Reel and Meal at the New Deal

Reel and Meal is a monthly film series at the New Deal Cafe exploring vital environmental, animal rights, and social justice issues. Admission to the film is always free, sponsored by several Greenbelt community organizations. Contributions are gladly accepted to cover each month’s donation to a non-profit organization.

Reel and Meal events are in-person (limited seating) and online via Zoom.  Each month registration links will be posted here.  You can also reach out to Reel and Meal at

Date: Third Monday of every month
Time: The free film starts at 7pm.
Dinner: Dinners are available at the café after 4pm with several plant-based options.
Carryout: The Co-Op Supermarket Meatless Monday meals can be picked up from the “grab and go” for Zoom at-home viewing after 11am.
Location: Online or at the New Deal Cafe – 113 Centerway in historic Greenbelt, MD
Public transportation: The cafe is accessible by Metro Buses G12, 13, 14 and 16 from the Greenbelt Metro station.

March 18, 2019

The Invisible Vegan

The Invisible Vegan is a 90-minute independent documentary that explores the problem of unhealthy dietary patterns in the African-American community, foregrounding the health and wellness possibilities enabled by plant-based vegan diets and lifestyle choices. Over the past three decades, coronary heart disease and diabetes have steadily grown as the leading causes of health problems in America, disproportionately impacting the African-American community in particular. This documentary offers both historical and contemporary perspectives on the dietary trends among African-Americans, showing how intertwined histories of slavery, twentieth-century socioeconomic inequalities, and the rise of Big Food have led to the increased consumption and dependence of meat, processed junk, and fast food. Starring Jasmine Leyva, Cedric the Entertainer, John Salley, Stic of Dead Prez and Tracye McQuirter.

Guest panelists include Naijha Wright-Brown, Antonio Simpson, and Brenda Sanders.

Speakers:

Naijha is the co-owner The Land of Kush, a vegan soul food bistro in Baltimore. Through Naijha’s strategic marketing initiatives the restaurant experienced exponential growth within four years of opening. She develops relationships and collaborates with local businesses, non-profit organizations, and schools and churches who share in the mission of promoting dietary, ethical, or environmental veganism. Naijha is the Executive Director of the Black Veg Society of Maryland, and co-founder and organizer of the annual Vegan Soulfest and semi-annual Maryland Vegan Restaurant Week. She has spoken widely in Maryland and DC and has also been on radio and TV shows.

Antonio Simpson, the Vegan Mechanic, is a plant-based cook that specializes in veganizing many comfort foods to help raise awareness of the fact eating a vegan diet does not have to be all about salads. His goal is to set a good example of eating and making delicious foods and helping others transition.

Brenda Sanders is Executive Director of Afro-Vegan Society, Co-Founder of Thrive Baltimore Community Resource Center, and Co-Owner of The Greener Kitchen Vegan Deli. She also organizes large vegan events like Vegan SoulFest, the Vegan Mac ‘n Cheese Championship and the Vegan Street Fair. Brenda works to promote veganism as a solution to many of the issues currently faced by people in marginalized communities.

78-year-old, plant-powered ultra marathoner, world-record-setter, Betty Smith, PhD, will introduce the film.

Sponsored by Green Vegan Networking. For more information, contact Barbara Glick, , or Cam MacQueen at / 443.221.0519.

Trailer