Kimberly Archibald-Russell, a former finance professional, has transformed Cleveland’s yoga scene with her initiative, My Village Yoga. After earning her yoga certification, she began offering free classes in her basement on East 84th Street, a move that has since blossomed into a city-wide movement.

My Village Yoga has trained numerous Black yoga instructors, providing free community yoga sessions across Cleveland neighborhoods. Archibald-Russell’s mission was to make yoga accessible to Black communities, offering the practice in familiar and comfortable settings without charge.

Starting from her basement, Archibald-Russell expanded to various community centers and libraries, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Branch of the Cleveland Public Library and the Thurgood Marshall Recreation Center. Her classes have been a beacon of wellness, particularly in areas where yoga was previously inaccessible.

Archibald-Russell’s efforts have been supported by small grants and community partnerships, allowing her to provide necessary equipment and continue her mission. Her work has inspired others, like Daphne Settles and Sandra Bishop, to join and expand the reach of free yoga classes.

The teacher training program launched by Archibald-Russell and her co-founder, Vonita Burke, has certified over 30 Black yogis, who now teach across the city. The curriculum includes the often-overlooked African and South American roots of yoga, providing a comprehensive education for their students.

Archibald-Russell continues to teach and inspire, with classes at the Lexington-Bell Community Center and PNC Fairfax Connection. Her dedication to community wellness and accessibility remains unwavering, as she continues to offer yoga for everyone, regardless of their background or experience level.

Original reporting: Signal Cleveland — read the source article.