Artist & Influence: An Oral History Interview with Clifton Davis and Tayari Jones

The Billops-Hatch Artist & Influence Programming Series Presents an Oral History Interview with Clifton Davis in conversation with Tayari Jones. Artist & Influence is an annual public event featuring a live oral history interview with a notable contemporary African American artist.

Clifton Davis is an actor, singer, composer, producer, and minister. He has appeared on television shows including Clipped, Madam Secretary, and Godfather of Harlem. Davis also wrote Never Can Say Goodbye and Lookin’ Through the Windows for the Jackson 5. He currently stars on the CBS soap opera Beyond the Gates.

Tayari Jones is the Charles Howard Candler Professor of Creative Writing at Emory University. She also is the author of five novels, including the New York Times bestselling An American Marriage and, most recently, KIN.

Event Details:
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Doors Open: 5:00 p.m.
Program Begins: 6:00 p.m.
Anticipated Program End Time: 7:30 p.m.