From Hate to Dialogue: A Conversation with Daryl Davis, “Klan Whisperer” (Ep. 41)

Courageous Conversations About Our Schools

How many of us would have the courage to have a conversation with someone who hates us? My guest, Daryl Davis, has done just that, not once, but for decades, with members of the Ku Kluz Klan and other hate groups, and many have renounced their ideology after getting to know him. A Black musician, Davis shares his unbelievable story driven by one powerful question: "How can you hate me when you don't even know me?" Prepare to be challenged to rethink how we and our students engage with those who seem the furthest from us.

Here are some of Davis’s key recommendations for educators:

• Create opportunities for students to engage with and learn from people with unfamiliar backgrounds and perspectives. Go beyond designated "diversity" events or months.
• Teach history honestly, including the shameful parts that students can learn from.
• Encourage students to “walk across the cafeteria” and to have conversations with those outside of their affinity group. Davis attributes his propensity for empathy to his early school experiences in highly diverse classrooms.)
• Encourage students to form groups based on common interests rather than race or ethnicity.

Notable quotes about Daryl Davis:

"Daryl Davis is a national treasure—he's living proof it's possible to talk people out of their hate...If everyone followed his lead, the world would be a more respectful, thoughtful place." - Adam Grant, #1 New Your Times bestselling author, host of Re: Thinking podcast

"I have a lot of respect for Daryl Davis." - Former KKK Imperial Wizard

"Daryl Davis has proven that when you open your heart to someone, you give them a chance to open their heart to you." - Morgan Freeman, Academy Award-winning actor, producer, and narrator.

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