Yolo Akili Robinson
yolo

Yolo Akili Robinson (he/him/his)
is a non binary award-winning writer, healing justice worker, yogi, and the founder and Executive Director of BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective).

Yolo Akili Robinson (he/him/his)
is a non binary award-winning writer, healing justice worker, yoga teacher, and the founder and Executive Director of BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective).

EXPERIENCE
BOOKS
VIDEOS
PODCASTS

For over 20 years Yolo has led and designed mental and emotional health workshops, experiences, support groups and training.

His experience includes:

  • Facilitating anger management and anti-violence groups with Black men and boys.
  • HIV/AIDS case management & peer counseling
  • Training community on CDC Behavioral health interventions such as Personalized Cognitive Counseling (PCC)
  • Teaching mental health literacy to Black communities.
  • Leading Yoga & embodiment experiences
  • Healing justice centered organizing.

In 2018, Yolo was awarded the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation "Health Equity Award" for his work. He was also featured at the 2020 BET Awards as an "Empowerful Spotlight," highlighting his work facilitating the vision of BEAM. He has delivered keynotes at numerous universities, colleges and conferences such as Vanderbilt, Claremont Mckenna, Columbia University and the Milken Institute.

For press inquiries, booking information, or questions, please contact Akili@yoloakili.com

Writings and Work

His writings and work have appeared on Shondaland, GQ, Women's Health, USA Today, Vice, BET, Huffington Post, Cassius, Ebony, Everyday Feminisms and more. He is the author of the social justice themed affirmation book, Dear Universe: Letters of Affirmation & Empowerment for All of Us (Michael Todd Books, 2016) and a contributor to the New York Times Best Seller, Tarana Burke and Dr. Brené Brown's anthology on Black vulnerability and shame resilience, You are Your Best Thing ( Random House Books,2021).

Writings and Work

His writings and work have appeared on Shondaland, GQ, Women's Health, USA Today, Vice, BET, Huffington Post, Cassius, Ebony, Everyday Feminisms and more. He is the author of the social justice themed affirmation book, Dear Universe: Letters of Affirmation & Empowerment for All of Us (Michael Todd Books, 2016) and a contributor to the New York Times Best Seller, Tarana Burke and Dr. Brené Brown's anthology on Black vulnerability and shame resilience, You are Your Best Thing (Random House Books, 2021).

Yolo Akili Sitting Headshot
Your Are Your Best Thing
Purchase
Dear Universe
Purchase
You are Your Best Thing
Purchase
Dear Universe
Purchase

Videos to Watch

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Podcasts

The Man Enough Podcast
Healthline

Healthline & Man Enough Podcast: No More Silence with Yolo Akili

Inside Mental Health Podcast
Inside Mental Health

Inside Mental Health Podcast: Marginalized Communities and The Healing Justice Model

Lets Talk Bruh Podcast
Let's Talk Bruh

Let’s talk Bruh Podcast: Living in Alignment with Yolo Akili

The Emergent Strategy Podcast
Emergent Strategy

Emergent Strategy Podcast: Observing Urgency

Features and Writing

Click or tap to read each article

Therapy is Political. It's High Time Therapists Acknowledge This

Therapy is Political. It's High Time Therapists Acknowledge This

Why Mental Heath Literacy Matters

Why Mental Heath Literacy Matters

My Rise from Abusive Relationships, Depression, and Shame

My Rise from Abusive Relationships, Depression, and Shame

The Immediate Need for Emotional Justice

The Immediate Need for Emotional Justice

Logo BEAM

BEAM is a national training, grantmaking and movement building organization dedicated to the healing, wellness and liberation of Black and intentionally exploited communities.

Visit the BEAM Site

For press inquiries, booking information, or questions, please contact Akili@yoloakili.com

Yolo Akili Robinson

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