Dick Gregory
While not the first black comedian to perform before integrated audiences, Dick Gregory, in the words of author Mel Watkins (b. 1940), “avoided most of the superficial mannerisms and traditional subjects that overtly defined old-time African American humor, concentrating on the irony and satire that undergirded it.” Ebony magazine credited Dick Gregory’s success in mainstream show business venues with opening doors for other black comedians, such as Nipsey Russell (1918–2005), Slappy White(1921–1995), Jackie “Moms” Mabley (1894–1975), Timmie Rogers (1914–2006), George Kirby (1923–1995), Redd Foxx (1922–1991), Bill Cosby (b. 1937), Godfrey Cambridge(1933–1976), and Richard Pryor(1940–2005). Gregory’s commitment to social activism became apparent with the release of the album My Brother’s Keeper, the proceeds of which funded a food bank in Mississippi.
While not the first black comedian to perform before integrated audiences, Dick Gregory, in the words of author Mel Watkins (b. 1940), “avoided most of the superficial mannerisms and traditional subjects that overtly defined old-time African American humor, concentrating on the irony and satire that undergirded it.” Ebony magazine credited Dick Gregory’s success in mainstream show business venues with opening doors for other black comedians, such as Nipsey Russell (1918–2005), Slappy White(1921–1995), Jackie “Moms” Mabley (1894–1975), Timmie Rogers (1914–2006), George Kirby (1923–1995), Redd Foxx (1922–1991), Bill Cosby (b. 1937), Godfrey Cambridge(1933–1976), and Richard Pryor(1940–2005). Gregory’s commitment to social activism became apparent with the release of the album <em>My Brother’s Keeper</em>, the proceeds of which funded a food bank in Mississippi.