Black Girls Om Too
Yoga, Embodied Resistance, and Healing
Contributions by Irene Auma, Joi Cardwell, Shanina Carmichael, Lacretia “Cre' Dye, Love Ashleie Elaine, Jo-Jo Jackson, Saisha Lacon, Sariane Leigh, Tamia A. McEwen, Donna Noble, Jewell Singletary, and Linda Wells
Black Girls Om Too focuses on Black yoginis and the spaces in which their bodies are allowed to live digitally, narratively, and physically. Black women yoga instructors have historically been made invisible in mainstream yoga magazines, books, and advertising. Although there is considerable research on yoga’s impact on Black women’s holistic health, there is significantly less material on Black women yoga instructors who “talk back” not only to the dominant society, but also to traditional intracultural ways of being spiritually, physically, and mentally. In fact, the social justice work that these women have produced can be viewed as liberatory spirituality and instruction.
Celebrating healing, resistance, and the transformative journey of yoga, Black Girls Om Too features inspiring contributions from trailblazing Black women in the wellness space. Donna Noble of Curvesome Yoga advocates for body positivity and inclusivity in yoga, while Saisha Lacon of Thick Thigh Yoga empowers women to embrace their full selves through movement. Linda Wellness Warrior shares her wisdom on self-care and spiritual growth, and Irene Auma, founder of Peace Within Prison Yoga, highlights yoga’s healing power for incarcerated individuals. In addition to these remarkable voices, the book includes many more contributors who share their unique journeys and perspectives. Together, they redefine what it means to find peace, strength, and liberation on the mat, in their communities, and through their impactful work in digital spaces.
Rachel Panton isassistant professor in the Department of Writing and Communication at Nova Southeastern University. Her recent work appears in Black Women’s Mental Health: Balancing Strength and Vulnerability and the Race and Yoga Journal.
