From Hate to Dialogue: A Conversation with Daryl Davis, “Klan Whisperer” (Ep. 41)

Depolarization

Apr 6

How many of us would have the courage to have a conversation with someone who hates us? My guest, Daryl Davis, has done just that, not once, but for decades, with members of the Ku Kluz Klan and other hate groups, and many have renounced their ideology after getting to know him. A Black musician, Davis shares his unbelievable story driven by one powerful question: "How can you hate me when you don't even know me?" Prepare to be challenged to rethink how we and our students engage with those who seem the furthest from us.

Here are some of Davis’s key recommendations for educators:

Create opportunities for students to engage with and learn from people with unfamiliar backgrounds and perspectives. Go beyond designated "diversity" events or months.
Teach history honestly, including the shameful parts that students can learn from.

Encourage students to “walk across the cafeteria” and to have conversations with those outside of their affinity group. Davis attributes his propensity for empathy to his early school experiences in highly diverse classrooms.)
Encourage students to form groups based on common interests rather than race or ethnicity.

Notable quotes about Daryl Davis:

"Daryl Davis is a national treasure—he's living proof it's possible to talk people out of their hate...If everyone followed his lead, the world would be a more respectful, thoughtful place." - Adam Grant, #1 New Your Times bestselling author, host of Re: Thinking podcast

"I have a lot of respect for Daryl Davis." - Former KKK Imperial Wizard

"Daryl Davis has proven that when you open your heart to someone, you give them a chance to open their heart to you." - Morgan Freeman, Academy Award-winning actor, producer, and narrator.

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Featured Guest:

As a race relations expert Dr. Daryl Davis has received numerous awards and high acclaim for his book Klan-Destine Relationships and his award-winning film documentary Accidental Courtesy. He is the first Black author to write a book on the Ku Klux Klan based upon in-person interviews and personal encounters. His ability to get racists to renounce their ideology has sent Daryl to travel all over the United States and the world to share his methodology.

The Klansman on the cover of Davis’s new book would later leave the Klan and become friends with Davis.

From Amazon.com:

“After 160 years of nothing but violence and hatred, it’s time we get to know one another on a social basis, not under a cover of darkness,” ex- plains musician Daryl Davis of his extraordinary journey into the heart of one of America’s most fanatical institutions, the Ku Klux Klan.

He is not White, he’s not even light-skinned. Make no mistake about it; he is Black. Yet, author Daryl Davis has come in closer contact with members of the Ku Klux Klan than most white non-members and certainly most blacks — short of being on the wrong end of a rope. What’s more? He continues to do so, making him one of the most unique authors and race relations experts today. Daryl Davis is the first Black author to write a book on the Ku Klux Klan from in-person, face-to-face interviews with leaders and members.

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