![]() And if he did, his friend Kelly would be quick to disabuse them.Ĭopyright © 1996 Cable News Network, Inc.Įxternal sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive. An encounter with prejudice early in life led black musician Daryl Davis on a quest to determine the source of the hate, leading to how and why he has. "As Roger said, many of his views have not changed on the Klan, and I have my views on the Klan, (but) I certainly have learned a lot."īut Davis has no illusions about the Klan and its doctrines. "I think I've found a friend," Davis said. You know it hasn't changed my views about the Klan because my views on the Klan (have) been pretty much cemented in my mind." We get to know one another and we do different things. The title 'Grand Wizard' was used by the first Klan which was founded in 1865 and which existed during the. "I believe that's in the best interest of all races. The Grand Wizard (later the Grand and Imperial Wizard simplified as the Imperial Wizard and eventually, the National Director) was the national leader of several different Ku Klux Klan organizations in the United States and abroad. "I believe in separation of the races," said Kelly. Regardless of their friendship, both men have been able to tenaciously maintain their views of each other's group. ![]() "We don't agree on everything, but at least he respects me to sit down and listen and I respect him." "I would follow that man to hell and back because I believe in what he stands for," Kelly said. "I sat on the front row and I listened to each Klansman speak, some things I agreed with, some things I did not agree with," Davis said.Īnd despite the Klan's espousal of racial segregation, Kelly did not hesitate at one rally to proclaim his respect for Davis. Frank Ancona, the so-called Imperial Wizard of a Missouri faction of the Ku Klux Klan has been was found shot dead from a single gunshot wound to the head. Kelly and his Klan friends go to hear Davis and his band, and Davis thinks his presence at the Klan rallies promotes badly needed understanding. "I got more respect for this black man than I do for you white n-s out there," Kelly said angrily.ĭavis says he is trying to bridge the gap that stems from ignorance and a fear of the unknown. It was a gesture of rejection that angered Kelly. ![]() ( 1.6M QuickTime movie)Īs a Klan member made her shrill plea for racial hatred, residents of Clairmont attempted to drown out her voice by singing. He has attended KKK demonstrations and recruiting events, but is not allowed to attend cross-burnings.Īt a recent rally in Clairmont, Maryland, the Klan had a tough day as residents rejected their message of white separatism with some amusement. WASHINGTON (CNN) - At a time of intensifying ethnic stress, Daryl Davis, an African-American, and Ku Klux Klan wizard Roger Kelly have reached across a deep divide to form an unlikely friendship.ĭavis began attending Ku Klux Klan gatherings several years ago while interviewing Kelly for a book.Īnd now, he's welcome at those rallies. CNN - African-American, KKK wizard forge unlikely friendship - JAfrican-American, KKK wizard
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