The “Melanin Mala” Project takes inspiration from the Global Mala Project, a global yoga peace project that aims to unite the global yoga community to form a “mala around the earth” through collective practice.

The free, three-hour event in Birmingham’s East Lake Park will feature 108 sun salutations, with each round dedicated to a life that was lost to injustice. Various BIPOC teachers will lead the movements. Register here.

The event will begin with a collective “AUM” chant “to unify all participants and set our intentions,” and will feature a labryrinth for participants to walk in contemplation.

All people of all abilities are welcome. Free snacks and drinks will be available.

With a focus on black and brown people, and healing the pain of racial injustice, the Melanin Mala Project is believed to be the first such gathering of its kind.

“This is an opportunity to gather brown bodies and educate them on the importance of movement while grieving,” said yoga teacher and event organizer Adi Devta Kaur. “Melanin Mala is a space to acknowledge our pain and begin to process it.”