The author of the acclaimed book Klan-Destine Relationships, Davis seeks to empower others to confront their own prejudices and overcome their fears, establishing a common ground to help forge peace even with the most unlikely adversaries. Davis believes that after decades of violence and hatred, racism can be overcome as we get to know one another on a social basis, not under a cover of darkness. This quest into the heart of ignorance and hatred gave Davis a ray of hope for harmony between races. Davis met Roger Kelly, Imperial Wizard of the Invincible Empire Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, and began to explore the Klan, gaining real insight into its workings and members’ minds. Driven by the need to understand those who, without ever having met him, hated him because of the color of his skin, Daryl decided to seek out the roots of racism. The title of his presentation is “A Black Man’s Odyssey into the Ku Klux Klan.” Convocation: Daryl Davisĭaryl Davis, a Grammy Award winning blues and R&B pianist, took an extraordinary journey into the heart of one of America’s most fanatical institutions – the Ku Klux Klan. The author of the acclaimed book “Klan-Destine Relationships,” Davis seeks to empower others to confront their own prejudices and overcome their fears, establishing a common ground to help forge peace even with the most unlikely adversaries. Roger was born on in Shumway, Illinois to the late Rolla and Edna (Kirchhofer) Kelly. He has Klan robes and hoods hanging in his closet, given to him voluntarily by members who have quit the Klan since coming to know him. Kelly, 81, of Indianapolis, passed away at Greenwood Meadows on August 11, 2021. This courageous quest into the heart of ignorance and hatred gave Davis a ray of hope for harmony between races. Through Kelly and others, Davis began to explore the Klan, gaining real insight into its workings and members’ minds. Finding that the Klan was entrenched not only in the Deep South but in his own neighborhood, Davis set out to meet Roger Kelly, Imperial Wizard of the Invincible Empire Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. Driven by the need to understand those who, without ever having met him, hate him because of the color of his skin, Daryl decided to seek out the roots of racism. Daryl Davis, a Grammy Award winning blues and R&B pianist, took an extraordinary journey into the heart of one of America’s most fanatical institutions – the Ku Klux Klan.

Who was roger kelly