He is not white. He is black. Yet, Klan-Destine Relationships musician and author Daryl Davis has come in closer contact with members of the Ku Klux Klan than most white non-members and certainly most blacks.
And he continues to do so, making him one of the most unique lecturers on the college speaking circuit today.
Davis brings his story to Penn State Harrisburg’s Morrison Gallery at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4. The presentation is free and open to the public. For information, phone 717-948-6273.
Over the last 10 years, Davis has walked on the edge, setting up surprise meetings with Klan leaders unaware he is black and even attending KKK rallies. On a quest to do nothing more than explore racism and gather information for his book, Davis eventually became the recipient of robes and hoods by Klan members who came to him to rescind their beliefs.
His methods have made him the center of controversy. In some white circles, he has been deemed "politically incorrect" and in some black circles he has been called "Uncle Tom." Davis often makes supporters out of his detractors by proving his methods work and issuing this challenge: "I have Klan robes and hoods hanging in my closet, given to be voluntarily by members who have quite the Klan since coming to know me. That$rsquo;s what I’ve done to improve race relations. How many robes and hoods have you received as a result of your methods?’
Davis earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Howard University. An accomplished blues and R&B musician, he performs regularly with his own Daryl Davis Band and has extensively with Muddy Waters’ Legendary Blues Band and Chuck Berry, among others.
As a race relations expert, Davis has received acclaim for his book and his work in race relations in many venues including: CNN CNBC, Good Morning America, The Learning Channel, National Public Radio, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, and The Baltimore Sun.
