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).
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 members 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.
For his work, Yolo has received numerous accolades including being recognized by the Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek Murthy for Minority Mental Health Month 2023. He received the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation "Health Equity Award" in 2018, was featured at the 2020 BET Awards, and is a 2024 Ford Foundation Global Fellow. He has been an invited presenter at the National Academy of Sciences, Math and Engineering, The Milken Institute, The Congressional Black Caucus Conference and much more.
For press inquiries, booking information, or questions, please contact Akili@yoloakili.com
Writings and Work
Yolo has over 20 years experience in community mental health, with emphasis on intimate partner/violence intervention counseling, HIV/AIDS counseling /case management and TLBQ+ youth peer care under CDC and NIH funded projects. Under Yolo's Leadership, BEAM has developed evidence-based interventions that teach Black centered crisis support skills, emotionally intelligent leadership strategies for community activists and anti-patriarchal mental health for Black masculine folks and men.
Writings and Work
Yolo and his work leading BEAM has been supported by many foundations including the MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, Ben and Jerry’s Foundation, and the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund while also receiving support from celebrities such as Jordan Peele, Kelly Rowland, Chloe x Halle, Tia Mowry and many more.
Podcasts
Features and Writing
Click or tap to read each article
Yolo is the Founder and Executive Director of BEAM. BEAM is a national training, grantmaking and movement building organization dedicated to the healing, wellness and liberation of Black and exploited communities.
For press inquiries, booking information, or questions, please contact Akili@yoloakili.com