The subject of this workshop will be "Colorism in and Beyond Yoga". Colorism is defined as the discriminatory treatment of individuals falling within the same ‘racial’ group on the basis of skin color. Colorism is the result of white supremacy, systemic racism and a broad misunderstanding and appropriation of black culture. Colorism within yoga continues to create barriers of access for BIPOCs. The intention of this workshop is to educate listeners and viewers on the harmful effects of colorism. By doing so, we begin to create expansive conversations, bringing attention to the variety of people, voices, experiences and expressions of blackness within the culture and subculture of yoga. With good intention we will explore all variations of what it means to be black in yoga. This digital series is intended to open our minds and hearts to the experiences of those who often go unseen, pre-judged, or misunderstood. To not see color is to not see the differences and complexities of the human experience. Through this new series of digital events, Yoga Alliance invites our worldwide community into a space for listening, learning and conversation. When someone says, “I don’t see color,” the intent may be one of non-harming, but the message received can have the effect of bypassing someone else’s trauma or lived experience because it does not look like your own. We are here to share and converse, with the hope that you - the listener - will take these experiences and the information provided for self-reflection. Because life, without empathy, is cruelty.
