Nearly sixty DRUUMM members and friends gathered virtually on June 11, 2026, for DRUUMM’s Annual Meeting, an evening of reflection, connection, governance, celebration, and anticipation for the year ahead.
President Tomi Fatunde called the meeting to order, welcoming members from across the United States, Canada, and beyond. The gathering opened with a chalice lighting offered by Rev. Sherman Logan, followed by an ancestral remembrance led by Rev. Claudia Jiménez, grounding the meeting in gratitude for the generations of leaders, organizers, ministers, and community-builders whose work continues to sustain DRUUMM’s ministry.
Members received reports on the organization’s membership, finances, programming, governance, and strategic priorities.
Stories of Belonging
One of the evening’s highlights came during small-group conversations facilitated by Devin Dadah, DRUUMM’s Co-Outreach Coordinator.
Participants reflected on two questions:
- When was your first time in a DRUUMM space, and how was your experience?
- What brings you back?
Responses spanned decades of involvement, from founding-era members to those who had only recently discovered DRUUMM. Again and again, participants spoke about finding spiritual nourishment, cultural affirmation, friendship, solidarity, healing, mentorship, and a sense of home within a faith tradition that can sometimes feel isolating for people of color and multiracial Unitarian Universalists.
The conversation served as a reminder that while DRUUMM’s programs, conferences, and initiatives evolve, our core purpose remains the same: cultivating beloved community among Unitarian Universalists of color.
Membership and Organizational Health
The Membership Team reported that DRUUMM currently has more than 280 active members, while noting that nearly 200 memberships are pending renewal or have lapsed. Members were encouraged to renew their memberships and invite others into the organization.
Membership remains accessible, beginning at $50 annually, with a Living Lightly membership available for $15 per year. Consistent with DRUUMM’s values, no one is turned away due to financial hardship. Members and prospective members can learn more at druumm.org/membership.
The Finance Team reported that DRUUMM remains in a strong financial position, with total organizational equity exceeding $360,000. The proposed 2026–2027 budget was presented and discussed, reflecting intentional investments in programming, leadership development, chaplaincy, community care, and the upcoming Beloved Gathering conference. While expenses are projected to exceed annual income, members heard how years of careful stewardship have positioned the organization to make strategic investments in community-building opportunities that support DRUUMM’s long-term mission.
Looking Ahead to Kansas City in September
Members also received an update on the DRUUMM Beloved Gathering, scheduled for September 17–20, 2026, at Unity Village near Kansas City, Missouri (druumm.org/beloved).
The gathering will be DRUUMM’s largest continental conference in a decade and is expected to bring together more than one hundred Unitarian Universalists of color, multiracial UUs, chaplains, religious professionals, artists, organizers, youth, elders, and community leaders.
Conference Co-Chairs Cat Nguyen and Erol Delos Santos, together with Conference Consultant Majiq Vu Mai and a growing team of volunteers, have been developing a program centered around the themes of Pause, Deepen, and Rise. Members were encouraged to register soon, as early-bird registration concludes later this month.
Honoring the 2026 Beloved Community Award Recipients
A cherished annual tradition is the presentation of the Mel Hoover Award for Beloved Community, DRUUMM’s highest recognition for leadership in advancing beloved community within Unitarian Universalism.
This year, Rev. Danielle Di Bona and Rev. Mel Hoover presented the award to two beloved leaders whose ministries have shaped generations of Unitarian Universalists of color and the broader faith movement: Rev. Abhi Janamanchi and Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr.
Rev. Abhi Janamanchi has dedicated decades of service to congregational ministry, leadership development, mentoring emerging leaders, and strengthening institutions committed to justice and inclusion. A former President of DRUUMM and a respected voice across Unitarian Universalism, Abhi has consistently embodied a ministry of hospitality, bridge-building, spiritual depth, and courageous leadership. His influence can be seen in the countless ministers, lay leaders, and communities he has guided throughout his career.
Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr. has likewise offered transformative leadership through ministry, spiritual direction, anti-racism training, worship leadership, and healing-centered community work. As a minister, educator, facilitator, and mentor, John has helped individuals and organizations cultivate deeper spiritual practices while advancing equity, liberation, and beloved community. His work has touched communities across the denomination and far beyond.
Together, these two leaders exemplify the spirit of the Mel Hoover Award and the enduring values of DRUUMM.
Members can read the full award announcement at druumm.org/news.
Leadership Transitions and Elections
The Annual Meeting also marked an important moment of leadership transition.
Members expressed gratitude to departing Steering Committee members Rev. Carol Thomas Cissel, Michelle Venegas-Matula, and Sean Alphonse for their years of dedicated service. Their leadership helped guide DRUUMM through a period of organizational growth, expanded programming, strengthened financial health, and renewed community engagement.
The Nominating Committee—Michelle Venegas-Matula, Isaac Castro, Karin Lin, and Rev. Sana Saeed—presented a slate of candidates, which was approved by the membership.
DRUUMM is pleased to welcome the following newly elected leaders:
Alana Rodriguez, elected Secretary, brings experience in organizational leadership, community-building, and systems that help sustain mission-driven work. Her commitment to strengthening relationships and organizational infrastructure will support DRUUMM’s continued growth.
Deb Tierney-Walker, elected Treasurer, brings extensive experience in nonprofit financial management, stewardship, and governance. Her leadership will help ensure that DRUUMM continues to align its resources with its values and strategic priorities.
Shannon Harper, elected General Assembly Co-Coordinator, has been an active contributor to DRUUMM’s programs and community life. Shannon brings gifts for relationship-building, volunteer engagement, and fostering meaningful connections among members and friends.
A Community Sustained by Volunteers
Throughout the evening, speakers returned to a common theme: DRUUMM’s strength comes from its people.
From chaplains and committee members to event organizers, affinity group leaders, donors, facilitators, and volunteers, hundreds of community members contribute their time, talent, and care to sustain this ministry. The Annual Meeting offered an opportunity not only to conduct organizational business, but also to celebrate the collective work that makes DRUUMM possible.
As DRUUMM approaches its twenty-sixth year, the organization remains committed to creating spaces where people of color and multiracial Unitarian Universalists can find belonging, spiritual sustenance, leadership development, mutual support, and opportunities to build the Beloved Community together.
We look forward to gathering with many of you in Kansas City this September and throughout the year ahead.
The recording of the 2026 Annual Meeting will be posted later this month on DRUUMM’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/@druumm).
