A Dallas vegetarian group is bringing in two hip hop stars to preach the benefits of skipping meat. On March 18, the Black Vegetarian Society of Texas is hosting its annual "Meatout," with Grey Matter, whose ode to vegan Thanksgiving went viral in 2016; and Keith Tucker, organizer of the first ever Hip Hop Healthy Day and founder of Hip Hop is Green.

Grey will be speaking and performing to close out Meatout.

Veleisa Patton Burrell, who's on the board of the Black Vegetarian Society (BVSTX), says they wanted to "up the ante" this year, following on the heels of the popular Netflix documentary What The Health? and the rise of plant-based diets throughout the country. Vegan has been hailed by trend watchers as the No. 1 trend for 2018.

This year's event is themed "Living Green." BVSTX is hosting with the city of DeSoto as co-sponsor. It's their 14th Meatout event and takes place on March 18 from 11 am-4 pm, at the DeSoto Civic Center.

Other speakers include Dallas vegan chef Troy Gardner, owner of V- Eats Modern Vegan at Trinity Groves; he'll do a cooking demo and an informative talk.

Deirdre Muhammad, chapter administrator of S.E.E.D. Inc. (Students for Education and Economic Development), will discuss food security and container gardening.

Dr. Errol Bryce, a Fort Worth-based physician, will talk about his work promoting a vegan diet to heal his patients.

Abena Adu, doula and womb wellness consultant, will discuss women’s health.

Revoydia Richardson, a three-time cancer survivor and health advocate, will speak on overcoming cancer and creating chemical-free personal and home care products.

Love Talita Akana, co-founder of Sisterly Love, will lead a seminar on natural hair care and the role of plant-based nutrition in a healthy hair care regimen.

Personal trainer Evan Johnson will get the crowd moving while sharing his own story of treating his lupus through diet and exercise.

In addition to dynamic speakers and presenters, Meatout will feature cooking demonstrations, food sampling, health screenings, cruelty-free exhibitors, children’s activities, and giveaways.

"At its core, Meatout is about awareness and activism as we introduce and reinforce the concept of a meat-free diet to the Black community," says BVSTX President Reginald Marshall. "I'm excited about the caliber of speakers and presenters, and we hope the guest speakers will bring in a new audience."

For more information about this free community event and register to attend, visit meatout2018.eventbrite.com. To sponsor or secure a vendor table, contact BVSTX via email at info@bvstx.org.