For Immediate Release
Contact: Lea Ann Scales
Assistant Vice President
of Public Relations and Marketing
(508) 929-8018
February 2, 2012
(Worcester, Mass.) — The Worcester State University Diversity Lecture Series continues this spring semester with two lectures.
Daryl Davis: One Man’s Journey to Infiltrate the KKK, will be presented, Wednesday, February 22 at 11:30 a.m. in the Student Center Blue Lounge. Davis is an African American who has come in closer contact with members of the Ku Klux Klan than most white non-members. Over the last ten years, Davis, who authored the book, “Klan-destine Relationships,” became the recipient of robes and hoods from Klan members who came to him to rescind their beliefs. Davis earned his Bachelor of Music Degree from Howard University. An accomplished blues and R&B musician, he performs regularly with his own Daryl Davis Band. He has toured extensively with Muddy Water's Legendary Blues Band and Chuck Berry, among others.
As a race relations expert, Daryl Davis has received acclaim for his book, Klan-Destine Relationships and his work in race relations from many respected sources including: CNN, CNBC, Good Morning America, The Learning Channel, National Public Radio, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, The Baltimore Sun, The American Ethical Union and The Washington Ethical Society.
The final lecture in the series features Dave Stevens and his presentation, “Impossible Dream, Tuesday March 6 at 11:30 a.m. in the Student Center Blue Lounge. Stevens was born in 1966 without legs. He attended Wickenburg High School in Arizona where he was a three-sport athlete (Football, Baseball and Wrestling). While in high school, he set three Arizona State Records, most takedowns in a single wrestling season (118), most career Baseball Walks (96) previously held by Bob Horner, and also the Season Record for Walks (46). After high school, Stevens went on to attend Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he was a varsity letterman in Football from 87-90. He was also a varsity letterman in Baseball in 87, in which his team went to the Division III national tournament. He is the only congenital amputee to ever play college football or Minor League Baseball. He is the winner of seven Emmy Awards for contributions to many ESPN shows such as Baseball Tonight, Sports Center and Sunday NFL Countdown. Stevens played for the St. Paul Saints minor league independent team in 1996.
The Worcester State University Diversity Lecture Series is sponsored by the Student Center/Student Activities Office and Disability Services.
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