Speaker to recall encounters, challenges with Ku Klux Klan
Daryl Davis gained notoriety through blues, jazz and zydeco music - he even won a Grammy Award. But it is the black man's experience with the Ku Klux Klan that brings him to Central Michigan University.
Davis will speak at 8 p.m. Monday in Warriner Hall's Plachta Auditorium. His itinerary includes selections of music, as well as a review of his book, "Klan-Destined Relationships."
The book chronicles Davis' infiltration of the Klan, as well as relationships he has built with current and former Klan members.
According to his Web site, Davis grew up in Europe and Africa, where he did not face racism. After moving to the United States and facing stereotypes and violence, though, Davis felt compelled to understand people who hated him despite never meeting him.
Davis set up meetings with Klan members, not revealing his identity until a face-to-face meeting.
While Davis' encounters spurred violence on occasion, he also has inspired reform, and currently has robes from former Klansmen who have left the KKK.
Carrie Lewis, Cultural Events chair for Program Board and Allegan senior, said she tries to bring a different cultural aspect of cultural awareness to campus every month.
"I thought he would be a good one to bring for black history month (because of his experiences)," Lewis said.
Lewis hopes a cross section of campus will come to see Davis speak, minority groups and organizations in particular.
"We want to make people more aware," she said.
Davis currently travels across the country performing and sharing his experiences.
According to his Web site, his goals of tolerance and peace reach beyond race relations and into building self-esteem, conquering fears and recognizing similarities rather than differences.
Davis also will challenge people who come to the event to go out and make a difference.
The show is free and open to the public.
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