On Dec. 4, the Emmanuel Gospel Center hosted the “Something New!” event at Codman Square in Dorchester.
There was music. There was food. There were friends sharing their hearts.
The gathering celebrated Caleb McCoy’s new “Render Unto Caesar” album with a concert led by McCoy and his band, The Oak, along with surprise guest appearances. Inspired by Jesus’ words in the Gospels, McCoy explores how we can contribute to a society with social, economic, and political ills.
Community leaders encouraged the crowd with practical ways to do just that with opportunities to come alongside ministries that engage the city.
We continue to champion these voices and further their advocacy efforts. Here is more information on the speakers and how you can get involved.
Nakia Reyes
Nakia Reyes has been teaching pre-primary school for more than 15 years. Montessori education caught her interest in 2014 and she is now the Founder and Lead Teacher at Neighborhood Montessori in Dorchester.
Mary Grant
Mary Grant works on the missions staff at Young Life Dorchester and hopes to continue leading youth into success and loving them into the Kingdom of Christ.
Carla Booker
Carla Booker and the Traction House community are partnering with Black and brown families in their efforts to enter the homeownership journey.
Pastor Valerie Copeland
Valerie Copeland is a lifelong Bostonian, lead Pastor of the Neighborhood Church in Dorchester, and lover of all things Jesus.
Dr. Emmett G. Price III
Dr. Emmett G. Price III is CEO of the Black Christian Experience Resource Center and Dean of Africana Studies at Berklee College of Music.
Sheila Wise Rowe
Sheila Wise Rowe is a counselor and author. Her latest book, “Young, Gifted, and Black,” will be published by InterVarsity Press in February 2022.
Maka Osman
Maka Osman is clinical director at Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center (RIAC).
Saranya Sathananthan
Saranya Sathananthan is community and culture advocate at the Emmanuel Gospel Center.