Reverend Doctor DeWayne Davis was born in the Mississippi Delta, the 15th child of a minister and a kindergarten teacher, and has maintained a lifelong commitment to justice, safety, and love. His father only achieved a sixth-grade education, but his parents were able to send all their children to college.

DeWayne is currently the Lead Minister of Plymouth Congregational Church of Minneapolis and recently served as the Chaplain of the Minnesota State Senate. Before being ordained for the ministry in 2012, he worked on Capitol Hill for more than 20 years, including as Director of Appropriations for Democratic Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. His portfolio included major infrastructure projects, health care, housing, transit and transportation, reproductive justice, civil rights, voting rights, and small business development, among many other issues.

Throughout his career, DeWayne has pursued justice in everything he does. He has worked collaboratively with nonprofits and state and local governments, helping to provide safe, stable, and affordable housing in our communities, as well as banning so-called “conversion therapy,” public safety reform, healthcare, and other justice issues. His commitment to complex systems work resulted in him co-chairing the Minneapolis Community Safety Work Group, providing the City with recommendations to transform the current system of policing into a system of support for community safety. DeWayne also co-chaired the Minnesota Poor People’s campaign to champion affordable housing, liveable wages, and climate justice, and he has offered support and care when community members face state violence.

DeWayne brings compassion, love, and collaboration to everything he leads. Every year, his congregation hosts the homeless vigil honoring our neighbors who passed away while unhoused. While Senior Pastor at All God’s Children Metropolitan Community Church, he worked with the community to offer a consistent space and partnership for hosting the annual Minnesota Overdose Vigil, which honors those who have passed away from overdose. From building outreach programs for people with HIV to building consensus amongst faith communities to help pass the Affordable Care Act, DeWayne is committed to working together to build a more just world. His work in partnership with community members has resulted in awards and recognition from OutFront Minnesota, Lavender Magazine, and Howard University Magazine.

DeWayne holds a B.A. in Economics and Philosophy from Howard University, an M.A. in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park, a Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Biblical Preaching from Luther Seminary in Saint Paul.

DeWayne and his college sweetheart Kareem live in the Willard-Hay Neighborhood of North Minneapolis. They have been together for 33 years and legally married on their twentieth anniversary in 2011, when marriage equality was achieved in Washington, DC. They can be found in North Commons Park several times daily, walking their rescue cocker spaniel, Eubie.