10 Years, Still Rising!
Some gatherings become more than an event. They become a moment in time that reminds us who we are, how far we have come, and what becomes possible when we come together as a community.
The BYTA 2026 Conference, held August 20–23 at the Merriweather Lakehouse in Columbia, Maryland, was one of those gatherings. Celebrating the Black Yoga Teachers Alliance’s 10th anniversary, the conference brought our community together under the theme “10 Years, Still Rising!”
Over three days, we learned, practiced, reflected, celebrated, and connected. Our workshops explored yoga therapy, meditation and dharma, embodiment and teaching methodology, entrepreneurship, research, brain health, healing, and the many ways yoga continues to evolve to serve our communities.
But some of the most meaningful moments occurred beyond the scheduled sessions.
Community has been at the heart of BYTA from the beginning. What began as a desire to find and connect Black people who practiced and taught yoga grew into an organization committed to representation, continuing education, and professional development, and to creating spaces where Black yoga teachers could see, support, and learn from one another.
What they had to say about the Conference...
The BYTA Conference Soundtrack
Thank you to Frank Colón and Diem Jones for granting BYTA permission to use their music, Ataraxy, as the soundtrack for the BYTA 2026 Conference. Ataraxy denotes a state of calm, peace, and freedom from worry, a fitting spirit for our 10-year celebration gathering.
Scan or tap the icons to access the Ataraxy music site.
