A Short History of Dick Gregory

Since Dick Gregory is coming to speak at the Black Power Rally on Thursday, October 23 at Michigan State University, here is a very brief history on him:

Richard Claxton Gregory, better known as Dick Gregory, is not only one of the best standup comedians of all time, but he is a pioneer and an activist as well. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 12, 1932, Gregory was a track star in high school, earning himself a scholarship to Southern Illinois University. He joined the US Army, where he began his work as a standup comedian, winning various Army talent shows. He then began to work in Chicago following his service. Soon after, Gregory went to Selma, Alabama to participate in a voter registration drive for blacks, where he spoke as well. Gregory was also involved in the anti-Vietnam war movement, economic empowerment, and anti-War on Drug movements.

Gregory ran for mayor of Chicago, as well as President of the United States, with fellow civil rights advocate Mark Lane as his VP candidate. He ran as the nominee of the Freedom and Peace Party, and garnered exactly 47,097 votes. This is very remarkable, given that he was a write-in candidate, and that he ran in 1968. Gregory was among the first blacks to every run for the President of the United States, along with Charlene Mitchell, who also ran for President in 1968, as the nominee of the Communist Party.

Gregory is married to Lillian, with whom he has ten children. Gregory’s work is known for his satirical, biting style than encompasses all subject matters, from racial relations to politics to religion.