Maryland Author Befriends KKK Members to Change Minds

Daryl Davis collects KKK regalia as symbols of his ability to shift perspectives through open dialogue.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:31pm

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Maryland author Daryl Davis has made it his life's mission to change minds and fight hatred one friendship at a time. As a Black man, Davis has befriended numerous Ku Klux Klan members and convinced them to leave the hate group, collecting their robes and regalia as symbols of his ability to shift perspectives through open dialogue.

Why it matters

Davis' approach of building understanding with people who think differently from him offers a model for navigating polarized societal divides. His work highlights the potential for empathy and finding common ground to overcome deep-seated prejudices.

The details

Davis first learned about racism as a 10-year-old when he was attacked by white spectators as the only Black Cub Scout marching in a parade. Decades later, after meeting a KKK member impressed by his musical performance, Davis set out to connect with Klan leaders across the country, including the Grand Dragon of the KKK in Maryland, Roger Kelly. Despite initial hostility, Davis spent time with Kelly, even attending KKK rallies, and eventually earned his respect. One day, to Davis' surprise, Kelly announced he was leaving the Klan and shutting down his 13 chapters across different states.

  • In 1968, at age 10, Davis was attacked by white spectators as the only Black Cub Scout marching in a parade in Massachusetts.
  • In 1990, Davis set up an in-person meeting with Roger Kelly, the Grand Dragon of the KKK in Maryland, and his bodyguard.
  • Over the years, Davis has documented his experiences with KKK members across the country in his two books, 'Clandestine Relationships' and 'The Klan Whisperer'.

The players

Daryl Davis

A Maryland author who has made it his life's mission to change minds and fight hatred one friendship at a time by befriending Ku Klux Klan members and convincing them to leave the hate group.

Roger Kelly

The former Grand Dragon of the KKK in Maryland, who eventually left the Klan and shut down his 13 chapters across different states after befriending Davis.

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What they’re saying

“If you spend five minutes with your worst adversary, you're going to find something in common and that gap is going to narrow.”

— Daryl Davis

“Man, the hell I'm back because I believe in what he stands for, what he believes in, what I stand for. A lot of times we don't agree with everything, but at least he respects me to sit down and listen to me and I'll respect him, to sit down and listen to him.”

— Roger Kelly, Former Grand Dragon of the KKK in Maryland

What’s next

Davis plans to open a museum to display the KKK regalia he has collected over the years as symbols of his ability to change minds. He is also scheduled to perform at The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia on February 22nd and speak at New Spire Arts in Frederick, Maryland on March 14th.

The takeaway

Davis' approach of building understanding through open dialogue and finding common ground offers a powerful model for navigating polarized societal divides and overcoming deep-seated prejudices. His work demonstrates the potential for empathy and relationship-building to transform even the most entrenched hateful ideologies.