Events
4th Annual Brunch Fundraiser
Join other supporters of R.A.C.E. Matters in the beautiful interior of Luna Red as we unwind together -- creating the community we wish to see. Get ready to bid! You'll have access to our silent auction featuring unique, beautiful prizes from diverse local businesses and artists. Your ticket includes bottomless mimosa bar, coffee, iced tea, and a selection of Luna Red's heavy appetizers. Purchase Here Today.
Culture, Strength, and Stories That Matter
Film Screening + Q&A! Join us at the Palm Theatre for five short films lovingly curated by the R.A.C.E. Matters crew! Pay What You Want for our 5th annual program featuring a variety of stories by filmmakers who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color. Q&A with filmmakers to follow screening. Learn more and grab your tickets here.
Meditative Movement w/ Joy Wilkins
Join instructor Joy Wilkins for a 60-minute community meditation and movement class held on the first Thursday of each month at Texture salon in San Luis Obispo.
In collaboration with R.A.C.E. Matters, this series is a heartfelt invitation to come home to yourself, especially during challenging times—both in the world and within our own lives. It is an honor to hold space for our collective healing and empowerment. This offering is centered on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, creating a mindful space rooted in breath, meditation, gentle movement, and sound. This class welcomes all levels and all bodies. Participants can use a chair if using mat is not accessible. Space is limited to 12 participants. Sign up here.
Bring your yoga mat, bottle of water and wear layers: comfortable clothing. Herbal tea provided for social time after class. Class is priced on a sliding scale and no-one will be turned away due to a lack of funds.
Joy Wilkins is a RYT 200-hour certified teacher with training in Hatha, Yin, Restorative, and Kundalini yoga. Her classes are rooted in embodied practices, incorporating asana, pranayama, mantra, mudra, meditation, and the chakra system to support deep connection and presence.
Shop Talk Monthly Meet-Up
First Tuesdays at Texture. A monthly, therapist-led drop-in group centered on Black wellness. Drop-in to meet and connect with your community! We are here.
Black Girl Wellness: Black Women's Health
The Black Girl Wellness series is intended to uplfit Black women and girls ages 12 and up. During Mothers’ Day weekend we’ll explore physical and mental health issues that disproportionately impact Black women and girls. From puberty to menopause and beyond - we got you! After some ice breakers to get to know one another, this event will include a presentation, discussion, and Q&A. This is a free event supported by the Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo County and refreshments will be provided. Space is limited, RSVP required here.
Dr. Angela Pullen, MD, OBGYN will share insights about her field of Gynecology and about health issues that disproportionately impact Black women.
Allison Parker, MS, LMFT 133661 will provide information about mental health issues, especially as they intersect with Black women and girls. Please note this experience will not however be comparable to therapy.
Shop Talk Monthly Meet-Up
First Tuesdays at Texture. A monthly, therapist-led drop-in group centered on Black wellness. Drop-in to meet and connect with your community! We are here.
Meditative Movement w/ Joy Wilkins
Join instructor Joy Wilkins for a 60-minute community meditation and movement class held on the first Thursday of each month at Texture salon in San Luis Obispo.
In collaboration with R.A.C.E. Matters, this series is a heartfelt invitation to come home to yourself, especially during challenging times—both in the world and within our own lives. It is an honor to hold space for our collective healing and empowerment. This offering is centered on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, creating a mindful space rooted in breath, meditation, gentle movement, and sound. This class welcomes all levels and all bodies. Participants can use a chair if using mat is not accessible. Space is limited to 12 participants. Sign up here.
Bring your yoga mat, bottle of water and wear layers: comfortable clothing. Herbal tea provided for social time after class. Class is priced on a sliding scale and no-one will be turned away due to a lack of funds.
Joy Wilkins is a RYT 200-hour certified teacher with training in Hatha, Yin, Restorative, and Kundalini yoga. Her classes are rooted in embodied practices, incorporating asana, pranayama, mantra, mudra, meditation, and the chakra system to support deep connection and presence.
Shop Talk Monthly Meet-Up
First Tuesdays at Texture. A monthly, therapist-led drop-in group centered on Black wellness. Drop-in to meet and connect with your community! We are here.
Meditative Movement w/ Joy Wilkins
Join instructor Joy Wilkins for a 60-minute community meditation and movement class held on the first Thursday of each month at Texture salon in San Luis Obispo.
In collaboration with R.A.C.E. Matters, this series is a heartfelt invitation to come home to yourself, especially during challenging times—both in the world and within our own lives. It is an honor to hold space for our collective healing and empowerment. This offering is centered on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, creating a mindful space rooted in breath, meditation, gentle movement, and sound. This class welcomes all levels and all bodies. Participants can use a chair if using mat is not accessible. Space is limited to 12 participants. Sign up here.
Bring your yoga mat, bottle of water and wear layers: comfortable clothing. Herbal tea provided for social time after class. Class is priced on a sliding scale and no-one will be turned away due to a lack of funds.
Joy Wilkins is a RYT 200-hour certified teacher with training in Hatha, Yin, Restorative, and Kundalini yoga. Her classes are rooted in embodied practices, incorporating asana, pranayama, mantra, mudra, meditation, and the chakra system to support deep connection and presence.
Shop Talk Monthly Meet-Up
First Tuesdays at Texture. A monthly, therapist-led drop-in group centered on Black wellness. Drop-in to meet and connect with your community! We are here.
Shop Talk Monthly Meet-Up
First Tuesdays at Texture. A monthly, therapist-led drop-in group centered on Black wellness. Drop-in to meet and connect with your community! We are here.
Black Girl Wellness: Textured Hair 101
Join us at Texture for an in-person event dedicated to helping you embrace and care for your beautiful curls, coils, and kinks. Learn all about the basics of textured hair maintenance, styling tips, and product recommendations from licensed cosmetologist and trichologist Caprisha Daniels. Whether you're a newbie to the natural hair journey or a seasoned pro, this event is perfect for anyone looking to level up their hair care game. Get ready to celebrate and elevate your natural beauty with us! Tickets here.
Program includes brief discussion and icebreaker, hands-on hair care education, Caprisha's hair product samples, light snacks, and the space to ask our instructor Caprisha Daniels anything!
Though the Black Girl Wellness workshops series is intended to uplift Black identified, female identified people ages 12-17, all ages who understand the content, including caregivers, are welcome.
Black Girl Wellness is generously supported by The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo.
Shop Talk Monthly Meet-Up
First Tuesdays at Texture. A monthly, therapist-led drop-in group centered on Black wellness. Drop-in to meet and connect with your community! We are here.
Black History Month at the Palm: Going to Mars — The Nikki Giovanni Project
Support our organization, plus our local independent theater by going to the movies! We are proud to partner with SLO Film Center to present films in honor of Black History Month. Going to Mars screens Saturday the 22nd at 7pm and Monday the 24th at 4:00pm. A portion fo proceeds support R.A.C.E. Matters. Learn more about Going to Mars and purchase tickets here.
Black History Month at the Palm: Love and Basketball
Support our organization, plus our local independent theater by going to the movies! We are proud to partner with SLO Film Center to present films in honor of Black History Month. Love and Basketball screens Saturday the 15th at 7pm and Monday the 17th at 4:00pm. A portion fo proceeds support R.A.C.E. Matters. Learn more about Love and Basketball and purchase tickets here.
Black Girl Wellness: All About Love
The Black Girl Wellness workshop series is intended to uplift Black-Identified girls ages 12-17. Tickets Here.
Session Two, All About Love: The workshop will include icebreakers, activity and discussion about love and self-love based on the work of author and theorist bell hooks, gentle yoga exercises and meditation tools for girls to take home, and journaling around how we cultivate self-love as Black people in our community. The three hour workshop will include breaks, snacks, and swag! All materials for the yoga and meditation component will be provided and participants should wear comfortable clothes they can move in. Tickets Here.
Shop Talk Monthly Meet-Up
First Tuesdays at Texture. A monthly, therapist-led drop-in group centered on Black wellness. Drop-in to meet and connect with your community! We are here.
A Day With Santa
Santa is back! Enjoy milk, cookies, storytime, and free photos with Santa by Michelle Ann Photography. Shop Black-owned goods to support R.A.C.E. Matters.
Exhibiting Forgiveness
Join us for a one-night only screening of the visually stunning, critically acclaimed film Exhibiting Forgiveness with proceeds benefiting R.A.C.E. Matters and SLO Film Fest. Purchase tickets here.
Utilizing his paintings to find freedom from his past, a Black artist on the path to success is derailed by an unexpected visit from his estranged father, a recovering addict desperate to reconcile. Together, they learn that forgetting might be a greater challenge than forgiving. Watch the trailer of Exhibiting Forgiveness here!
Meditation with Jevon Devon
Monthly offering the second Tuesday of the month! Practice meditation with with Jevon Devon. This offering is intended for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color. Sign up here.
Trained at the Himalayan Institute for his 200-hour YTT and Vishoka Meditation, Jevon believes we all have more than our five senses and various ways of perceiving the world. Through his self-exploration and healing journey, he discovered many forms and foundations to explore these other senses.As a certified personal trainer, somatic worker, and dedicated practitioner, Jevon continues to expand his learning and teachings on mind, body, and soul wellness.
Shop Talk Monthly Meet-Up
First Tuesdays at Texture. A monthly, therapist-led drop-in group centered on Black wellness. Drop-in to meet and connect with your community! We are here.
Happy Hour at Saints Barrel
Our friends at Saints Barrel will give 15% of bar sales to RM on the last Friday of each month! A great opportunity to meet and mingle with like-minded people: our team, friends, collaborators, and supporters. Saints Barrel serves wine, beer, light bites, and will feature a drink special for our monthly Happy Hour.
Fifth Annual STORIES MATTER
In collaboration with The Reboot - Storytelling ReImagined, R.A.C.E. Matters presents a live storytelling showcase featuring local storytellers with special guest Diane Amos (The PineSol Lady!). Doors open at 6 for mingling, live band, and delicious food and drink for purchase from Bang the Drum Brewery.
Purchase Tickets here. 2024 Theme: SPACE: Enjoy true personal stories & spoken word about familiar and foreign worlds, tight spots, and infinite possibilities.
Meditation with Jevon Devon
Monthly offering the second Tuesday of the month! Practice meditation with with Jevon Devon. This offering is intended for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color. Sign up here.
Trained at the Himalayan Institute for his 200-hour YTT and Vishoka Meditation, Jevon believes we all have more than our five senses and various ways of perceiving the world. Through his self-exploration and healing journey, he discovered many forms and foundations to explore these other senses.As a certified personal trainer, somatic worker, and dedicated practitioner, Jevon continues to expand his learning and teachings on mind, body, and soul wellness.
LITM(US) TEST
A Community Conversation on Afro Hair Care, Afrikan Embodiment, and the Black Body as Global Capital. . .with visiting artist bespokecurry
Our bodies are the original tech(know)logy and our hair is the litm(us) test for that which is happening in our personal bodies of water, and by extension the earth and its bodies if water.
The commodification of Black hair is proverbially the final nail in the casket of our liberation.
Afro hair is mad sacred. The moment it became commodity, it was a releasing of our own power.
Afro hair is first altar at which we find ourselves as Afrikan people
Our scalp is literal earth, foundation, protecting ancient cosmology that guides us beyond superficial looks.
This is a praxis in understanding how we restore community and healing to the ritual of Afro Hair.
Shop Talk: 6 Week Session for People of Color
A 6 week series centered on healing for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color. Explore racial and ethnic identity through expressive arts with Alisa Orozco LMFT. Unlike our other Shop Talk offerings this is not a drop-in group but rather a series of recurring sessions with the same group of people. What’s the first step? Email alisa@mindfulheartcounselingcenter.com.
Shop Talk Monthly Meet-Up
First Tuesdays at Texture. A monthly, therapist-led drop-in group centered on Black wellness. Drop-in to meet and connect with your community! We are here.
Black Girl Wellness: Detangling Identity
Session One, Detangling Identity: Join us with members of Cal Poly's Black Student Union and the Cal Poly chapter of Zeta Phi Beta, Inc., for a lively discussion about our hair and racial identity. We'll follow with a hands-on hair care lesson by Zeta Vice President, 4th year Psychology major, and braider Nailah DuBose! Experience includes breaks, snacks, and swag! Tickets Here.
UPDATE: Registration open to all ages + caregivers While the focus of Black Girl Wellness Workshop series is to uplift Black identifying girls ages 12-17. we are opening up registration for our first workshop to Black women of all ages plus all caregivers of Black identifying girls.
Happy Hour at Saints Barrel
Our friends at Saints Barrel will give 15% of bar sales to RM on the last Friday of each month! A great opportunity to meet and mingle with like-minded people: our team, friends, collaborators, and supporters. Saints Barrel serves wine, beer, light bites, and will feature a drink special for our monthly Happy Hour.
Meditation with Jevon Devon
Monthly offering the second Tuesday of the month! Practice meditation with with Jevon Devon. This offering is intended for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color. Sign up here.
Trained at the Himalayan Institute for his 200-hour YTT and Vishoka Meditation, Jevon believes we all have more than our five senses and various ways of perceiving the world. Through his self-exploration and healing journey, he discovered many forms and foundations to explore these other senses.As a certified personal trainer, somatic worker, and dedicated practitioner, Jevon continues to expand his learning and teachings on mind, body, and soul wellness.
NoireSLO: Meet & Mingle
Our NoireSLO event series is intended to connect the local Black community. Enjoy complimentary appetizers by Chef Stan at I&I Kitchen, a live vinyl DJ set by Soul Dust Productions, and wine and beer for purchase (with a drink special!). We'll also have an icebreaker game and so if you need to roll solo, we got you! Shout out to our Black-owned business sponsor Appliance Oasis. Space is limited, please register here.
Shop Talk Monthly Meet-Up
First Tuesdays at Texture. A monthly, therapist-led drop-in group centered on Black wellness. Drop-in to meet and connect with your community! We are here.
Happy Hour at Saints Barrel
Our friends at Saints Barrel will give 15% of bar sales to RM on the last Friday of each month! A great opportunity to meet and mingle with like-minded people: our team, friends, collaborators, and supporters. Saints Barrel serves wine, beer, light bites, and will feature a drink special for our monthly Happy Hour.
Beat Party: Groove!
Free, family-friendly, and welcome to all! A closing celebration of our year-long collaboration with musician and educator Tracy Morgan. Enjoy facilitated drum circles (drums provided and no experience necessary), spoken word performances, and live set by local band The Groove Collective.
Meditation with Jevon Devon
Practice meditation with with Jevon Devon. This offering is intended for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color. Sign up here.
Trained at the Himalayan Institute for his 200-hour YTT and Vishoka Meditation, Jevon believes we all have more than our five senses and various ways of perceiving the world. Through his self-exploration and healing journey, he discovered many forms and foundations to explore these other senses.As a certified personal trainer, somatic worker, and dedicated practitioner, Jevon continues to expand his learning and teachings on mind, body, and soul wellness.
Shop Talk Monthly Meet-Up
First Tuesdays at Texture. A monthly, therapist-led drop-in group centered on Black wellness. Drop-in to meet and connect with your community! We are here.
Shop Talk Monthly Meet-Up
Frist Tuesdays at Texture. A monthly, therapist-led drop-in group centered on Black wellness. Drop-in to meet and connect with your community! We are here.
Feed Your Soul
All are welcome to a family fun day with drum circles, soul food for sale by King James Elite Soul Food, lawn games, trivia with prizes, and DJ Mano Gil on his BoogieBike SoundSystem.
Shop Talk Monthly Meet-Up
Frist Tuesdays at Texture. A monthly, therapist-led drop-in group centered on Black wellness. Drop-in to meet and connect with your community! We are here.
Shop Talk Monthly Meet-Up
Frist Tuesdays at Texture. A monthly, therapist-led drop-in group centered on Black wellness. Drop-in to meet and connect with your community! We are here.
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