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Yolo Robinson

Founder & Executive Director of BEAM

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).12 Born on October 14, 1981, as Michael Todd Robinson Jr., he later adopted the name Yolo Akili.4

Professional Background

With over 20 years of experience in community mental health, Yolo has focused on:

  • Intimate partner/violence intervention counseling
  • HIV/AIDS counseling and case management
  • TLBQ+ youth peer care under CDC and NIH funded projects1

Under his leadership, BEAM has developed evidence-based interventions for Black-centered crisis support skills, emotionally intelligent leadership strategies for community activists, and anti-patriarchal mental health for Black masculine folks and men.1

Achievements and Recognition

  • Received the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation "Health Equity Award" in 201812
  • Featured at the 2020 BET Awards as an "Empowerful Spotlight"2
  • Recognized by the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, for Minority Mental Health Month in 202313
  • Named a 2024 Ford Foundation Global Fellow1

BEAM's Impact

BEAM, founded by Yolo in 2015, is a national organization that builds ecosystems of care for Black communities.16 It focuses on training, funding, and resourcing networks of therapists, community leaders, and wellness practitioners worldwide.1 BEAM has received support from various foundations, including the MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Ben and Jerry's Foundation, as well as celebrities like Jordan Peele, Kelly Rowland, and Tia Mowry.1

Publications and Advocacy

Yolo is the author of "Dear Universe: Letters of Affirmation and Empowerment".4 His writings and work have appeared in numerous publications, including Shondaland, GQ, Women's Health, USA Today, Vice, B.E.T, Huffington Post, and Ebony.5

Through his work with BEAM and his advocacy, Yolo Akili Robinson continues to address mental and emotional health needs in the Black community, working towards removing barriers to access and promoting healing and wellness.6

Highlights

Yolo Akili Robinson | Milken Institute
Jul 24 · en.wikipedia.org
Yolo Akili - Wikipedia
Yolo Akili - Wikipedia

Related Questions

What inspired Yolo Akili Robinson to start BEAM?
How has Yolo's work impacted the mental health of Black communities?
What are some of the initiatives supported by BEAM?
How does Yolo integrate yoga and healing justice in his work?
What awards and recognitions has Yolo received for his contributions?
Yolo Robinson
Yolo Robinson, photo 1
Yolo Robinson, photo 2
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Location

Los Angeles, California, United States