I'm glad you have not jumped to conclusions, but raising the question alludes to your denial of societal differences between communities.

It is not at all about distinguishing dietary choices with race. I think it makes perfect sense why it would seem pointless to you as a white male. There are many reasons why I am a member of this tribe and why I think it is vital and necessary for different communities to have different organizations that concentrate on a particular culture.

The first reason I would say is it is necessary for Black people to educate one another on many things besides food because we often find ourselves, excluded or just alienated in groups where the majority of the people are not Black. Have you ever been a part of an organization where you were the only white person?

Another reason beyond the alienation, would be the cultural differences. In Black communities, our heritage in America is raised on what people call "Soul Food". Soul Food was created during slavery when we were given the scraps of the pig (Feet, chiterlings etc) and not the prime cuts of the animal. These traditions are so heavily rooted in our culture, it is simply considered the norm. Black communities have the highest rate of heart disease in this country. This epidemic within our community is our responsibility. That is exactly what this tribe is doing, taking the responsibility to educate our communities about alternative eating habits that could possibly transform this alarming statistic.

The final reason I will say this tribe is necessary is simply the stigmas associated with vegetarianism within Black communities. As a people it is our responsibility to educate ourselves to dispell myths about who we are, what it means to be a vegetarian, and what we can do to save our lives. I do not expect you to understand, I don't mind you asking the question, it's not an issue. Just please don't say condesending things like "pointless". Do you think a Black chamber of commerce is pointless? Black business association? Jewish Cultural Center? Any association within our society operating on behalf of a community in order to better that community is a good thing, so long as it does not diminsih the value of other cultures. Our history in America teaches us that our community has always been on the defensive when we take the responsibility to strengthen ourselves. Everyone always asks why? My question is why not?