.
Lewis Hamilton
A long-time race car driver, vegan restaurateur, and philanthropist, Lewis Hamilton’s humanitarian focuses are on health, education, and financial relief for today’s UK youth. Through the Lewis Hamilton Foundation, he raises funds and grants to relieve children’s needs and disabled individuals. He also pioneered Formula One’s “We Race As One” program, which condemns racial injustice and highlights environmental, racial, and COVID-related issues!
Mýa
This popular vegan singer/songwriter’s work does not stop at the studio! Through her philanthropic projects like The Mýa Arts & Tech Foundation (which provides growth and opportunities for disadvantaged youths via art and technology), her LGBT activism, participation in the 2009 Operation Smile Event, and her Haiti relief efforts, she’s proven to give her all to help improve human and animal lives!
Travis Barker
Another artist invested in helping underprivileged youths, Travis Barker, through the Travis Barker Foundation, works toward creating awareness for the importance of musical education, and providing schools with various educational programs! He’s also supported organizations focused on issues like mental health, disabilities, homelessness, and women’s rights. He’s also recently spoken out on racial injustice issues.
Will.I.Am
This Black Eyed Peas vegan singer and songwriter has set up an American Dream Fund to help over 1,200 at-risk students in the U.S. receive quality education each year. So far, over $2,000,000 have been raised via his gofundme account on his official website. Plus, over 140 students have graduated through this program, and are now headed off to college with much-needed laptops and text books!
Looking at all of these vegan and humanitarian activists, it’s clear to see that veganism and philanthropy do not have to be isolated agendas. After all, how can we show compassion for one, and ignore the other? We hope you’ve found these vegan philanthropists’ stories inspiring, and we thank you for taking an interest in both human and animal rights! All sentient beings deserve rights, respect, and dignity. To your vegan success!
