In life, we all go through ups and downs. Of the many hardships we face during our lifetime, we can recover; though, the access to transformation may not initially be readily apparent. The power of a plant-based diet is in its influence to change our point of view on life. Chef Lemel Durrah shares how he went from a dark time in his life to becoming a shining light for his community—from rock bottom and suicidal ideations to a flourishing vegan business.
A proud vegan and social justice advocate for the transformation of food deserts, self-taught Chef Lemel Durrah was born in Compton, CA. He started Compton Vegan, a 100% vegan catering business to promote proper nutrition and healthier eating choices in the inner city. Chef Durrah graduated from King/Drew Medical Magnet High School, and received his B.A. in Psychology from Tuskegee University. In 2008, he received his MBA, with a concentration on Management from American Intercontinental University. This talk was given at a TEDxComptonBlvd event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx. Chef Lemel Durrah was born in Compton, CA. Lemel graduated from King/Drew Medical Magnet High School and received his B.A. in Psychology from Tuskegee University. In 2008, he received his MBA, with a concentration on Management from American Intercontinental University. Lemel is a proud vegan and stresses the importance of health and nutrition. A self-taught chef, Lemel started “Compton Vegan” a 100% vegan catering business emphasizing proper nutrition and healthier eating choices in the inner city. Chef Durrah believes that giving back to the community is his purpose and he walks in his purpose daily. Chef Durrah’s goal is to provide affordable, healthy, and convenient meals to everyone! This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

You Design You: Passion and Purpose | Lemel Durrah | TEDxComptonBlvd