08-20-2017, 11:11 AM
Dick Gregory, comedian. Do you remember what I said about comedy being the greatest cultural contribution of the Silent Generation?
Richard Claxton Gregory (October 12, 1932 – August 19, 2017)[1], known as Dick Gregory, was an American civil rights activist, social critic, writer, entrepreneur, comedian, and actor. During the turbulent 1960s, Gregory became a pioneer in stand-up comedy for his "no-holds-barred" sets, in which he mocked bigotry and racism. He primarily performed at segregated clubs to black audiences until 1961, when he became the first black comedian to successfully cross over to white audiences, appearing on television and putting out comedy record albums.[2]
Gregory was at the forefront of political activism in the 1960s, protesting the Vietnam War and racial injustice. He was arrested multiple times and went on a hunger strike. He later became a motivational speaker and author, primarily promoting spirituality.[2]
In August 2017, Gregory died of heart failure at a Washington, D.C. hospital, age 84.[2]
Read much more on the Wikipedia page.
Richard Claxton Gregory (October 12, 1932 – August 19, 2017)[1], known as Dick Gregory, was an American civil rights activist, social critic, writer, entrepreneur, comedian, and actor. During the turbulent 1960s, Gregory became a pioneer in stand-up comedy for his "no-holds-barred" sets, in which he mocked bigotry and racism. He primarily performed at segregated clubs to black audiences until 1961, when he became the first black comedian to successfully cross over to white audiences, appearing on television and putting out comedy record albums.[2]
Gregory was at the forefront of political activism in the 1960s, protesting the Vietnam War and racial injustice. He was arrested multiple times and went on a hunger strike. He later became a motivational speaker and author, primarily promoting spirituality.[2]
In August 2017, Gregory died of heart failure at a Washington, D.C. hospital, age 84.[2]
Read much more on the Wikipedia page.
The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the dedicated Communist but instead the people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction, true and false, no longer exists -- Hannah Arendt.