DarylDavis

Absolutely!!! Despite what you may have read in the numerous press articles about me converting KKK members, I NEVER set out to convert anyone. I simply set out to ask a question I had formed in my mind as a kid: "How can you hate me when you don't even know me?" Growing up, we all are told, "A tiger doesn't change its stripes, a leopard doesn't change its spots," etc. I believed that and I didn't think anyone was going to change, so that wasn't my initial goal. I just wanted the answer to my question. But over time, though repeated interactions with various KKK members around the country, some of them began questioning their own beliefs as a result of their interacations and conversations with me. Then they began quitting, and I was astounded. Exposure and one-on-one dialogue is the KEY to solving a lot of issues in this country, not just racial ones. We live in echo chambers in which we surround ourselves with people who will reflect back to us, the very same thing we say to them. Therefore we block out anything from the outside as being inferior to what we learn in our little bubbles. I like traveling outside the bubble. Even people with good intentions, tend to shut out those who may hold different opinions. I am willing to listen all all.

People make the mistake of forming anti-racist groups that are rendered ineffective from the start because ONLY invite those who share their beliefs to their meetings.

• Provide a safe neutral meeting place.

• Learn as much as you can about the ideology of a racist or perceived racist in your area.

• Invite that person to meet with your group.

*VERY IMPORTANT - LISTEN to that person. What is his/her primary concern? Place yourself in their shoes. What would you do to address their concern if it were you?

• As questions, but keep calm in the face of their loud, boisterous posture if that is on display, don't combat it with the same

*While you are actively learning about someone else, realize that you are passively teaching them about yourself. Be honest and respectful to them, regardless of how offensive you may find them. You can let them know your disagreement but not in an offensive manner.

• Don't be afraid to invite someone with a different opinion to your table. If everyone in your group agrees with one another and you shun those who don't agree, how will anything ever change? You are doing nothing more than preaching to the choir.

*When two enemies are talking, they are not fighting, they are talking. They may be yelling and screaming and pounding their fist on the table in disagreement to drive home their point, but at least they are talking. It is when the talking ceases, that the ground becomes fertile for violence. So, KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING.

I have met some who engaged in horrific crimes, including murder. Some have even gotten away with it, while others have gone to prison for it and still show no remorse. You look into their eyes and you can instantly tell, your life is in their crosshairs.

Another tough meeting is when I meet families and their are young children involved. You don't have to be a psychic to predict that child's future. It's like going to a drug-infested ghetto and seeing a mother who is a prostitute and the father is either in prison or selling drugs on the street. There's a small child in the home. Whiel there is always the rare exception, you know there is a better chance that kid will not finish school, will have an arrest record in his teens, and may be dead before the age of 30.

When you meet with some of these people and you can predict these things, that is VERY scary.

There are people who will not associate with me and who shun me because of my association with KKK members or neo-Nazis. But no, I have not lost any friends or family, because my friends and family already know that I'm crazy!!! :)

I was motivated by the racism I would encounter. I love people, I love my country. I have been to 53 countries around the world on 6 continents and I've seen different people get along in most of them. I know the United States can be a better place and we all have an obligation to making our society a better place not just for ourselves but for all Americans. I am just doing my part.

Do you mean KKKondum?