As the country begins to celebrate Black History Month, Urban Sanctuary—the trailblazing Black-owned yoga studio in Five Points—is expanding its commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowerment within the community. Building upon a previous initiative, the studio is introducing a special cohort called Inner Hue exclusively for Black, Indigenous and People of Color, or BIPOC, individuals.
“The goal is for wellness to be more accessible,” said Ali Duncan, Urban Sanctuary’s founder who is bringing anti-racism practices to her studio. “[Inner Hue] is a space where BIPOC individuals can come together, share their experiences, and engage in practices that promote self-love, resilience, and the dismantling of limiting beliefs.”
Known for its dedication to creating a safe and welcoming space for all, Urban Sanctuary has been a beacon of diversity and inclusion since its inception in 2016. Inner Hue launches on Feb. 4—the first Sunday of Black History Month. The cohort is poised to be a transformative experience for those seeking to explore the intersection of yoga, mental well-being and dismantling internalized biases. Historically, yoga has served as a holistic practice that goes beyond physical exercise. By integrating mindfulness, self-awareness, and positive affirmations, the cohort provides BIPOC individuals with tools to dismantle self-limiting beliefs rooted in internalized racism and colorism, promoting a journey towards empowerment, resilience and a more positive self-perception.
Duncan’s groundbreaking cohort aims to provide a supportive environment for individuals from Black and brown communities to “show up for themselves,” as Duncan put it, and confront the unique challenges posed by internalized racism and colorism.
In general, BIPOC individuals—especially those who are constantly immersed in predominantly and traditionally white spaces—tend to feel like they do not belong. Duncan herself felt like there were no spaces in her hometown of Fort Collins for Black bodies to come together to heal and feel empowered.
“I went to India for a while which is where I got into wellness,” Duncan said. “When I got back, I decided to open up my own wellness space that was inclusive of everyone.”
In an attempt to connect with a more diverse community, Duncan relocated from Fort Collins to Denver. However, even in Denver, she observed a lack of wellness spaces specifically tailored for BIPOC individuals, prompting her decision to address this gap herself.
The Inner Hue cohort will consist of a series of specialized workshops, guided discussions, and yoga sessions tailored to address the intersectional challenges faced by Black and brown folks. Some of these challenges include conflicts in one’s sense of identity. Individuals may grapple with embracing and expressing their cultural identity due to societal and environmental pressures, leading to a sense of disconnection or fragmentation in their self-concept. Experienced instructors, 96% of whom are BIPOC themselves, will lead the classes, ensuring that participants feel seen, heard, and understood throughout their journey.
For those interested in joining the Inner Hue cohort or learning more about Urban Sanctuary’s offerings, visit their website or follow them on Instagram.