Black Lives Matter

2020 continues to prove that it is a year that we will never forget: from unprecedented wildfires that put climate change on display; to a global pandemic that brought the world to its knees. Life has changed. But more change is coming. And global warming aside, the world has reached a boiling point on civil rights.

We are simultaneously distraught, angered, and anxious by the ongoing racism, systemic and overt, evidenced by the egregious killing of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and the unwillingness and disregard of those in power to make the necessary changes in how our world is organized and run. At the same time, we are hopeful, encouraged, and empowered by the worldwide Black Lives Matter movement and protests that are demanding justice and an end to racial inequality.

Today we want to be very clear: we are with the Black community, in full support of Black Lives Matter.

We are taking a hard look at ourselves as people, first, and as people who run a company too. There’s a lot of work to be done so we are taking this moment to listen to those people who most need to be heard right now as we consider our own actions and plans.

The plant-based and vegan communities have a heritage of rallying against injustice, inequality, and exploitation and we believe that our fellow humans, our brothers and sisters in the Black community, deserve the very best efforts because we need a better world. Things must change.

Words in public statements like this are necessary but not enough. The real work is what actually happens next. Going forward we expect and accept accountability, and to be judged by our actions and what we actually do to create change for society and the planet.

- Veg Expo