Pana is a community that empowers the African diaspora and people of colour through accessible yoga, cultural celebration, and educational opportunities. We’re supporting a weekly BPOC (Black, Brown, and People of Colour) Yoga Club in London, aimed at providing an affordable and inclusive healing space for underrepresented individuals in wellness.
Our Background and Vision:
Founded in 2020 by Rebekah Jade, a medical doctor and yoga teacher of Caribbean heritage, Pana was born from the recognition of a significant gap in the representation of people of colour in mainstream yoga spaces, and the disproportionate health disparities faced by Black and Brown communities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

While attending and teaching yoga classes, Rebekah experienced the lack of diversity and the absence of welcoming environments where BPOC could feel supported and seen. In response to this need, Pana was created, with a clear focus on uplifting the wellbeing of BPOC individuals through yoga, education, and community connection.

The community has grown organically, with members regularly highlighting the importance and joy of practising in spaces where they feel represented. It has also provided the opportunity to build confidence in their own practice to then attend other yoga studios or even become yoga teachers themselves, thus helping to promote diversity in the industry.

Our gatherings such as Dub Garden Yoga & Picnic and seasonal day retreats have created warming and culturally affirming spaces where yoga newbies and experienced practitioners alike could come together and enjoy the benefits of yoga.

Our Mission and Goals:
Pana’s mission is to provide healing tools and support for the BPOC community, making yoga and wellbeing more inclusive and accessible. A key goal is to offer affordable and consistent yoga classes, particularly for those who may face financial, cultural, or logistical barriers to accessing mainstream wellness spaces. Additionally we aim to spotlight and supporting black and brown yoga teachers through our classes to help them develop their skills and share their practice in a safe environment.

The weekly BPOC Yoga Club initiative:
We currently offer monthly yoga classes, and with the support of this grant, we plan to expand to a weekly BPOC Yoga Club in London. This will provide participants with a regular opportunity to engage in yoga, pranayama, and meditation, helping them develop their experience and improve their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. These weekly sessions will also support deeper community connection and create an ongoing space for participants. By keeping costs low and offering subsidised or free spots for those in need, we can ensure that no one is excluded due to financial barriers.

Learn more:
Pana