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

From her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, Vanessa has often been referred to as one of those people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world. As a parent, foster parent, educator and nonprofit leader, she has always been passionate about promoting equitable practices and outcomes for young people.  Vanessa is a proud mother to one biological son and two chosen daughters. She enjoys reading, journaling, and feeling the warmth of the sun.

Christina C. Davidson is originally from the Chicagoland area. She is a historian and professor, and researches, teaches, and writes about African American religion and AME church history. A longtime member of the AME Church, Christina enjoys praise music and dance. Wife to Josh Wassink, she moved to Boston in 2018 where they both pursued postdoctoral fellowships. They now reside in Los Angeles, CA.

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."

Latoya Gayle is originally from Western Mass and lives in Dorchester with her husband Troy and their 3 children. Latoya is passionate about racial equity and educational access. She is a racial equity strategist and leads a local non-profit focused on education advocacy and increasing families' access to education opportunities. Latoya was drawn to New Roots focus on living like Jesus whom she calls a "rebel and social justice warrior, who was not afraid to challenge the system and social norms"

Troy is originally from Springfield but currently, lives in Dorchester. He works in a local hospital as an engineer repairing medical equipment. Troy is a husband and father of 3 great kids.  He enjoys all kinds of techie/nerdy hobbies. He was drawn to New Roots simply because it was different from the norm.

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.