Klan We Talk?: A Black musician and a Klan leader walk into a room...

The Lincoln Center for Applied Ethics is thrilled to welcome Daryl Davis to Arizona State University.

This event is co-sponsored by The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (Division of Humanities), Project Humanities, the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, Humanities Lab, Justice Studies, School of Social Transformation and ASU Farm.

Daryl Davis is a renowned blues and rock musician who’s toured the world playing with musical legends, including 32 years as Chuck Berry’s piano player. That’s his profession. But Daryl also has a unique obsession: Using civil conversation to ignite positive change with people who hate him because he’s Black – members of the Ku Klux Klan and other White supremacist groups.

Encountering racism firsthand at ten years old, Daryl wondered, “How can they hate me when they don’t even know me?” Daryl started meeting his detractors in person over 40 years ago to have a patient conversation about their beliefs. Through active listening and not looking to change their minds, an amazing thing happened: Many conversations led to understanding and genuine friendships. In some cases, KKK leaders disavowed their old beliefs and gave Daryl their robes and hoods. The average person may never face these kinds of extreme conversations, but Daryl empowers people with personal stories and practical ways to build bridges at work, at home, and in their community – one conversation at a time. 

Daryl's work is chronicled in his latest book The Klan Whisperer as well as his book Klan-Destine Relationships and the documentary Accidental Courtesy. Daryl’s TEDx talk has nearly 13 million views.

5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Reception with food and refreshments
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – Lecture and performance*

*The lecture will also be streamed to ASU Live. Join us in-person to experience Davis performing with ASU student musicians.

Bass, vocals – Logan Cormany, The Joeys
Drums – Hayden Lamm, The Joeys
Guitar, vocals – Dean Cheney, The Joeys
Keyboard – Ben Maurer, The Joeys
Tenor sax – Danny Morissett
Trumpet – Dorian Moore