William DeShay C. JacksonMINISTER OF MUSIC
William DeShay C. Jackson (They/Them) holds a Master’s in Divinity from Brite Divinity School (Texas Christian University) with certificates in Black Church Studies and Gender and Sexual Justice and a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Culver-Stockton College. DeShay recently contributed a chapter to Colors of Hope: A Devotional Journal from LGBTQ+ Christians published by Chalice Press and ships March 2022.
DeShay has performed as a solo and collaborative musician with a host of instrumental and vocal ensembles in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Texas, providing music at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, LA, Illinois Music Educators Conference, and multiple schools, churches, and homes. During their time at Brite Divinity, they served as vice-moderator for the Brite Black Seminarians student association and served on the chapel worship committee as music liaison, worship leader, and student vocal ensemble director. DeShay also serves as the Minister of Music for First Christian Church in Granbury, TX and is seeking ordination with the Mid-America region of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ. DeShay’s interests center the importance of Womanism and its influence on theology/spirituality, Black/LGBTQIA+ culture, music, and food. Email: deshyjackson@thegatheringexperience.com |
Rev. Winner LawsMinister of Congregational Care and Spiritual Support
Rev. Winner A. Laws was raised in Houston, TX and now resides in Plano, TX. She earned a B.S. in Mathematics from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master of Theological Studies degree from Brite Divinity at Texas Christian University. She is currently the Minister of Congregational Care and Spiritual Support. Winner enjoys playing cards with her family and playing golf regularly.
Email: Revwinnerlaws@thegatheringexperience.com "As a womanist, I am committed to sharing narratives of Black women's experiences to empower all people spiritually and to be a voice for those on the margins to find their place in the creation story." |