Lemel Durrah is a California-based vegan soul food chef and health advocate who believes in the power of finding community through food. Several years ago, Lemel left his corporate job to create Compton Vegan, a pop-up plant-based soul food restaurant to bring a more healthful diet and spread of options to an overlooked community. His goal is to leave a legacy for his family by bringing healthy food to an area where fast-food dominates every block and where fresh and nutritious ingredients aren’t always prioritised.

Post-filming update: California’s COVID-19 stay-at-home order may have thrown a curveball at business plans for Lemel, but he didn’t let that stop him from delivering plant-based goodness to his customers. To adjust to the unprecedented climate, he has committed to delivering meals to Compton and surrounding cities by hiring a few supporting delivery drivers to maintain mobile delivery services. Lemel takes most of his orders through his Instagram page and has maintained positivity by prepping and sending food all over Los Angeles.