Church Leadership

Eli Anthony (he/him) is originally from Florida but moved to Boston in 2019. He is a recent graduate from Boston University School of Theology with a Master of Divinity. He has completed internships at common cathedral and City Mission’s Seminarians in the City Program. His previous work centered around accompanying those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. Eli is also currently helping lead and create a space centered around queer and trans youth in greater Boston. 
 
Eli’s ministerial interests include housing justice, anti-racism work, advocating for queer and trans rights, and seeking justice for all marginalized communities. He is driven by his love for people and gathering around a dinner table with loved ones. In his free time, he loves to take walks with his partner, play with his cats, drink coffee, and try new foods. Eli's hopes and dreams are centered around food ministry and reimagining church.

Dzidzor (Jee-Jaw) is an African folklore, performing artist, author, and curator. Dzidzor’s style of call and response has combined traditional storytelling in Afro-folklore and Poetry Slam through a sonic experience. Dzidzor is moved by the responsibility to alarm the power/abundance in the midst of bodies while creating a practice of care and freedom through creativity. Dzidzor is the founder of Black Cotton Club and partners with Grubstreet, ICA Boston, and Boston Public Schools to teach creative empowerment workshops in Boston.
 
Born in Italy, to Ghanian Parents and raised in North Carolina. She’s immersed herself in merging cultures from the South to Ghanian culture. Dzidzor has released a book of poems entitled, "For Girls Who Cry in Yellow" inspired by childhood experiences, healing, and womanhood. Dzidzor has been nominated twice, for a Boston Music Awards. Dzidzor released her debut EP  entitled, “bush woman” on April 10th, 2020 and is currently working on songs that you can find on streaming services everywhere. (Photo by: Sir Abstraxxx @sirabstraxxx)
Website: www.dzidzor.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dzidzorazaglo

Ada grew up in New York City and lived in Providence, Rhode Island before moving to Boston in 2018. She is an elementary educator, currently teaching in the Boston Public Schools. She has worked in K-8 classrooms, as a curriculum developer, and as an educational researcher. Ada is passionate about educational justice and finding freedom through teaching and learning of all kinds. Ada loves to be outside, swim, cook and share food with friends, and sing in groups.

LaTasha (a/k/a/ Tasha) is originally from  Georgia, and moved to Boston in 2004.  She worked in the non-profit and higher education sectors before shifting her professional focus to working towards equity so that everyone—especially people from underserved communities like hers—has the skills and resources needed to successfully pursue the opportunities she hoped for as a kid.

Tasha is a loving daughter/sister/aunt/friend who enjoys spending time with loved ones, attending visual and performing arts events, and traveling to learn about/explore different cultures. She is also an admitted serial hobbyist (who will learn how to sew and play guitar someday) and bookworm. Her passion for reading and writing started as a child and continues to this day.

Turahn (Rahn) Dorsey is the husband of New Roots AME Pastor, Mariama White-Hammond, a member of the church's founding design team and currently serves on the steward board.  A proud Detroit native, Rahn has served Boston communities in a variety of capacities, most recently as the city's Chief of Education.  Rahn now consults with organizations seeking to expand high-quality educational opportunities and address income and wealth disparities in Boston.  Lastly, Rahn considers himself the Worship Team's "fifth Beatle."

Marianne was born in Scranton, PA and moved to Boston when she was four years old. Marianne’s heart and passion for social justice began at a very young age as one of the first VISTA (Volunteers in Service of America), in the country. Like so many of her generation, her life’s work was informed by the civil rights, anti-war, and feminist movements. Now semi-retired from her 20 years of service as Interaction Institute for Social Change (IISC’s) executive director, Marianne looks forward to grounding her passion and activism for racial. economic justice, equity, and climate change, in the New Roots community, the neighborhood, and the city.  Marianne loves reading, art, design, yoga, cooking, walks by the ocean, and most especially hanging out with her six children and 9 grandchildren.

   

Jamie Mangiameli is originally from the Chicagoland area, but moved to Boston in 2017. Jamie is passionate about embracing worship with a creative and collaborative posture. As a queer woman in ministry, Jamie is committed to the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons in the church and beyond. She finds joy in cooking, water coloring, reading, and being near large bodies of water.

Rev. Mariama founded New Roots Church in 2018. She is also an advocate for climate and social justice; speaking all over the United States. She is an avid runner, enjoys gardening, and being in nature.