Alive with Steve Burns Confronting Hate One Conversation at a Time with Daryl Davis
Dec 17, 2025
Daryl Davis, a blues musician and activist, shares his groundbreaking experiences engaging with white supremacists, including his encounters with Klan members. He discusses how childhood experiences sparked his quest to understand hatred and led him to confront it through conversation. Daryl's approach emphasizes patience and understanding, illustrating how friendship can bridge ideological divides. He highlights the transformative power of exposure and education, sharing stories of over 200 individuals who renounced hate after their dialogues with him.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Childhood Moment That Sparked A Mission
- At age 10 Daryl Davis was pelted during a parade and learned about racism for the first time.
- That moment sparked his lifelong question: how can you hate me when you don't even know me?
Meeting A Klansman At The Silver Dollar Lounge
- While playing piano at a club, Daryl met a Klansman who enjoyed his music and gave him a Klan membership card.
- That unexpected friendship led to regular visits and deeper conversations about the Klan.
Interviewing A Grand Dragon In A Motel Room
- Daryl arranged a motel interview with Grand Dragon Roger Kelly and met him face-to-face with a recorder and a Bible.
- The meeting began tense but relaxed as conversation replaced fear and suspicion.