Big Easy Blues: Magnolia Yoga Studios in NOLA

Healing your soul, body and mind.

I joined the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communications on an expedition to New Orleans, Louisiana to cover the stories of residents affected by Covid-19 and Hurricane Ida. With this project, Jael Calloway and I worked with Adrian Jackson who founded the first black-owned yoga studio in New Orleans, LA. I directed the video, and Jael covered the story.

ADRIANNE JACKSON, KNOWN AS AJAX throughout her community, is the proud owner of the first Black-owned yoga studio in New Orleans, Magnolia Yoga Studio. Ajax has been teaching yoga for 15 years, practicing for 21 and is spreading positivity, inclusivity, and strength through the studio. Part of Magnolia’s mission is spreading a “miracle-minded” perspective. “Miracles happen every day. They are actually natural occurrences,” Ajax said. “Right from the beginning, it’s helping people look at life differently. Looking at what’s possible differently. And creating space for that.”

Adrianne Jackson

“Miracles happen everyday. they are actually natural occurences.”

Coming from an African American and Mexican American background, health concerns have been on her mind from a young age. For Ajax, yoga became a way to access natural healing and medical benefits. As a teacher, she hopes to increase awareness about the therapeutic benefits of yoga and continue to connect with the community.

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