In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-8) named acclaimed pianist and Ku Klux Klan infiltrator Daryl Davis as his Local Hero.
Davis, who appears regularly at jazz rock and roll and blues festivals throughout Montgomery County and the world, and is an advocate for social progress, was interviewed by Raskin. He is a Wootton High School graduate.
Each Friday, Raskin interviews a resident in his Congressional District who he believes “are engaged in making life better for themselves and people in the community. His conversation with Dr. Daryl Davis can be viewed on his YouTube channel.
“An Eighth District Renaissance man, Dr. Davis has offered impressive and inspiring contributions to the arts and music, culture and social progress, making him a compelling Local Hero,” Raskin said.
“Our conversation explores a truly fascinating career and life devoted to social understanding and progress. I’m grateful Dr. Davis could join my weekly Local Hero series ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, when we recognize Dr. King and the continuing power of the civil rights movement for freedom and equality.”
During the interview, Davis told Raskin he tries to spend his days fulfilling MLK’s dream that the sons of slave owners and slaves would someday sit together in brotherhood. Davis spoke of sitting down to eat with members of the KKK.
Conversations “with the other person” is the way to end racism, antisemitism and other forms of hatred, he said. Traveling, and meeting people from different backgrounds, is so important, he told Raskin.
According to Davis, every human wants five core values in their lives. They want to be loved, respected, heard, treated fairly and truthfully and have the same things for their own family as others do.
Davis praised Raskin. “While many other politicians are forming self-interest cliques, sowing seeds of division, and seeking power over others, Representative Raskin is connecting with the community in which he serves, seeking ways to reduce polarization that restore civility. His example at the local level provides me great faith in his capacity to lead at the national level and sets the bar to which every politician should aspire.”
Davis is a descendant of slaves and an international recording artist who has performed and toured all fifty states and around the world. He has performed extensively with Chuck Berry, The Legendary Blues Band (formerly The Muddy Waters Blues Band), Elvis Presley’s Jordanaire and many others.
As a race relations expert, Davis has received numerous awards and high acclaim for his book, Klan-Destine Relationships, and his award-winning film documentary Accidental Courtesy. He is the first Black author to write a book on the Ku Klux Klan based upon in-person interviews and personal encounters.
