2026 Uplifting Voices Conference bolsters racial and social justice work.
Planned in collaboration with members of our Racial Equity Advocate program and Education Minnesota staff, Uplifting Voices is a conference aimed at creating an experience centered on challenging and disrupting systems of whiteness and white supremacy. The conference was held on June 25 in St. Paul.
This year’s event centered on four core values—joy, healing, community and strength. This iteration of Uplifting Voices also had a different vibe than the conference has in the past. Based on feedback from our member planning team, and especially after the rough year our community has had, we wanted to create unique opportunities for attendees to learn, engage and connect through incredible dance and music performances, healing- centered experiences, community storytelling and moments that help us reclaim the joy we so deeply deserve.
In addition to offering sessions centered on racial and social justice, the event featured an exhibit hall showcasing BIPOC and other underrepresented-owned and operated businesses from around the state.
Thank you to everyone who attended and made this event a success!
Taiko Drumming and Joyful Resistance session from TaikoArts Midwest. Jimmie Heags conducts a restorative chat session titled “Grounded Under Pressure.”
Members of the planning team. From left: Ellen Olsen, Liz Ortiz-Perez, Susan Providence, Christine Castillo, Claire Torrey, Adeyoola Ajayi and Tavarra Price.
A session conducted by Angie Yanez titled “Circle as a Way of Healing.”
Members, including Education Minnesota Governing Board Member Jasman Myers, waiting for the opening ceremony to start. Members attend a workshop on storytelling by Danielle Daniel.
