To close out the summer, this week we’re featuring a recap of our unforgettable BIPOC Island Retreat! Hosted by UniteBoston on Spectacle Island, this annual day of rest and restoration brought together over 30 BIPOC leaders from across the city for a time of connection, creativity, and care. From a powerful devotional to dancing, painting, massages, and more—this was a sacred space to breathe, laugh, and be renewed. Read more about the day, meet the artists and leaders who made it special, and celebrate what happens when we make room for joy and rest in community.
On July 26, something beautiful unfolded in the heart of Boston Harbor.
For the fourth year in a row, UniteBoston hosted our BIPOC Island Retreat on Spectacle Island—a day dedicated to rest, renewal, and restoration for BIPOC leaders in our community. With about 30 amazing people gathered, many shared that it was more than a retreat. It was a homecoming for the soul.
Thanks again for a refreshing day of peace and relaxation with fun down by the bay/island. I actually said ‘this is one day where I’m not gonna take in the moment and not focus on other things’.
– Rev. Monica Paige
Our time began with a soul-stirring devotional led by Rev. Devlin Scott, who invited us to “lay our burdens down by the riverside.” He drew from the legacy of the Black church, leading us in the old Negro spiritual Down by the Riverside. In a world where so many of us carry the weight of justice work, trauma, and expectations, this was a holy pause—a moment to remember that we don’t have to carry it all alone.
After the devotional, we enjoyed a delicious catered lunch from Yo Mama’s Brazilian Restaurant in Dorchester, adorned with a spread of goodies brought in especially for the retreat. We ate under the open sky, laughed around picnic tables, and soaked in the joy of simply being together.
“Gabriel Sanchez was so anointed and the massage was so appreciated (neck pain gone!). The whole experience was such a blessing”
– Jen Aldana
I must note the particular of the therapist who ended each session with a prayer. I commend this young men for doing that. This is an added value to his skills. He might not understand fully the importance of what that could mean for each individual. It was a good thing. Overall my nieces and my wife have had a great time. Thanks Kelly and the whole team who planned and executed this program. It was spectacular to be in BIPOC Island Retreat.
– Varnel Antoine
Taija Rayne, Boston Project Ministries’ Resident Artist and Artist in Action Coordinator, guided us in a paint session that helped us explore justice and righteousness through color, brush, and canvas. For many, this was a rare chance to slow down, reflect, and let creativity do the talking.
We also got our hearts pumping and spirits lifted thanks to Juston Scott from Motivation Church in Randolph. He led a high-energy hip-hop dance session that had people moving, smiling, and cheering each other on—yes, even the shy dancers!
Attendees also had the opportunity to shop and support local BIPOC-owned businesses, adding to the atmosphere of creativity and connection. Ani Inoyo of Ani Design House brought her vibrant collection of journals, posters, and totes—each piece infused with bold design and spiritual depth. Right alongside, Fugi and Armani Acevedo of Almighty Above All Apparel showcased their clothing and accessories, offering a fresh blend of faith and fashion. These pop-up shops added a beautiful touch to the retreat, giving attendees the chance to take a piece of inspiration home with them.
This retreat was designed intentionally for BIPOC leaders—many of whom are pouring themselves out in their churches, neighborhoods, and justice spaces. The day was completely free, including the ferry, food, and activities, because we believe rest is sacred, necessary, and something you shouldn’t have to earn.
There was no agenda, no task list—just space to be human. What a gift to have space to be held. Space to be filled again.
Check out previous retreat highlights!
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