Davis to present a life's worth of lessons as keynote speaker for Limestone College's MLK festivities

Daryl Davis has overcome hate in his life to perform with musical pioneers Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters and win a Grammy Award for his piano playing.

Davis has not forgotten the lessons learned growing up in an America where the civil rights movement existed alongside hate groups.

The black musician will speak Monday, Jan. 19, at 11 a.m. in Fullerton Auditorium as part of the college's fifth annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration.

Davis was pelted with rocks and bottles when he was 10 years old while carrying an American flag for his Scout troop at a parade in Boston. At 15, he was jeered at and told by another hate group he would be shipped back to Africa.

These experiences led Davis on a journey to learn more about the Ku Klux Klan. He wrote the book "Klan-Destine Relationships" about his efforts to explore the roots of racism in the deep South.

In his biography, Davis said he was driven by the need to understand how people could hate someone without ever meeting them just because of their skin color.

"After 134 years of nothing but violence and hatred, it's time we get to know one another on a social basis, not under a cover of darkness," Davis said in his biography.

Limestone College has cancelled its 11 a.m. classes that Monday so students can hear Davis speak at the Martin Luther King Jr. program. The free event is open to the public.

Davis will perform on the piano at the end of his Limestone College program.

Davis earned his Bachelor of Music Degree from Howard University. An accomplished blues and R&B musician, he has toured extensively with Muddy Waters' Legendary Blues Band and Chuck Berry.

Following the program, Davis will make an appearance at a ticket-only luncheon in the Stephenson Banquet Room.

He will have copies of his books available and will host a question-and-answer session.

Tickets for the luncheon are $10 and must be purchased in advance. Seating is limited to 125 persons.

Tickets are available through the Limestone College Chaplain's Office by calling 488-8274.