The Rev. Dana Downing, assistant university chaplain, made campus news in 2022 when she performed the first Mass for Beyoncé at Northwestern. The service used Beyoncé’s music to discuss faith and spirituality as it relates to Black women and their lived experiences. It was the perfect combination of all the themes that inspire and connect Downing’s work: art, womanism, identity, spirituality, and faith.
Downing first joined Northwestern University in 2019 as a graduate assistant in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. There, she worked with Black and African American students until becoming resident pastor in 2021. As part of her religious and spiritual life, she advises students on all faiths and beliefs and supports them on their spiritual journey.
“I think it’s kind of a misconception that I’m trying to reach people with the gospel,” Downing said. “Really, I want you to be fully connected to who you are.”
While ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Downing earned a master’s degree in theology from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. Garrett’s proximity to Northwestern and his ties to the black student movement at both schools ultimately led Downing to join Northwestern part-time.
Downing said his experience of dealing with loss and grief alone as a college student motivated him to become a college chaplain.
“My father was diagnosed with lung cancer when I was an undergrad, and unfortunately my university didn’t have a chaplain,” Downing said. “…I just didn’t have someone that I could actually have open, honest, tough conversations with. I think it’s really important, especially for college students, to have someone that you can see as a trusted partner in these conversations.” ”
Prior to his ordination, Mr. Downing worked in the nonprofit sector, serving as a fundraising executive for nearly 20 years. This experience gave her a solid foundation for her future role as a university chaplain, as many of the organizations she worked with were related to the growth and development of people, especially youth.
Today, Downing’s nonprofit work and pastoral work are still intertwined. The skills she learned, such as grant writing and storytelling, have helped her in her work on campus.
“Storytelling is a part of nonprofit management and organizational development work that is critical to telling good stories about organizations and helping organizations tell better stories about themselves.” Mr Downing said. “And that same skill set applies to Northwestern, including helping students share their stories and creating spaces for them to explore who they are in the world. and curating the space.”
Downing’s interest in storytelling dates back to his college days. She earned a BA in English Literature and Composition from the University of the District of Columbia. She continues her creative work today, and she is currently taking a writing workshop class at Garrett College called “Art as Theological Practice.”
Her passion for the arts is reflected in her work as a pastor. Downing’s current initiative, The Middle Space, organizes events that combine conversations about spirituality with various artistic activities.
“This is an opportunity for people to explore faith, spirituality, meaning and purpose through creative expression,” Downing said. “[…] People often use their art, whatever the medium, to connect with faith, higher powers, the universe, and spirit. ”
While working with nonprofits, Downing began supporting organizations whose missions she was particularly passionate about. For example, she once worked at Sisters Academy, a private girls’ middle school in Baltimore. Downing supports the academy’s mission, and she said it’s beautiful to see young girls, primarily black and brown, grow and establish themselves.
“Having worked in the nonprofit sector, I think I love connecting with organizations that are mission-driven and human-centered. [and] It’s really about people thriving and flourishing,” Downing said.
Downing continues her nonprofit work with Light + Essence, the consulting firm she founded. The company offers a number of services, including fundraising, board engagement, leadership coaching, evaluation, and program evaluation. It also lends itself to conversations about religious diversity, cultural competency, equity, and inclusion. Ms. Downing’s most recent project was with The Current Project, an organization that works directly with Black single mothers to create spaces that support and promote financial stability.
In 2021, Downing’s commitment to social justice led her to join the Faith Matters Network, an organization that works with community leaders and activists toward spiritual sustainability. Downing completed FMN’s Movement Chaplaincy course, where he learned the spiritual and emotional care practices associated with social justice movements.
“Faith is often at the forefront. [of social justice movements]”It’s because of your values and how you see yourself in the world,” Downing said. “I think it’s very important, especially for faith leaders, to show up in relation to their own sacred texts and methods.” That text may appear around the world. ”
Downing currently serves as a teaching assistant for the Movement Chaplaincy course. She hosts a community circle that provides technical support to students and helps them process course content in the context of missionary and activist work. Downing also seeks to incorporate athletic chaplaincy training into campus activities through events she hosts and meetings with students.
“My work as a movement pastor is a personal commitment to an ethic of care and trauma-informed practice,” Downing said. “I hope I can help students navigate that.” [their] Because there are problems and conflicts in life, [they] You can see, you can hear, you can know deeply, you can heal, and you can become whole. ”
