Blue's musician Daryl Davis' exhibit at Holocaust Center

MAITLAND — The Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida announces the exhibit Uprooting Prejudice: Conversations for Change, a first-of-its-kind exhibit that examines the indelible link between antisemitism and racism as told through the unique perspective of award-winning blues musician Daryl Davis. The exhibit opened Oct. 15.

Davis has dedicated his life to fighting white supremacy by getting to know and de-radicalizing former members of groups such as the Ku Klux Klan. He accomplishes these transformations through the power of respectful conversation, genuine connection and friendship.

Uprooting Prejudice: Conversations for Change begins with the history of white supremacy in the transatlantic slave trade and traces its evolution over time, as it has been used to persecute different groups around the world. It then introduces the work of Davis, who has made real connections with repentant white supremacists by beginning with a simple question: “How can you hate me when you don’t even know me.”

“We are honored to host this important exhibit and that Daryl has entrusted us with his story,” said Shelley Lauten, Interim CEO. “Fighting white supremacy wherever it exists is a key lesson of the Holocaust, and having this incredible experience at our museum is a poignant reminder.”

The exhibit also helps refute the misconception that white supremacists are only anti-Black racists. In facts, they are highly anti-Semitic, which has resulted in the current resurgence of antisemitism in public white supremacist rallies. The history displayed on the exhibit’s panels — and Davis’ life experience — shows that combating white supremacy is necessary to fighting antisemitism

“We owe it to our ancestors and generations to come to find our voices and to be heard,” said Carol Clark, Board member and chair of the exhibit’s Steering Committee. “We want to thank Daryl Davis for breaking ground and leading the way.”

The Holocaust Center was able to bring this exhibit to the Orlando area with the help of many key community partners. Among them is Orange County Public Schools, whose entire curriculum team reviewed the exhibition panels and contributed valuable insights in advance of the many educational field trips that are expected to visit.

Uprooting Prejudice: Conversations for Change is funded in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program. The exhibit was also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. In addition, the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center receives funding from United Arts of Central Florida, home of OrlandoAtPlay.com and UAArtsEd.com.