Ignore the Bars, Start Listening

10-07-24

Rev. Dr. Damien W.D. Davis has spent much of his life behind bars, ministering as a chaplain in jails and prisons across Illinois, including Stateville Correctional Center. He has met and cared for countless incarcerated individuals, listening to stories, unpacking trauma, and lamenting hurt. This deep connection to the humanity of each person inspired him to write Prison Life and The Aftermath of Thug Life, featured at the 2024 McCormick Days Alumni Book & Arts Fair.

Dr. Davis's journey into writing was sparked by the late great Rev. Dr. Ogbu Kali, who challenged his students to “contribute something meaningful that impacts the psyche to transform the narrative at hand.” Initially considering himself not a writer, Dr. Davis found himself moved to write a book after listening to incarcerated individuals who shared their frustration at being mistreated by even well-meaning volunteers and chaplains. His book is a heartfelt response based on his research and experience, emphasizing that effective prison ministry hinges on recognizing the humanity of incarcerated individuals and the importance of listening.  “Without an approach to being impactful,” Rev. Dr. Davis passionately points out, “our role in the prison system is subterfuge to feel a sense of being needed instead of providing support.”

While he continues his work in Illinois institutions and as a public speaker, Rev. Dr. Davis hopes his book will enable readers to “utilize the 3 C’s: caution, care, and collaboration.” He envisions more individuals becoming instrumental in the prison or jail system as listeners, entering in as fellow human beings made in the image of God. 

Rev. Dr. Davis credits McCormick Theological Seminary for giving him the platform to dig into this topic and shed light on it through his writing. He appreciates the institution’s commitment to various social justice topics and its encouragement for students to lead discussions and propose solutions. It’s because of this that his book is academically rigorous and practical. While he knows his work in this field is far from done, Rev. Dr. Davis is already reflecting on how he might share other passions in another book that will transform the narrative.