DRUUMM NATIONAL GATHERING 2026
Beloved Gathering 2026
📅 September 17–20, 2026
📍 Unity Village
Kansas City, Missouri
Thursday – Sunday
Join DRUUMM for four transformative days of worship, conversation, learning, healing, and celebration as Unitarian Universalists of Color gather to reconnect, deepen spiritual grounding, and build the future together.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Why Attend Beloved Gathering?
Worship & Spiritual Practice
Shared worship, ritual, and grounding led by DRUUMM ministers, chaplains, and community leaders.
Workshops & Learning Spaces
Sessions on organizing, ministry, spiritual care, community leadership, and racial justice work within Unitarian Universalism.
Community Conversations
Honest dialogue about the future of BIPOC leadership and community in our faith.
Arts, Music & Celebration
Music, storytelling, and creative spaces reflecting our cultural richness.
Affinity Spaces
Time for caucuses and connection among specific cultural groups and identities.
Phyl Flanagan
Wilbliss
Past, Present, Future: the Self in Relation
Atena Danner
Natasha Walker
Natalie Brewster Nguyen
Chloe Anika Repole
Nicole Pressley
Building Power with Side with Love
Renee Reed
Building Power with Side with Love
Rev. Crystal Saiyge
Jessica Dickens
Kamilah Brown
Sophia S. Uehara
The 8th Principle Documentary Film Screening & Discussion
Robin Jester Wootton
The Third Space: Navigating Multiculturalism in Black & White Rooms
Rev. Kevin Alan Mann
“The Worst BIPOC Caucus Meeting Ever” | Reflections from DRUUMM California
Daisy Quan
“The Worst BIPOC Caucus Meeting Ever” | Reflections from DRUUMM California
Programs and Facilitators
Restorative Practices: Centering Community Safety & Healing
Restorative Practices: Centering Community Safety & Healing - Phyl Flanagan
This workshop introduces the basics of the restorative practices framework as a tool to reduce & repair community harm. Participants will engage in small group discussion, as well as, work together to workshop harm repair scenarios using restorative practices.
Their academic and professional background includes health & wellness, design (The Ohio State University), embodied activism (The Embody Lab), restorative practices (IIRP) and macro social work (Boston University). Phyl has served as a lay leader of St. John’s Unitarian Universalist Church (Cincinnati, OH) for 8 years where they delivered sermons and co-drafted a racial justice resolution. Phyl founded The Reconnection Circle LLC consulting firm in 2023, is a lead designer at the Women of Color Equity Design Institute, is a 2025 Vanguard Urban Leadership Fellow, and currently serves as a Justice, Equity & Belonging Program Manager at YWCA Columbus (OH)
Past, Present, Future: the Self in Relation
Past, Present, Future: the Self in Relation - Wilbliss
Create an interconnected visual multimedia work in a 1.5 hour workshop with Wilbliss of They Birth They Art. Start with a guided movement meditation, then visually represent the past, present, and future on 2 surfaces with yourself in relation. Look at the adversity you have overcome to be who you are. Recommit to intentions, purpose, and goals for yourself, your loved ones, your business, and the world. It will be playful, it will be moving. Art is for everyone! Includes 2 blank surfaces, a miniature rope ladder, a miniature figure representing yourself, collage, markers, small found objects to attach with glue
My name is Wilbliss. I use they/them pronouns. I use art as a healing medium to show people their own power and resilience thru adversity. I am a disabled Korean immigrant via the adoption trade, a queer trans single parent of teens, have lived experience of abortion, miscarriage, parent and sibling loss, and am a survivor of abuse. I am also a former survival sexworker, recovering addict, and now a part-time Faith Formation Director for a UU congregation.
Sound Meditation I: Grounded & Centered
Sound Meditation I: Grounded & Centered - Natasha Walker
Beloved, take a deep breath. Let your shoulders drop. You are safe here.
In a world that often pulls us in every direction, this session of sound meditation is a sacred invitation to come home to yourself. This sound bath is designed to anchor your spirit and settle your nervous system.
We will immerse ourselves in the deep, resonant frequencies of low-toned singing bowls and grounding drones. These rich, oceanic vibrations work directly with your lower chakras and physical body, helping you clear away external noise, release accumulated stress, and find your center. Combined with a guided mindfulness practice, this space is a sanctuary to simply be—unburdened, rooted, and held by the collective.
Come lay your burdens down, feel the steady support of the earth beneath you, and remember your unshakable foundation.
Natasha Walker she is a strategic leader, operations expert, and spiritual companion dedicated to building resilient communities and fostering collective healing. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalist Advocacy Network of Illinois (UUANI), where she leads efforts to mobilize communities, deepen regional collaboration, and advance legislative justice.
Natasha brings over twenty years of professional experience in corporate strategy and operations at global organizations, including Google and the Walt Disney Company. She is a Spiritual Director, a Sound Healer, a Tea Sommelier, and a single mom to three neurodiverse children.
Raised on the Navajo Reservation and rooted deeply in UU values, Natasha is passionate about creating spaces where people can embody their authentic selves and examine the intersections of personal values, identity, and community transformation. She is a firm believer in the power of deep rest, creative expression, and radical candor as paths to invite the Beloved Community to sustain us in the work of liberating love.
Sound Meditation II: Sacred and Connected
Sound Meditation II: Sacred and Connected - Natasha Walker
Beloved, you are a reflection of the infinite. Your spirit is welcome here.
This session of The Beloved Gathering is an elevated space designed to transcend the daily grind and touch the sacred. Together, we will open the doors to higher consciousness, collective healing, and personal transformation.
Through a tapestry of high-frequency crystal tones, ethereal chimes, and soaring melodic layers, we will lift our collective energy and open our hearts to the Divine. These luminous, expansive sounds are curated to activate your upper energy centers, quiet the analytical mind, and invite a profound sense of cosmic belonging. Through guided visualization and pure vibrational immersion, you will be invited to merge with the source of ultimate love, honoring the sacred spark that lives within you and connects us all.
Come expand your vision, elevate your spirit, and remember the divine rhythm that flows through your lineage.
Natasha Walker she is a strategic leader, operations expert, and spiritual companion dedicated to building resilient communities and fostering collective healing. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalist Advocacy Network of Illinois (UUANI), where she leads efforts to mobilize communities, deepen regional collaboration, and advance legislative justice.
Natasha brings over twenty years of professional experience in corporate strategy and operations at global organizations, including Google and the Walt Disney Company. She is a Spiritual Director, a Sound Healer, a Tea Sommelier, and a single mom to three neurodiverse children.
Raised on the Navajo Reservation and rooted deeply in UU values, Natasha is passionate about creating spaces where people can embody their authentic selves and examine the intersections of personal values, identity, and community transformation. She is a firm believer in the power of deep rest, creative expression, and radical candor as paths to invite the Beloved Community to sustain us in the work of liberating love.
Growing Up Together: Parenting, Presence, and Partnership
Growing Up Together: Parenting, Presence, and Partnership - Chloe Anika Repole
In a rapidly changing world shaped by technology, uncertainty, and disconnection, many parents and caregivers are trying to guide children while also unlearning the patterns they inherited. This interactive workshop invites participants to explore parenting as a shared journey of growth, healing, and relationship – especially for those navigating family, culture, and survival legacies shaped by racism, migration, faith, or silence around emotion.
Grounded in personal storytelling, psychological insight, and spiritual reflection, Chloe Repole offers a reframe from control to connection and from authority to partnership. Through reflection, dialogue, and practical tools, participants will explore how to break inherited cycles, deepen connection, navigate conflict with more intention, and approach children’s exposure to social media and AI with curiosity rather than fear.
Chloe Repole is a writer, strategist, and storyteller whose work explores identity, belonging, and the sacred complexity of becoming. Rooted in a queer Afro-Caribbean perspective and a reverence for ancestry, transformation, and orí (inner knowing and alignment), she creates space for conversations that honor unlearning, relational truth, and collective healing.
Her work lives at the intersection of culture, spirituality, and care, where story becomes a bridge between what we inherit, what we outgrow, and what we choose to build in its place—guided by aṣẹ (creative life force, embodied power, and the ability to bring intention into form)
The Power of Poetics and Somatics in Leadership
The Power of Poetics and Somatics in Leadership - Natalie Brewster Nguyen and Atena Danner
A practice liberatory poetics and Somatics (body based practices) with Atena and Nat, Justice Movement facilitators. Our bodies and minds respond to, and retain, deep learning, connection, and positive memories better when our creativity is activated and our nervous systems are cared for. Integrating some simple techniques and prompts can level up meetings and support your physical, mental and spiritual health. This is an experiential session open to all bodies and abilities, but come prepared to gently move, breath, write and dream.
Natalie Brewster Nguyen (they/them/any) is a Queer BIPOC multi-disciplinary performance and installation artist, writer, actor, parent, entrepreneur and movement artist. Nat is a founder and facilitator with Justicer Movement, and the Executive Director of Splinter Collective, an historic warehouse, event space and 501c3 non-profit focused on art, social justice, and amplifying marginalized artists.
Atena Danner (she/her) is an educator, a writer, and a critical thinker who uses creativity to facilitate connection, curiosity and discovery in joyful learning environments. Atena joined Justice Movement in 2024. With her decades of experience, knowledge, passion and empathy as a facilitator and content creator Atena designs engaging experiences for learners who want more for themselves, their networks, and their communities.
Altars for Liberation–Soujourning with Our Ancestors
Altars for Liberation–Soujourning with Our Ancestors - Rev. Crystal Saiyge
Facilitator, Rev. Crystal, will present a theological grounding for altars that highlight BIPOC traditions and rituals, including veneration, offering, memorial, and beyond. The first part of our time together will be presentation-based, but socratic, leaning on the wisdom of the beloveds gathered. We will end with contemplative space both inside and outside at the labyrinth to build altars
Rev. Crystal Saiyge, she/hers is a queer Black woman, sex-positive interfaith minister, wife, and mom of four. She is Executive Director of Sister Souurce, Inc, the first and only organization dedicated to Black UU women, girls, and femmes. She also has a virtual chapel, #Churchofthebando, which is a liberated space for global spirituality, thoughtful inspiration, grief counseling, sex-positive education and trap karaoke.
Mess Around and Find Out
Mess Around and Find Out - Jessica Dickens and Kamilah Brown
A joy-centered art workshop that invites attendees into a shared creative experience rooted in play, creativity and belonging. It is inspired by the structure of musical chairs, but instead of competition, it centers collaboration, art making, and snacks.
Jessica Dickens (She/her) is mixed media artist and jewelry designer with over 20 years of experience. She considers herself a creative hummingbird and enjoys sharing art with others. To view her work visit: www.jessicadickens.com
Kamilah Brown (She/her) is an elementary school educator. For 30 years, she has brought joy to all her students. She views the world as a glass half full and encourages others to do the same.
Building Power with Side with Love
Building Power with Side with Love - Nicole Pressley & Renee Reed
This session will be an interactive conversation and workshop on the unique organizing and power building opportunities SWL and BIPOC UUs can develop together.
Nicole Pressley is a Black, queer organizer, strategist, and communications leader serving as the Director of Organizing Strategy at the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). She leads the nationally recognized Side With Love and UU the Vote initiatives, equipping congregations, faith leaders, and movement partners to build collective power and take bold, values-rooted action for democracy and justice.
For more than 14 years, Nicole has worked at the intersection of faith, grassroots organizing, and strategic communications, advancing campaigns for labor rights, economic justice, reproductive freedom, and multiracial democracy. She is deeply committed to developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and building the long-term infrastructure needed to sustain transformative social movements.
In 2020, Nicole was named one of the Center for American Progress's "Faith Leaders to Watch" and has served on the Aspen Institute's Racial Justice & Religion Commission. She holds a B.A. in African American Studies from Northwestern University.
Renee Reed (they/Mama Ne) is a queer Starr King seminarian pursuing dual degrees in Divinity and Social Change. Grounded first in Black liberation theology and shaped by ecowomanism and African spiritual traditions, their ministry imagines abolition as a practice of healing for people, communities, and the earth. As a 2026 Clara Barton Intern focusing on reproductive justice, Mama Ne hopes to weave disability justice, abolition, and right relationship with land and community into a capstone offering for the wider UUA. A licensed hemp farmer, they approach cultivating the land as a gateway to Black women’s healing and community restoration. Renee’s ministry grows where Black liberation, healing justice, and right relationship with the earth meet.
The 8th Principle Documentary Film Screening & Discussion
The 8th Principle Documentary Film Screening & Discussion - Sophia S. Uehara
This program will feature screenings of two short documentaries: a brief profile of Dr. Paula Cole Jones and a companion film exploring the impact of the Eighth Principle at one of the last Unitarian Universalist congregations to adopt it before the UUA's transition to the new values in 2024. Following the screenings, participants will engage in a facilitated discussion about racial justice, institutional change, and the ongoing work of living our values in UU communities.
Sophia Satoko Uehara is a Japanese American multidisciplinary artist, filmmaker, and production designer based in Brooklyn, New York. Raised by two classically trained visual artists, she developed an early fascination with the intersection of art, media, representation, and education, which continues to shape her documentary practice. A graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, Sophia creates films that explore the intersection between identity and social change, while also working professionally as a designer for film, television, restaurants, and museum installations.
The Third Space: Navigating Multiculturalism in Black & White Rooms
The Third Space: Navigating Multiculturalism in Black & White Rooms - Robin Jester Wootton
Using empathetic reasoning and a sense of "triage" sometimes, multicultural communities often find themselves navigating complex intersectional spaces, especially when it comes to racial and ethnic identity. What does it mean to bring your whole self when we feel like we need to take a back seat at times? How do we know when to stand our ground or when to stand in solidarity? This is a roundtable dialogue in which participants will get to share their own experiences and wisdom around what it means to navigate the complexity of multiculturalism/pluralism within historical contexts that have often prioritized the Black and White racial binary.
Robin Jester Wootton (she/her) is the Director of Religious Education at Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists in Virginia. Serving in various roles in faith based communities for over 20 years, she is passionate about teaching inclusively, honoring faith and ethnic traditions of all with equity and curiosity instead of judgment. She was born in South Korea, is adopted, and seeks to blend ethnic heritage for her biracial children, often writing from an intersectional perspective through her blog, published works, and local activism.
“The Worst BIPOC Caucus Meeting Ever” | Reflections from DRUUMM California
“The Worst BIPOC Caucus Meeting Ever” | Reflections from DRUUMM California - REV KEV & Daisy Quan
Learn about the best and worst practices of UU BIPOC regional network events, through creative story telling, interactive play and participatory theater. Join our vision to uplift, amplify and center BIPOC Unitarian Universalists and dismantle white supremacy culture by centering our stories, lived experiences, and spiritual expressions.
REV KEV (he/him/siyá) received his Masters of Divinity and Masters of Arts in Social Change from Starr King School for the Ministry in 2016 and graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies and Urban Studies & Planning from UC San Diego in 2008. He was ordained by the First Unitarian Church of Oakland on October 1st, 2023, the first day of both Filipino American and LGBTQ History Months. He currently serves as an Interfaith Chaplain at Sequoia Hospice and as a consulting minister with the UU Church of the Philippines where he plans to serve for two years from 2028-2030. Rev Kev also founded the California statewide chapter of DRUUMM (Diverse Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries), which hosts local gatherings for Black, Indigenous, People of Color UUs.
Daisy Quan (she/her) is a DRUUMM California consultant and founding member of the then-known DRUUMM Bay Area. She previously held leadership positions at First Unitarian Church of Oakland and is a member of Hopedale UU Community in Oxford, Ohio, and splits time between San Francisco and Cincinnati.
Conference Details
Who will be there
The DRUUMM National Gathering is BIPOC-centered and brings together a wide range of participants from across the country, including:
- DRUUMM members and friends
- UU ministers, seminarians, and religious professionals of color
- Lay leaders and organizers
- Young adult leaders
- Elders who have helped build DRUUMM across generations
- BIPOC Friends and supporters committed to racial justice in Unitarian Universalism
Travel and Lodging
For your reference, the closest airport to Unity Village is Kansas City International Airport (MCI). It is 40 miles away, and travel time is approximately 45 minutes. Conference registration includes ground transportation between MCI and our conference hotels; please make your request here by September 7.
We have arranged conference rates at two hotels. Estimated total for 3 nights, including occupancy and state taxes is $238 per person, double occupancy ($475, single occupancy). Let us know when you register if you’d like assistance matching with a roommate.
Unity Hotel at Unity Village – $144 per night ($72 per person, double occupancy) until August 17. Includes free breakfast and free parking. Book your room at Unity Hotel. Enter any special requests in the text box when reserving or contact the hotel directly at (816) 347-5537.
In the event Unity Hotel rooms are sold out, we have a limited number of rooms 2.2 miles away at Holiday Inn Express in Lee’s Summit – $139 per night ($69.50 per person, double occupancy) until August 6. Includes free breakfast and free parking. Book your room at Holiday Inn Express.
Safety
DRUUMM recognizes present-day travel can come with risk for marginalized people, including Black and Brown people, trans people, and immigrants with or without documents and will arrange for a conference welcome buddy to meet you at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) if you request one. Please request a buddy here by September 7.
Accomodations for Attendees with Disabilities
Unity Village aims to accommodate all guests. Please contact Customer Care at 816-251-3561 or at unitycustomerservice@unityonline.org to discuss your needs before your visit.
Service animals: Service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 et seq. (“ADA”), are permitted in all areas open to the public. For the comfort and safety of everyone, service animals must always remain under their handler’s control. Pets are not allowed in the courtyard, labyrinth, or buildings but are welcome in other areas on a leash. Please clean up after your pets.
Volunteer
National gatherings are made possible by volunteers who create a welcoming, organized experience.
We need volunteers to support with:
- Registration support
- Hospitality and welcoming
- Workshop hosting
- Worship and music support
- Accessibility coordination
- Logistics and setup
If you would like to volunteer, please contact noemi@druumm.org or click the button to complete a Volunteer Interest Form
COVID Precautions
For everyone’s health and safety, we request that you please follow the COVID protocols below for our in-person time together. Masks will be available.
- All vaccinated
- Minor symptoms and negative test = masking
- Any positive test within 5 days or major symptoms = isolate and cancel flight if not already at conference (limited livestreaming will be offered)
Conference Team
- Co-Chairs: Cat Nguyen, Erol Delos Santos
- Team members (current and past): Daisy Quan, Esperanza Flores Garza, Jon Ramirez, Michelle Venegas-Matula, Shannon Harper, Sophia Uehara, Tomi Fatunde
- DRUUMM staff: Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons, Noemi de Guzman
- Conference consultant: Majiq Vu Mai
Unity Village
VENUE & LOCATION
Unity Village
- A peaceful retreat environment surrounded by nature
- Walking paths, gardens, and reflective spaces
- Comfortable lodging and gathering facilities
- Easy access from Kansas City International Airport