Dick Gregory Leaves It All To Us [View all]

[bigtree]

Last edited Sun Aug 20, 2017, 04:32 PM - Edit history (2)

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I was very saddened to learn of Dick Gregory's passing last night. He was a permanent part of the D.C. landscape, as a comedian and an activist.

I remember him fighting for civil rights in the '60s and beyond. I can remember him fighting for D.C. home rule in the '70s and for D.C. statehood in the 80's and beyond.

There were countless hunger strikes and countless arrests as Mr. Gregory placed the public interest and need ahead of his entertainment career. Indeed, his performances became his activism.

I remember, in the '80s, how my father would sneak out to stand or march with Mr. Gregory when he was serving as acting Director and Director of Civil Rights at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Dick Gregory was as well known in our household as Dad's worn paperback copy of his '64 autobiography, 'N****r' (still have it). Looks a lot like this one...



I had a chance a few years ago to relate that to him and received a gracious reply back (and a twitter follow!).

I also stood with Mr. Gregory and others in several statehood demonstrations in D.C.. He was always inspiring and eloquent as he advocated for self-determination for D.C. voters.

A great deal of important history is left to those of us who shared the past along with Dick Gregory, now that he's passed on. May we all strive to agitate, inspire, and advocate as hard as this amazing man did in his lifetime.

Mom's flyer from '65 March on Montgomery. Mr Gregory one of the scheduled speakers...