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.
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. His work leading BEAM has been uplifted and supported by the U.S Surgeon General Dr. Vivek S. Murthy, and many celebrities including Debbie Allen, Jenifer Lewis, Chloe x Halle, Laura Harrier, Jordan Peele and Kelly Rowland. 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. His work leading BEAM has been uplifted and supported by the U.S Surgeon General Dr. Vivek S. Murthy, and many celebrities including Debbie Allen, Jenifer Lewis, Chloe x Halle, Laura Harrier, Jordan Peele and Kelly Rowland. 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).
Podcasts
Features and Writing
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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