Daryl Davis
Keynote Speaker: Racial Reconciliation Advocate, Author, Musician
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Daryl Davis Biography
Daryl Davis is committed to fostering understanding and reconciliation through conversation, a mission he has pursued passionately for nearly four decades. His firsthand experiences in engaging with leaders of the KKK and White supremacist groups are central to his work, driven by a profound question: "How can you hate me when you don’t even know me?" This inquiry was sparked by a painful childhood incident where he was targeted with rocks, bottles, and soda cans by White spectators during a parade. Over the years, Davis has employed civility, patience, and attentiveness to counter hatred, leading to genuine friendships and transformative changes among many who have renounced their extremist beliefs. Some have symbolically handed over their robes and hoods to him as a gesture of their changed hearts.
As an accomplished speaker, Davis is renowned for his storytelling prowess, providing audiences with practical tools to enhance their work environments, communities, and personal relationships. His profound insights are documented in his book “Klan-Destine Relationships” and the documentary “Accidental Courtesy.” His TEDx talk, which explores his unique approach to combatting racism, has garnered over 12 million views.
Davis graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Music Degree and was later honored with an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Post University, recognizing his distinctive contributions to race relations. His music career is equally distinguished, having performed with icons like Chuck Berry and The Legendary Blues Band. While music remains his professional pursuit, his dedication to improving race relations is relentless, earning him the nickname “The Rock'n'Roll Race Reconciliator.”
His journey into the heart of racial conflict began unexpectedly when, during a break at a bar performance, a man complimented his piano style but revealed himself to be a member of the Ku Klux Klan. This encounter led Davis to engage with various supremacist groups across the U.S., gaining insights that he shared in “Klan-Destine Relationships,” the first book by a Black author discussing the Klan based on face-to-face interviews. His efforts are further chronicled in “Accidental Courtesy,” which has been frequently showcased on PBS.
Appointed by the U.S. State Department for his expertise, Davis has represented the country in global programs on race relations and conflict resolution. He has been recognized with numerous accolades for his pioneering work, including the Elliott-Black Award, the Carl Sagan Award & Prize, and the Tribeca Disruption Innovation Award, among others. His commentary and perspectives are sought after by major news outlets like CNN, MSNBC, and The Washington Post.
Davis believes the most potent tool against ignorance and hatred is communication, a resource he argues is underutilized in modern America despite advanced technology. He emphasizes that fear unchecked breeds hatred, and hatred uncontrolled leads to destruction, advocating for dialogue to foster understanding and dismantle fears.
In presentations, Davis shares remarkable anecdotes from his interactions with White supremacists, some of which are humorously absurd yet underscore the risks he takes for reconciliation. His approach has proven effective in transforming adversaries into allies, inspiring his audience to confront their fears, challenge their prejudices, and actively engage in creating more inclusive communities.
Beyond his speaking and writing endeavors, Davis runs Lyrad Music, a music publishing and licensing company. He has also acted in notable productions, including HBO’s “The Wire.” Through all his roles, Davis continues to demonstrate the transformative power of dialogue and the importance of confronting and understanding hatred to effect positive change.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Daryl Davis and other top speakers and celebrities.
Daryl Davis Speaking Topics
Conflict is unavoidable in everyday life – it’s how we react to it that matters. Maybe you’re a manager trying to defuse tension among employees…your co-worker doesn’t share your beliefs or background…or you have a long-simmering disagreement with a family member or neighbor. The one thing all conflict has in common – nothing gets solved until the opposing sides talk about it. In his presentation, Daryl Davis empowers people with a universal tool kit to resolve conflict at work, at home, and in the community – one conversation at a time.
Daryl Davis draws on 40+ years of engaging KKK and far-right White supremacist groups to unpack why hate crimes and rhetoric are on the rise. The daily headlines are troubling, but Daryl reminds audiences hate is learned – and what is learned can be unlearned. He encourages people to engage and educate, not shun and cancel, those with toxic beliefs, and he shows them how. “Ignorance breeds fear, fear breeds hate, and hate breeds destruction. Engaging and finding common ground is the key to defusing fear.”
At its inception, Rock ’n’ Roll was called “the devil’s music” among many derogatory names by its detractors. Some cities banned it altogether. Rooted in Black R&B and Blues, its infectious beat led young people in the South to leap over the rope that segregated Whites from Blacks in the audience. The 1957, Chuck Berry lyric, “Hail, hail Rock’n’Roll, deliver me from the days of old,” in his hit song School Days, celebrated the music as a turning point in race relations. Daryl brings that history forward into his own story, using music as a common denominator and proving that musical and racial harmony go hand-in-hand.
It was music that launched Daryl Davis’ crazy connection to the Ku Klux Klan. He was complimented at a show by a White man who said he’d never heard a Black man play piano like Jerry Lee Lewis. Daryl explained that Lewis, who was actually a friend of his, learned his style by imitating Black artists of the day. The guy didn’t believe it. He also confessed to being a member of the KKK. The ensuing conversation led to an introduction to the leader of the Maryland KKK. Daryl interviewed him for his book and became his unlikely friend. In this talk, Daryl recounts how rock’n’roll – called "the devil’s music" by its detractors at the time of its inception – broke down early racial barriers with young people in the 1950s. Daryl brings that history forward into his own story, using music as a common denominator and proving that musical and racial harmony go hand-in-hand. He has been dubbed "The Rock'n'Roll Race Reconciliator" for helping people find common ground. Daryl punctuates his captivating presentation with a thrilling musical performance, in the signature Boogie-Woogie style he honed while backing Chuck Berry and other rock'n'roll legends.
The forces of hate are on the rise in America, making more headlines each day. What can be done about this troubling trend? With over 40 years of engaging KKK and far-right White supremacist groups as a Black man, Daryl Davis provides answers and tells audiences what’s driving this domestic terror, including fear of 2042, the year America is predicted to become a non-White majority nation. Fringe groups are stoking people’s worst fears about that – fostering hate that is very real and extremely dangerous. In this talk, Daryl reminds people, hate is learned – and what is learned can be unlearned. Engaging and educating, not shunning those with toxic beliefs, is crucial. Sharing his powerful personal stories of building true friendships with the same people who once hated him simply for the color of his skin, shows how to build bridges and be a force creating a better world. Engaging those who don’t share our beliefs promotes understanding and respect, even in the face of serious disagreement or differences. Daryl believes we can all play a part in ending hate because, as he says, “There’s only one race – the human race.”
Audiences leave Daryl’s lecture understanding:
- How fear drives hate and engagement overcomes it
- The key to changing another’s reality through perception
- Ways to overcome one’s own prejudices, biases, and fears
- How one person can make a world of positive difference
- How to navigate a world of ever-growing diversity
Daryl Davis Videos
How do I book Daryl Davis to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Daryl Davis for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Daryl Davis, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Daryl Davis or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Daryl Davis for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Daryl Davis, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Daryl Davis are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Daryl Davis, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Daryl Davis speak about?
Daryl Davis is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Diversity & Inclusion, Black Heritage, Black History Month, Social Activism, Music, Human Resources, Ethics & Integrity and Personal Growth.
Where does Daryl Davis travel from?
Daryl Davis generally travels from Silver Spring, MD, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Daryl Davis?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Daryl Davis for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Daryl Davis for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Daryl Davis or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Daryl Davis is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Diversity & Inclusion, Black Heritage and Black History Month. The estimated speaking fee range to book Daryl Davis for live events is $10,000 - $20,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. Daryl Davis generally travels from Silver Spring, MD, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Nikki Giovanni, Ijeoma Oluo and Maya Wiley. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Daryl Davis for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Daryl Davis Speaking Topics
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From Discord to Harmony: Transforming Conflict into Collaboration
Conflict is unavoidable in everyday life – it’s how we react to it that matters. Maybe you’re a manager trying to defuse tension among employees…your co-worker doesn’t share your beliefs or background…or you have a long-simmering disagreement with a family member or neighbor. The one thing all conflict has in common – nothing gets solved until the opposing sides talk about it. In his presentation, Daryl Davis empowers people with a universal tool kit to resolve conflict at work, at home, and in the community – one conversation at a time.
-
Meeting Hate with Humanity: The Power of Civility and Dialogue
Daryl Davis draws on 40+ years of engaging KKK and far-right White supremacist groups to unpack why hate crimes and rhetoric are on the rise. The daily headlines are troubling, but Daryl reminds audiences hate is learned – and what is learned can be unlearned. He encourages people to engage and educate, not shun and cancel, those with toxic beliefs, and he shows them how. “Ignorance breeds fear, fear breeds hate, and hate breeds destruction. Engaging and finding common ground is the key to defusing fear.”
-
Hail, Hail Rock and Roll – The Ultimate Bridge-Builder
At its inception, Rock ’n’ Roll was called “the devil’s music” among many derogatory names by its detractors. Some cities banned it altogether. Rooted in Black R&B and Blues, its infectious beat led young people in the South to leap over the rope that segregated Whites from Blacks in the audience. The 1957, Chuck Berry lyric, “Hail, hail Rock’n’Roll, deliver me from the days of old,” in his hit song School Days, celebrated the music as a turning point in race relations. Daryl brings that history forward into his own story, using music as a common denominator and proving that musical and racial harmony go hand-in-hand.
-
THE ULTIMATE BRIDGE-BUILDER
It was music that launched Daryl Davis’ crazy connection to the Ku Klux Klan. He was complimented at a show by a White man who said he’d never heard a Black man play piano like Jerry Lee Lewis. Daryl explained that Lewis, who was actually a friend of his, learned his style by imitating Black artists of the day. The guy didn’t believe it. He also confessed to being a member of the KKK. The ensuing conversation led to an introduction to the leader of the Maryland KKK. Daryl interviewed him for his book and became his unlikely friend. In this talk, Daryl recounts how rock’n’roll – called "the devil’s music" by its detractors at the time of its inception – broke down early racial barriers with young people in the 1950s. Daryl brings that history forward into his own story, using music as a common denominator and proving that musical and racial harmony go hand-in-hand. He has been dubbed "The Rock'n'Roll Race Reconciliator" for helping people find common ground. Daryl punctuates his captivating presentation with a thrilling musical performance, in the signature Boogie-Woogie style he honed while backing Chuck Berry and other rock'n'roll legends.
-
2042 – WHAT’S DRIVING HATE AND HOW TO STOP IT
The forces of hate are on the rise in America, making more headlines each day. What can be done about this troubling trend? With over 40 years of engaging KKK and far-right White supremacist groups as a Black man, Daryl Davis provides answers and tells audiences what’s driving this domestic terror, including fear of 2042, the year America is predicted to become a non-White majority nation. Fringe groups are stoking people’s worst fears about that – fostering hate that is very real and extremely dangerous. In this talk, Daryl reminds people, hate is learned – and what is learned can be unlearned. Engaging and educating, not shunning those with toxic beliefs, is crucial. Sharing his powerful personal stories of building true friendships with the same people who once hated him simply for the color of his skin, shows how to build bridges and be a force creating a better world. Engaging those who don’t share our beliefs promotes understanding and respect, even in the face of serious disagreement or differences. Daryl believes we can all play a part in ending hate because, as he says, “There’s only one race – the human race.”
Audiences leave Daryl’s lecture understanding:
- How fear drives hate and engagement overcomes it
- The key to changing another’s reality through perception
- Ways to overcome one’s own prejudices, biases, and fears
- How one person can make a world of positive difference
- How to navigate a world of ever-growing diversity
VIDEO
Daryl Davis Videos
REVIEWS
Daryl Davis Reviews
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I am so grateful to have worked with Daryl!
Post University - Feb 23 2022 -
Another EXCELLENT collaboration! I look forward to working together again soon.
Wingate University - Mar 01 2021 -
Central Middle School - Jan 23 2019
NEWS
Daryl Davis News
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I wanted to understand why racists hated me. So I befriended ...
“Hello,” I began, “I'm Daryl Davis.” I offered my palm, and Kelly shook my hand as he and the nighthawk introduced themselves. He sat in the chair I had set out, and the nighthawk stood at attention beside him. We were both apprehensive of the other, and the interview started haltingly. We discussed what he had hoped to ...
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Black Man Gets KKK Members To Disavow By Befriending Them ...
How can you hate me if you don't even know me?” Daryl Davis asks in the new documentary “Accidental Courtesy.”
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How One Man Convinced 200 Ku Klux Klan Members To Give Up ...
One by one, Daryl Davis has befriended KKK members over the past 30 years. The more they got to know the African-American musician, the more they realized the Klan was not for them.
FAQS
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How do I book Daryl Davis to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Daryl Davis for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Daryl Davis, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Daryl Davis or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Daryl Davis for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Daryl Davis, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Daryl Davis are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Daryl Davis, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Daryl Davis speak about?
Daryl Davis is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Diversity & Inclusion, Black Heritage, Black History Month, Social Activism, Music, Human Resources, Ethics & Integrity and Personal Growth. -
Where does Daryl Davis travel from?
Daryl Davis generally travels from Silver Spring, MD, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Daryl Davis?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Daryl Davis for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Daryl Davis for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Daryl Davis or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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