Writing the Book Yoga in the Black Community with Marilyn Peppers-Citizen and Charlene Muhammad

Episode Overview: In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Amy Wheeler welcomes yoga therapists and authors Marilyn Peppers-Citizen and Charlene Muhammad to discuss their groundbreaking new book, Yoga in the Black Community: Healing Through Wholeness, History, and Hope. With humility, courage, and vision, Marilyn and Charlene share the deeply intentional 4-year journey that led to the book’s creation—from its origins in conversations on chronic pain and health disparities to a larger message of universal healing through Yoga. Together, they explore the historical exclusion of Black communities from mainstream yoga spaces, systemic health inequities, and the emotional toll of ongoing racial bias in healthcare and research. Yet this episode is also rooted in hope—emphasizing the healing power of community-based practice, and the recognition that Yoga is not something to be “brought into” the Black community—it’s already there. Listeners will be moved by their reflections on resilience, the limits of resilience, and the need to reimagine yoga therapy education, credentialing, and access through a lens of equity, affordability, and cultural inclusion. Key Topics Covered:How the book organically evolved through monthly conversations, Google Docs, and shared purposeChronic pain, scientific bias, and the history of mistrust in research and healthcareYoga as a path to liberation, community care, and remembrance of inherent wholenessCentering Black lived experience while offering a universal message of healingThe challenges of inclusion in mainstream yoga and the importance of culturally-rooted practiceReimagining Yoga therapy education and credentialing with equity and accessibilityActionable steps for individual and collective healing, starting with self-reflectionA call to yoga professionals to integrate social, historical, and emotional literacy into their work Quotes to Remember: “You don’t need to be in a place to practice Yoga. It’s how you wake up in the morning, how you walk through the day, and how you sleep at night.” – Marilyn Peppers-Citizen “If you want to work with any community, you must know their history.” – Charlene Muhammad “We are not a broken people. We are whole humans with pride, joy, and daily challenges.” – Marilyn Peppers-Citizen Resources Mentioned:  Yoga in the Black Community: Healing Through Wholeness, History, and Hope – by Charlene Muhammad & Marilyn Peppers-Citizen  Jana Long’s film: The Uncommon Yogi  Gabor Maté – The Myth of Normal Connect with the Guests:Charlene Muhammad – Yoga therapist, educator, and community healer Marilyn Peppers-Citizen – Yoga therapist and advocate for health equity Takeaway Message: This episode is a call to reflect, remember, and reconnect—with ourselves, our communities, and the deeper truths of yoga. Healing must begin within, and it must include all of us. Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | www.TheOptimalState.com Join the Conversation: Tag us with your thoughts and reflections using #YogaTherapyHour Follow @OptimalStateYoga on Instagram and Facebook Also find us on Patreon under The Optimal State and Yoga Therapy Hour If you would like more information about getting a masters degree in Yoga Therapy at MUIH, go to: Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy Plans of Study for NDMU Yoga Therapy https://livendm.sharepoint.com/sites/Academics/SitePages/Yoga-Therapy-Plans-of-Study.aspx?csf=1&web=1&share=EeZhGMscDMFOl1Lk0PD6gOsBTxvKkWvbfjhHLmMMuNpLFw&e=ApOX4h&CID=45c542e6-5528-4c68-a8ac-5596fb4fc161 School of Integrative Health at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health  Explore NDMU’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices, designed specifically for licensed healthcare professionals.  https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices   Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification