The ALK Mindfulness Initiative (TALKMI) is a breakthrough program for inner city children and young people that teaches mindfulness and social and emotional learning (SEL) that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mission of TALKMI is to create a culture of mindfulness in inner city schools where children and young people can positively express themselves through self-reflection, mindful communication and compassionate action.

  Its founder and president is Mrs. Aisha L. Knox. She is a dedicated leader and advocate in the effort to help children and young people reconnect with their innate healing ability, wisdom and vitality. TALKMI uses cultural humility as an integral component of its mindfulness programs. Issues that TALKMI addresses that have been worsened by the pandemic include opportunity gaps in education, the adverse impact of social determinants of health and chronic absenteeism.