Hey everyone, Brittany Michelle of MoonLit Mindfulness13!
As a yoga instructor since 2010, I’ve spent a lot of time on the mat, both learning and teaching. Yoga has been a transformative force in my life, bringing peace, strength, and community. But there’s something I’ve long observed and felt deeply about, and as we move further into 2026, it’s a conversation I feel compelled to continue: the crucial need for more Black and Brown representation in the yoga world.
When I started my journey, and for many years after, it was rare to see instructors who looked like me , a Black woman or other people of color. The images in magazines, the faces leading classes, the figures in advertising they often didn’t reflect the beautiful diversity of our world. While I’m heartened to see more representation emerging these days, the journey towards true inclusivity is far from over.
Why Does Seeing Yourself Matter?
Imagine stepping into a yoga studio or scrolling through online classes, eager to deepen your practice, but never seeing someone who shares your lived experience or cultural background. For me, and for so many others, this lack of representation can subtly, or sometimes overtly, create a sense of disconnect.
It’s about connection: Yoga is about union connecting mind, body, and spirit. When instructors from diverse backgrounds lead the way, it helps create a more welcoming and relatable space for everyone, especially for students who might otherwise feel like outsiders.
It’s about breaking down barriers: For too long, the narrative around yoga in Western cultures has often excluded its origins and the diverse populations who have practiced it for centuries. Seeing Black and Brown instructors helps to reclaim and honor yoga’s rich history, reminding us that this practice is for everyone.
It’s about inspiration: As a student, learning from a Black or Brown instructor has been incredibly impactful for me. There’s a unique comfort and understanding that comes from sharing a similar experience. It’s a powerful affirmation: “I belong here. This practice is for me, too.” And as an instructor, it fuels my passion to be that visible presence for others.
Beyond the Mat: Where We Need to See More
The issue isn’t just about who’s at the front of the class. It extends to every facet of the yoga industry:
- Advertising and Marketing: How many times have you seen yoga ads that predominantly feature one body type or ethnicity? Diverse representation in marketing campaigns is essential to signal that yoga is accessible and welcoming to all.
- Teacher Trainings and Workshops: Ensuring that teacher training programs are inclusive and actively recruit and support Black and Brown aspiring instructors is fundamental. This creates a pipeline for future diverse leadership.
- Yoga Media and Publications: From prominent magazines to online platforms, the faces and voices showcased should mirror the global community of yoga practitioners.
- Studio Ownership and Leadership: Having Black and Brown individuals in leadership roles within yoga organizations and studios can drive systemic change and ensure that inclusivity is embedded in the culture.
What We Can Do
The progress we’ve seen is encouraging, but there’s still much work to be done. Here are a few ways we can all contribute to creating a more inclusive yoga landscape:
- Seek Out Diverse Instructors: Actively look for and support Black and Brown yoga instructors, and studios whether in your local community or online.
- Amplify Their Voices: Share their content, recommend their classes, and speak up about the importance of their presence.
- Educate Ourselves: Learn about the history of yoga and its diverse roots. Understand how systemic biases have impacted its representation.
- Advocate for Change: Encourage studios and organizations to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of their operations.
- Support Inclusive Initiatives: Look for and contribute to organizations dedicated to making yoga more accessible to underserved communities.
Yoga is a powerful practice meant to unite us, not divide us. By consciously working towards greater representation, we not only enrich the practice for everyone but also honor the true spirit of yoga. Let’s continue to unroll our mats with open hearts and minds, building a yoga community where everyone sees themselves reflected, celebrated, and empowered.
With gratitude and light,
Brittany Michelle 🐝
MoonLit Mindfulness13