Daryl Davis, Feature for SWR

Members of the Ku Klux Klan catch attention just by their ghost-like appearance -- wearing white robes and hoods, they have become a worldwide symbol of racial hatred. Since the Klan was founded 133 years ago, their members have made headlines because of violent outbursts that ranged from torture and rape to lynching. Those who are not the target of violence can get away unharmed as long as they look the other way and keep their mouths shut. Courageous people sometimes intervene to protect those who are persecuted. But what if one of the potential targets ventures into the lion's den voluntarily, alone, and unarmed? This is precisely what happened in the United States. A black man by the name Daryl Davis set up appointments with members of the Ku Klux Klan, to exchange views. Some of them threatened him, or they simply refused to talk to him. Others, however, are his friends today, and Daryl Davis owns a collection of robes, hoods, and Ku Klux Klan membership certificates because twelve members quit the Klan on his behalf and gave him their paraphernalia. Georg Hirsch met Daryl Davis and his friends.

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