In 1972, Melinda Downing started her federal career at the U.S. Department of Agriculture; from there she joined the U.S. General Accounting Office, and then in 1976, continued her career at the Office of Policy at the Energy and Research Development Administration. Ambitious and diligent, Downing quickly mastered her entry-level role and began looking for higher-level job openings.
“Though I lacked certain qualifications, I knew I was ready to move up," Downing recalls.
When she informed her managers that she was considering taking another position, they moved quickly to keep her aboard, creating a new role for her and offering her a promotion. That was five decades ago. Today, she continues to work for the same federal office, now known as the Department of Energy, where she also advocates for other women and people of color, helping to create opportunities the same way her managers did for her.
From the Voting Rights Act Amendments and the first Gulf War to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the election of the first Black president, Melinda Downing has witnessed many significant moments of American history during her time at the Department of Energy. Now, as a woman of color with firsthand experience pursuing racial and environmental equity, she’s marking her 50-year milestone with DOE and celebrating Black History Month at the same time.
“I’ve seen firsthand, both personally and professionally, how environmental and racial justice go hand-in-hand," Downing said. “This Black History Month, it’s my hope that DOE can continue to set an example as a forward-thinking Department that advocates for the success of all people."
Working Together for Forward Progress
Downing believes that collaboration is key in advancing change, and she’s stayed with DOE because she valued the opportunities to advance the causes she cared about while pursuing her career. But that hasn’t always been the case.
Downing has faced moments of explicit and implicit gender and racial bias throughout her career. Once, while in an overseas airport with her DOE team, she was pulled aside by customs agents and interrogated about her reason for travel. As the only woman and only Black person within the traveling group, she knew she stuck out, and felt she had to explain herself unduly.
“Prejudices and biases are real, but there’s always a way to combat them," Downing said. “Having a mentor you trust, sticking to your values, and seeking out new opportunities regularly is important."
Advancing Environmental Justice
Downing’s perspective on environmental justice takes a symbiotic view. Environmental issues like contaminated water or air often disproportionately affect lower-income communities and communities of color where schools continue to be underfunded and under-resourced.
“Pursuing environmental justice also means creating equitable educational opportunities for people from historically under-resourced communities to advance and succeed both personally and professionally," she said. “They don’t have the access to resources others take for granted. The wellness of these communities reflects the health of their environment."
To improve outcomes for people and families living in these communities, Downing believes that enhancing water and air quality, and expanding access to robust health and safety resources, should be top priorities.
“When people don’t have to worry about the quality of the water they drink or the air they breathe, they have space to celebrate life and mark what’s important to them," Downing said. “For people of color, this means they can fully partake in their own Black History Month traditions and commemorations."
Celebrating Black History Month
For Downing, Black History Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the contributions of Black Americans who laid the foundation for the freedoms Americans can enjoy today. To Downing, this means connecting with family and extended relatives to attend services and vigils, which often commemorate and celebrate Black leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Downing has also made it a tradition to participate in volunteer opportunities centered on serving Black communities.
“Black History Month gives Americans hope," Downing said. “It’s a legacy of determination and perseverance - I'm proud of my culture, my family’s unique traditions, and my own trajectory as a Black woman in field where we’re often underrepresented."
When asked about her proudest moments over the past 50 years, Downing points to one instance in particular. At a DOE offsite several years ago, Downing noticed a lack of representation among the stakeholders gathered, though the community they represented was diverse. Downing raised the issue to senior leadership, stressing the importance of creating seats at the table. She was heard, and subsequently led the initiative to collaborate with the National Conference of Black Mayors, bringing them into the fold for further conversation at the offsite.
“When you are in a position of authority, and you notice something missing from the picture - you notice homogeneity, you notice a lack of diversity -- then you should speak up," Downing said. “No matter what, addressing such an issue is a win-win for everyone."
As she reflects on her tenure so far with DOE, Downing says she’s proud to look back on an illustrious career, during which she’s helped create an environment that fosters equitable treatment for all, at work and beyond.
