The Collective STL

Since our founding in 2017, The Collective STL has served the greater St. Louis region with our culturally tailored programming for wellness and healing that centers Black people. 

Co-founders Alonzo Nelson Jr., Dr. Ericka Harris, Melinda Oliver, and Dr. Terry Harris began The Collective STL, a 501(c)3 non-profit donation-based yoga and wellness space. Each of them shared uncomfortable experiences with practicing yoga in other spaces where they were the only Black student and rarely led by Black instructors. 

They set out to do four things: 

• Create a warm and welcoming space for Black people to breathe, move, rest, and heal. 
• Build a community of individuals who can connect on and off their mat to heal and improve the health and well-being of Black communities in St. Louis.
• Ensure that our offerings are accessible to all people regardless of prior experience, race, gender, body size, or ability. 
• Eliminate financial barriers to accessing wellness. 

The entire Greater St. Louis region is our home. From Natural Bridge & Kingshighway all the way to the East Side, we exist because of our dedication to this region. We love St. Louis - The people, traditions, food, sports, and everything in between. 

We love St. Louis so much that we strive to do our part in creating and sustaining a more equitable and healthy region. We acknowledge the impact of decades of injustice, racism, and trauma on Black people in St. Louis. However, acknowledgment is only the beginning. Therefore, we utilize our knowledge, skills, resources, and passion to do the work that calls us. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our Black communities are capable of thriving and not just surviving.