The history of Yoga is a rich one. Its’ origins can be traced back to northern India more than 5,000 years ago. However personally speaking, when I first began practicing Yoga in college back in 2010 – I had no clue about this fact. Furthermore, if I’m being completely honest – the very first time I thought about taking a yoga class I was filled with anxiety because I didn’t think black people like me did Yoga. This feels crazy to type now, but it’s’ my honest truth. The only black person that I could think of who did Yoga at that time was record executive, Russell Simmons. Truthfully if I didn’t need the credit hour to fulfill the semester requirements needed for my scholarship, I probably would’ve skipped the class altogether. Looking back I’m so glad I overcame my initial anxiety surrounding Yoga because this amazing practice has truly changed my life for the better.
The Black History of Yoga runs deep. If I had known that back then, I would not have been so apprehensive about taking my first class. In honor of Black History Month, I aim to shine a light on the Black History of Yoga and also its’ famous practitioners of color.
Yoga in Ancient Egypt
Yoga was called ‘Sami Tawi‘ or ‘Sami Taui’ in ancient Egypt and roughly translates to, ‘the merging of the lower self and the higher self’. Ancient Egyptians practiced Sami Tawi through physical postures, meditation and deep breathing techniques as a means to discover enlightenment, healing and reconnection to the body and mind.
Sami Tawi later inspired the development of Kemetic Yoga in the 1970’s and this style of Yoga is still practiced today. According to an article originally shared by Yoga International, ‘Kemetic Yoga focuses on the movement of energy through the body in order to connect with one’s higher intelligence and the divine. The physical poses of Kemetic Yoga are taken from ancient illustrations of Egyptian gods and goddesses.”
Being totally transparent – there are disputes around whether Yoga was actually created in Africa instead of India. The theory stems from information that ancient artwork and hieroglyphics found in Egypt supposedly pre-date the inception of Yoga in India. Personally I don’t feel qualified to provide an answer to this theory; however I do feel totally confident in agreeing that Yoga definitely has some roots in Africa. You can read more about the African origins of Yoga here.
Please also feel free to deepen your knowledge of Kemetic Yoga by reading the books: Egyptian Yoga and/or the African Origins of Hatha Yoga both written by Muata Ashby. You can also experience Kemetic Yoga by practicing along with the video linked below.
Yoga and the Civil Rights Movement
As early as the 1950’s Black people in the United States were practicing Yoga and also embracing the concept of non-violence – which in Yoga is called Ahimsa. Yoga is commonly known as a physical practice or exercise; however the physical practice of Yoga is actually only one of its’ eight limbs, (read more about the 8 Limbs of Yoga here). The practice of Yoga was closely aligned with the Civil Rights Movement via the principle of Ahimsa. Civil Rights Activist and Minister, Martin Luther King, Jr. himself was inspired by Ghandi to embrace the concept of Ahimsa as the basis of his non-violent approach to civil rights.
Two prominent civil rights activists, Rosa Parks and Angela Davis relied on the physical practice of Yoga throughout and after the Civil Rights Movement as well. Rosa Parks began practicing Yoga later on in life as a means to deal with the anxiety and stress that were closely linked to her work as an activist. Angela Davis explained in an Ebony magazine article in 1975 that she began practicing Yoga when she was unjustly imprisoned for 18 months in the early 1970s stating, “Just the physical part was a help, in my case, because I couldn’t leave the cell for regular exercise.” Davis continues, “As a result of Yoga I am more energetic. I am able to go and appeal to people and to organize them to do the kinds of things that are vital to our freedom.”
Highlighting Black Yogi’s Then and Now
As I mentioned beforehand, when I first started practicing Yoga I couldn’t think of any African-American Yogis outside of Russell Simmons. However Black people have an incredibly rich history practicing Yoga. The photo to the right is from an Ebony Magazine article from nearly 50 years ago titled: “Yoga Something for Everyone.” (the article begins on page 96 – for those who follow the link). The article examines the sets of challenges that black people in America faced in the 1970s and how Yoga helped African-Americans find healing from the years of trauma they’d faced.
African-Americans have been incorporating Yoga into their wellness routines for decades. Celebrities including Singer and Actress Eartha Kitt, Rapper and Actress Queen Latifah and Novelist Alice Walker are just a few of the prominent names that have incorporated Yoga into their lifestyles as a means of healing and exercise.
Yoga Really Is for Everybody
Deep in my heart I truly believe Yoga is for everyone. Whether it’s through the physical practice of Yoga or through the remaining seven limbs or ‘life guidelines’ there is something everyone can benefit from via this powerful practice.
While diversity in Yoga continues to be a problem in the Yoga community this very day – it is very refreshing to reflect on the African and African-American roots of Yoga and to know that many Black people recognize and utilize Yoga as a tool for healing.
I really hope this article serves as inspiration for any person of color who is on the fence about trying Yoga – to actually try it. Locally here in Nashville, TN I highly recommend trying a class at either InnerG Yoga in Germantown, (this amazing Yoga studio also doubles as a delicious juice bar) or Hola Yoga in east Nashville. If you’re more comfortable with online classes check out some of my favorite teachers: Koya Webb, Faith Hunter and Dianne Bondy.
Lastly if you’re an avid reader like myself, you absolutely must read Black Women’s Yoga History. This memoir outlines how black women have utilized and incorporated Yoga into their everyday lives to unlock healing and release trauma.
I wish each and everyone of you the best of luck on your Yoga journey. Of course drop a comment below if you have any questions about Yoga – I’d be happy to help.
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