Dick Gregory

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Richard Claxton "Dick" Gregory (October 12, 1932 – August 19, 2017) was an American comedian, civil rights activist, social critic, writer, and occasional actor. He is best known for his groundbreaking comedy and his political activism, particularly his efforts to end racial segregation in the United States.

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Life and legacy

• Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Gregory grew up in poverty and worked a number of odd jobs before beginning his career as a comedian in the 1950s. His comedy routines often dealt with race relations, and he was one of the first black comedians to perform for white audiences. He rose to national prominence in the 1960s with his appearances on television talk shows and his stand-up performances.
• In addition to his comedy career, Gregory was a leading figure in the civil rights movement. He participated in numerous protests and marches, including the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, and was a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr. Gregory also ran for political office several times, including a bid for mayor of Chicago in 1967.
• Later in life, Gregory became an advocate for health and nutrition, promoting a vegetarian diet and fasting as a means of achieving optimal health. He also continued to speak out on political and social issues, including police brutality and the prison-industrial complex.
• Gregory passed away on August 19, 2017 at the age of 84.

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Early life and education

• Dick Gregory was born on October 12, 1932 in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up in poverty and dropped out of school at the age of 17 to join the Army. After completing his military service, he worked a number of odd jobs, including as a postal worker, a car washer, and a dishwasher.
• In the early 1950s, Gregory began performing stand-up comedy in clubs in the Midwest. His comedy routines often dealt with race relations and other social issues, and he quickly gained a following among both black and white audiences.

Career

• Gregory's career took off in the early 1960s, when he began appearing on national television talk shows such as The Tonight Show and The Ed Sullivan Show. He also released a number of comedy albums and wrote several books, including his autobiography, Nigger, which became a bestseller.
• In addition to his comedy career, Gregory was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement. He participated in numerous protests and marches, including the 1963 March on Washington and the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery. He also worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and was an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War.
• Gregory's political activism extended to his own life as well. In 1967, he ran for mayor of Chicago as a write-in candidate, receiving over 40,000 votes. He also ran for president of the United States in 1968 as a member of the Freedom and Peace Party, winning over 47,000 votes.
• Later in life, Gregory became a strong advocate for health and nutrition. He promoted a vegetarian diet and fasting as a means of achieving optimal health, and wrote several books on the subject, including Dick Gregory's Natural Diet for Folks Who Eat: Cookin' With Mother Nature.

Legacy

• Dick Gregory was a trailblazer in the world of comedy and a key figure in the civil rights movement. His comedy routines and political activism helped to break down racial barriers and pave the way for future generations of black comedians and activists.
• Gregory's advocacy for health and nutrition also had a lasting impact. He was a pioneer in promoting a vegetarian diet and fasting as a means of achieving optimal health, and his writings on the subject continue to inspire people
• In addition to his activism, Gregory was also a prolific writer. He authored several books, including "Nigger: An Autobiography," which was a best-seller and earned him critical acclaim. Gregory continued to be an important voice for social justice throughout his life, and he remained active in various causes until his death in 2017.
• Today, Gregory is remembered as a groundbreaking comedian and a tireless advocate for human rights. He was a powerful voice for change during a turbulent time in American history, and his legacy continues to inspire activists and comedians alike.

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