Early Life and Career:
– Dick Gregory was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1932.
– He excelled in running, winning a state championship in 1950.
– Earned a track scholarship to Southern Illinois University.
– Started his comedy career in Army talent shows.
– Began his career as a comedian in the 1950s.
– Known for using humor to address civil rights and social justice issues.
– Transitioned from comedy to activism in the 1960s.
– Wrote several books on civil rights, health, and diet.
Civil Rights Activism:
– Participated in numerous protests and marches during the Civil Rights Movement.
– Worked closely with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Medgar Evers.
– Challenged racial segregation and discrimination through his actions and words.
– Focused on issues of police brutality, voting rights, and racial equality.
– Used his platform to raise awareness about systemic racism in America.
Health and Nutrition Advocacy:
– Promoted healthy eating habits and vegetarianism.
– Developed the ‘Bahamian Diet’ to help people lose weight.
– Advocated for natural remedies and holistic health practices.
– Founded Health Enterprises, Inc. to provide health products and services.
– Conducted fasts and protests to draw attention to health disparities in communities.
Political Engagement:
– Ran for political office multiple times, including for President of the United States.
– Represented the Freedom and Peace Party in the 1968 presidential election.
– Used his campaigns to address social issues and promote civil rights.
– Advocated for progressive policies and government accountability.
– Believed in the power of grassroots activism to drive political change.
Legacy and Influence:
– Received numerous awards for his activism and contributions to society.
– Inspired a generation of comedians and activists to use their platforms for social change.
– Continued to speak out on issues of race, justice, and equality until his passing.
– Remembered for his wit, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to justice.
– Left a lasting impact on American culture and the fight for civil rights.
Richard Claxton Gregory (October 12, 1932 – August 19, 2017) was an American comedian, actor, writer, activist and social critic. His writings were best sellers. Gregory became popular among the African-American communities in the southern United States with his "no-holds-barred" sets, poking fun at the bigotry and racism in the United States. In 1961 he became a staple in the comedy clubs, appeared on television, and released comedy record albums.
Dick Gregory | |
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 Gregory in 1964 | |
| Born | Richard Claxton Gregory October 12, 1932 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | August 19, 2017 (aged 84) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
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| Years active | 1954–2017 |
| Spouse | Lillian Smith (m. 1959) |
| Children | 11 |
| Comedy career | |
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| Notable works and roles | In Living Black and White (1961) Nigger: An Autobiography by Dick Gregory (1964) Write Me In! (1968) |
| Website | www |
Gregory was at the forefront of political activism in the 1960s, when he protested against the Vietnam War and racial injustice, and advocated for animal rights. He was arrested multiple times and went on many hunger strikes. He later became a speaker and author. Gregory died of heart failure, aged 84, at a Washington, D.C., hospital in August 2017.