The second annual Igniting Black Bahá’í Youth conference (IBBY) offered some unexpected connections and served as a powerful platform to spark conversations, foster unity, and empower 45 young people to uplift their spiritual identities and contribute to the betterment of their communities. With a focus on spiritual growth, social justice, and personal development, the conference this year highlighted the artistic capabilities within the participants.

The conference was held on June 28-July 3 at the Baha’i Home in Wilmette, Illinois, a few blocks from the Baha’i House of Worship. Following opening prayers, greetings, and loving embraces, conversations kicked off over slices of iconic Chicago deep-dish pizza. For a little more than half of the youth it was an exciting reunion following up on the previous year’s gathering in Washington, D.C.  

The sessions spread out over the next four days explored a range of topics, including racial healing and racial justice, community building through artistic expression, self-empowerment and spiritual identity.  

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