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Speaker & KKK bridge-builder

Daryl Davis

Transform racial divides with Daryl Davis, speaker and bridge-builder. Daryl works with organizations to overcome prejudice through dialogue and conflict resolution, delivering TEDx-featured insights from his 40-year journey converting KKK members.

Trusted by TEDx

Daryl Davis
Daryl Davis

Daryl Davis

Baltimore, United States

Typical fee range

$11k–25k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Book Daryl

Baltimore, United States

Starting from

$11k–25k

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loading@getapeptalk.com

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+44 203 835 2929

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Daryl Davis's biography

At a glance

  • Blues musician who played piano for Chuck Berry
  • Transforms racial hatred through meaningful conversation
  • Convinced KKK members to renounce their beliefs
Daryl Davis is a blues and rock musician who transforms racial hatred through conversation. As Chuck Berry's pianist for 32 years, he channelled his musical talent alongside a remarkable mission: building bridges with those who initially despised him because of his race, including Ku Klux Klan members. Davis's credentials include authoring "Klan-Destine Relationships" and "The Klan Whisperer," documenting his four-decade journey engaging white supremacists. His work features in the award-winning documentary "Accidental Courtesy," and his TEDx talk has garnered nearly 13 million views, establishing him as a respected voice in race relations. Through patient listening rather than confrontation, Davis helps organizations navigate complex conflicts by demonstrating how genuine dialogue creates understanding across seemingly insurmountable divides. His approach has led numerous Klan leaders to renounce their beliefs and surrender their robes—powerful evidence that conversation can dismantle entrenched hatred and build unexpected alliances in polarized environments. Audiences leave Davis's presentations with practical communication strategies to overcome prejudice, recognize shared humanity despite differences, and transform adversarial relationships into productive ones. His methodology provides actionable frameworks for defusing tension in workplaces, communities, and personal relationships. Book Daryl Davis to give your audience more than inspiration, provide them with proven techniques to build bridges across today's most challenging divides.

Daryl's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Daryl

Daryl Davis, renowned blues musician and racial reconciliation expert, transforms organizational conflict through his proven methodology of dialogue that has convinced numerous KKK members to surrender their robes and renounce hatred. Book Daryl to equip your team with practical communication strategies that bridge seemingly impossible divides and create understanding in today's polarized environment.

Testimonials

Daryl was outstanding! He was a fantastic presenter and our audience really appreciated his message.

Sr. Marketing Event Manager

You are being hailed as the 'best speaker' that we've had over the past decade! We are still receiving incredibly positive feedback about your remarks. Your message was timely, and hopefully it will inspire many in Indy to be more courageous and to seek the engagement, dialogue, and understanding necessary to better unify our city and region in the face of a re-energized white supremacy movement.

President & CEO

Our team has received many positive comments from attendees, both virtual and in-person. They were particularly impressed with Daryl's insights about how we can cultivate community and understanding through conversation, even if we disagree. I am confident that his talk will have a lasting impact on the Rutgers community members who were in attendance.

Director of Strategic Initiatives

Featured Projects

Daryl Davis - KLAN-DESTINE Relationships book cover
Daryl Davis - Accidental Courtesy: Daryl Davis, Race & America book cover
Daryl Davis - Case For Kindness book cover

frequently asked questions

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Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.

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Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.

What does the typical fee range mean?

The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.

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Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.

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Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

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Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

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What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

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When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

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When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

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Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

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Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

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Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

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