Daryl Davis:
Using Communication as a Weapon to Disassemble the KKK
Exchanging Ideas
Over time, Daryl Davis would invite his friends of different ethnic and religious backgrounds to meet with Roger Kelly at his house to discuss issues of race and hatred. As they became increasingly comfortable meeting with each other, Kelly would invite Davis over to his own home and eventually to KKK rallies.
[Roger Kelly and Davis. Courtesy of DarylDavis.com]
"I will follow that man to hell and back because I believe in what he stands for, and he believes in what I stand for. A lot of times we don't agree with everything, but at least he respects me to sit down and listen to me. And I respect him to sit down and listen to him."
~ Roger Kelly
During the rallies, Davis would observe the speeches, the burning of the cross, and conversations between KKK members, with the objective of trying to understand the source of all the unsubstantiated hatred. Although the Klansmen and Davis had vehemently disagreed with each other, they came to respect each other’s right to speak and their differences of opinion. This led to an understanding of each others beliefs and efficient, respectful conversation. Davis’ efforts ultimately led many Klansmen to leave the Klan.
[Davis at KKK Rally. Courtesy of Modern Met]
[Davis at KKK Rally. Courtesy of DarylDavis.com]
[Davis at KKK Rally. Courtesy of DarylDavis.com
"They would give speeches. I would take more notes and try to absorb and try to understand. Not that I'm believing what they're preaching, but I'm trying to learn and understand what is the impetus for it?."
~ Daryl Davis
[Courtesy of CNN Sunday Morning]
"But over time, even when you sit with the worst of your enemies, you can find something in common somewhere. As those things in common build, the things that differ matter less and less. You begin to put a human face together despite whatever you may disagree about."
~ Daryl Davis