The Bailey Learning and Arts Collective, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help build knowledgeable, socially responsible communities and leaders utilizing a grassroots ideology, low and no-cost activities, and arts promotion and instruction.
What’s New in ’25…
BLAAC’s ALP interns have done it again! As you know, BLAAC interns must create and host a community event to successfully complete their internship with BLAAC. This is Aradhana’s community event, and she would love your support.
The event is free, but registration is required. Use the QR code or visit our event page to register.
Grab a mat and a friend and join us next Saturday!
Why you should start Yoga today : 7 Benefits of Practicing Yoga
by Aradhana Hegde (BLAAC intern Summer ’25)
Most people assume yoga is a physical exercise that just improves flexibility and posture. That is true, however, yoga has numerous other benefits that you should consider before starting your yoga practice. Practicing yoga daily is associated with various mental, physical and emotional benefits; whether you perform a quick 10-minute session or an hour of rigorous practice; this form of well-being will make you feel better the entire day regardless of your level of expertise. It is more than just a simple stretch on a mat-it is a rejuvenating experience that will center your mind and body.
- Yoga improves flexibility
Everyone begins at a starting point, so even if you aren’t flexible enough, practicing yoga regularly will make you a lot more flexible! Over time, you will observe less tightness around the joints, wider range of motion and fewer body aches.
- Yoga improves physical health
This one is a no-brainer, however, most people aren’t aware that yoga has been known to significantly provide relief for various ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, low blood pressure, arthritis, migraines and sciatica.
- Yoga builds strength and balance
Poses like the Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana) builds full-body strength using your body weight, thus implying that one does not need weights to do strength training. As for balance, holding poses like the Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) can help one improve stability and focus through achieving balance.
- Yoga helps you sleep better
Regular yoga practice calms the body and mind down, thus aiding in better sleep. Consistent practice has been known to help one fall asleep faster, and more deeply.
- Yoga improves mood
Yoga boosts endorphin levels and reduces stress. It also reduces negative thoughts and emotions, leaving room for positive emotions and happy thoughts.
- Yoga enhances breathing
Practicing slow and controlled movements of breathing (pranayama) is a core part of yoga. It enhances lung function, improves respiratory rate, and eases the mind and the body.
- Yoga brings inner peace
While yoga does provide numerous physical benefits, one of the most crucial benefits is the fostering of inner peace. Yoga helps center your thoughts, and also provides you with a space to reconnect with yourself.
Yoga isn’t just about achieving a standard of flexibility or posture, it is about building overall mental and physical health. Whether you are just a beginner or a seasoned expert, there is always a learning experience associated with the practice of yoga, which uncovers a new, peaceful version of yourself. So, roll out your mats, and take a deep breath. Your soul will thank you.
BLAAC was thrilled to be at the inaugural Reproductive Justice Futurism Convening at Smith College.
Terri Bailey served as Mistress of Culture.
Journal Making Workshop – April 13th
Where: Depot Park – 874 SE 4th St, Gainesville, FL 32601
Time: 1-3pm
ALL SUPPLIES INCLUDED!!
Community Pop-Up Shop – May 3rd
It is a pop-up of local artists and small businesses happening on May 3 from 12 pm to 5 pm at 18 SW 1st Ave. To become a vendor or sponsor, email us at blaac2basics1@gmail.com. There is a $25 nonrefundable vendor fee and unfortunately no food or drink vendors will be permitted. Come join us to show your support for Gainesville’s creative community and shop for some new decor! We hope to see you there!
Watch our Documentary “When the Music was Cheap and Damn Near Free”
It is an oral history documentary series focusing on the rich Black history of Gainesville, Florida, while also exploring the history of Black music through the lens of its Black communities. It was put on by Arts In Health at the Heartwood Soundstage in February and will be shown by the city of Gainesville at its Juneteenth celebration!
Congratulations to Terri Bailey, founder of BLAAC, on the successful publication of Gainesville Proper! This incredible project, originally supported by the SPARC352 Artist Grant, preserves the cultural heritage of East Gainesville through a powerful blend of poetry, stories, photos, and visual art.
In addition to the book, the project has also brought to life a mini documentary, When the Music Was Cheap and Damn Near Free, which explores the history of Black music and communities in Gainesville. The journey of Gainesville Proper continues with a poetry reading, a video presentation, an exhibit, and a special community event celebrating the voices and artistry of East Gainesville.
For more details or to get your copy of Gainesville Proper, click here.
BLAAC would like to congratulate founder Terri Bailey for receiving The Randy Martin Spirit Award: Imagining America! This award celebrates professionals working with higher education who demonstrate original thinking and consistently achieve excellence in the areas of artistry, mentorship, institutional leadership, and pedagogy.
Past Events & Stats:
BLAAC is happy to report that this year we served community members of all demographics. We served ages ranged from 12 to 58 years old. 59% self-identified as Black and 24% identified as Hispanic. We provided menstrual and incontinence products to 29 women in Gainesville in 2023. These products included pads, condoms, adult diapers, and more.
This year, we received grants from both The University of Florida Center for Humanities in the Public Sphere and The City of Gainesville, One Nation One Project!! Grants totaled $11,499.
The city of Gainesville proclaimed March 16, 2023, Bailey Learning and Arts Collective Day!
Get the full story in this article for the Independent Alligator Newspaper!
“Poet, activist Terri Bailey build community among women in Gainesville” by Lauren Whiddon
Upcoming Events:
Most Recent Event:
Inaugural Reproductive Justice Futurism Convening at Smith College
Intern Poster Project
This spring, Micaela and Sophia, interned at BLAAC through UF’s Active Learning Program. At the end of their program they created a poster presentation highlighting what they worked on. The interns helped with events, created a newsletter, helped with finances, applied for grants, and created graphics. The interns also planned a vision board event.