As the practice of yoga continues to flourish within Western Black and Brown communities, this transformative, Black culturally centered toolkit highlights the barriers that hinder access to yoga. It takes core aspects of yoga philosophy and contextualizes it within Black cultural norms, religious taboos, and historical healing practices, and teaches readers how to foster a safe haven for their clients and communities.

Charlene Marie Muhammad and Marilyn Peppers-Citizen are certified yoga therapists (C-IAYT) with a combined study and practice of yoga of fifty plus years. As wellness practitioners, Charlene and Marilyn use an integrative approach to physical, emotional, and spiritual support to mentor individuals on their journeys of aging well.  Each has an extensive teaching and training practice, providing workshops and lectures at local, regional, and national venues.

A graduate of Cornell University, Charlene holds a master of science degree in Herbal Medicine from Maryland University of Integrative Health.

Marilyn is a retired Air Force Colonel and holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and a master’s degree in business and National Resource Strategy.

Both Charlene and Marilyn serve on the board of directors for the Black Yoga Teachers Alliance.