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Bio

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 book Klan-Destine Relationships and the documentary Accidental Courtesy. Daryl’s TEDx talk has nearly 13 million views.

Keynote : From Discord to Harmony: Transforming Conflict Into Collaboration
Keynote: Meeting Hate With Humanity: The Power of Civility and Dialogue
Keynote : Hail, Hail Rock and Roll — The Ultimate Bridge-Builder