Daryl Davis

During a break between performances in a bar with a band, Daryl was approached by a man who discussed his piano playing with him. This person came to share that he’s a member of the Ku Klux Klan, starting Daryl’s surreal journey of trying to build bridges with leaders and members of the Klan. Over the years, Daryl has gone on to befriend and gain support from Klan members, many of whom have handed him their robes and hoods among other racist symbols. In his mission to understand the driving forces of the views expressed by Klan members and other alt-right groups, Daryl has sought to maintain a mindset of not judging those he’s speaking to and not attempting to change their minds.

Daryl is the first black person to write a book on the Ku Klux Klan that’s sourced from in-person interviews. Over the years, Daryl has met with members of the Klan and other neo-nazi and alt-right groups in his home and their own homes, as well as attending rallies to engage with the people there. Daryl’s documentary about his experiences is regularly shown on PBS and he’s the recipient of numerous prestigious awards. In his keynotes, Daryl discusses diversity and equality, race relations and how conflict can be effectively tackled.