Dick Gregory

Richard Claxton Gregory

(October 12, 1932 – August 19, 2017)

Comedy and Activism

Richard Claxton Gregory, commonly known as Dick Gregory, was a multifaceted American figure who left an indelible mark on the world of comedy, civil rights activism, and literature.

Early Life and Athletic Prowess

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Lucille and Presley Gregory, Dick Gregory displayed his athletic talents early in life. He attended Sumner High School, where he received support from dedicated teachers like Warren St. James. In addition to his academic achievements, he excelled in running, even winning the state cross-country championship in 1950.

Gregory’s athletic prowess earned him a track scholarship to Southern Illinois University (SIU), where he set school records in track events. He was named the university’s outstanding student-athlete in 1953. During this time, he also became a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. However, his college journey was temporarily interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army in 1954. Interestingly, it was in the army that Gregory discovered his talent for comedy, winning several talent shows at the urging of his commanding officer.

Comedy Career Begins

After being discharged from the army in 1956, Gregory briefly returned to SIU. Still, he dropped out, feeling that the university didn’t support his academic aspirations. Determined to pursue a comedy career, he moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he joined a new generation of black comedians, including Nipsey Russell, Bill Cosby, and Godfrey Cambridge. Together, they broke free from the stereotypical portrayal of black characters in minstrel shows and used humor to address current events, especially racial issues.

Gregory’s comedy was known for its sharp social commentary. He fearlessly tackled bigotry and racism in the United States with “no-holds-barred” sets. His humor resonated profoundly with African-American communities in the southern United States. By 1961, he had become a fixture in comedy clubs, appeared on television, and released successful comedy record albums.

Activism and Civil Rights

During the tumultuous 1960s, Dick Gregory was not only a comedian but also a prominent political activist. He passionately protested against the Vietnam War and racial injustice. His activism led to multiple arrests, and he engaged in numerous hunger strikes to draw attention to these causes.

As the years passed, Gregory shifted his focus towards becoming a speaker and author, primarily promoting spirituality and self-improvement. He continued to use his platform to inspire change and social progress.

Dick Gregory’s Political Ventures

Dick Gregory’s engagement in electoral politics began with his run for Mayor of Chicago in 1967, challenging the formidable Richard J. Daley. Although he did not secure victory, this marked just the beginning of his political journey.

In the 1968 United States presidential election, Gregory entered the race as a write-in candidate representing the Freedom and Peace Party, an offshoot of the Peace and Freedom Party. This audacious move garnered 47,097 votes, including one from iconic journalist Hunter S. Thompson. Gregory had fellow activist Mark Lane as his running mate in certain states, while Dr. David Frost, a biologist and Rutgers professor, joined him in New Jersey. In Virginia and Pennsylvania, renowned pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Spock stood as his running mate. Notably, the Freedom and Peace Party fielded other candidates in various positions, including Beulah Sanders for New York State Senate and Flora Brown for New York State Assembly.

Gregory’s presidential campaign made a significant impact, earning him a place on President Nixon’s master list of political opponents.

In reflection of his campaign experiences, Gregory penned the book “Write Me In.” Within its pages, he shared an intriguing anecdote about a publicity stunt tied to Operation Breadbasket in Chicago. The campaign created one-dollar bills featuring Gregory’s image, and some of these bills entered circulation. However, the majority of these distinctive bills were swiftly seized by the federal government. One reason behind this was their close resemblance to authentic U.S. currency, allowing them to function in many dollar-cashing machines of that era. Gregory humorously pointed out that he avoided federal charges because, in reality, these bills could not truly be considered United States currency, as, in his jest, “everyone knows a black man will never be on a U.S. bill.”

On October 15, 1969, Gregory addressed the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam demonstration in Washington, D.C. Before the assembled crowd, he playfully suggested that President Nixon should make a long-distance call to the LBJ ranch, referencing the impact of the demonstration on the President’s decision-making.

Dick Gregory at the Amandla Festival

On a significant date, July 21, 1979, Dick Gregory took the stage at the Amandla Festival. This event featured notable performances by artists such as Bob Marley, Patti LaBelle, and Eddie Palmieri, among others. Gregory’s presence added a unique dimension to the festival.

Before Bob Marley’s performance, Gregory delivered a speech that resonated with the audience. In his address, he placed blame on President Jimmy Carter for certain issues. Additionally, he used this platform to express his wholehearted support for the international Anti-Apartheid Movement.

Gregory’s appearance at the Amandla Festival was a powerful moment where his activism and political engagement converged with the world of music and culture.

Dick Gregory’s Civil Rights and Activism

Dick Gregory played a prominent role in the civil rights movement, leaving an indelible mark on the fight for justice and equality:

• In October 1963, Gregory traveled to Selma, Alabama, where he delivered a stirring two-hour speech just days before the historic “Freedom Day” voter registration drive.
• Throughout the 1960s, Gregory expanded his activism, addressing civil rights, opposition to the Vietnam War, economic reform, and anti-drug initiatives. His dedication led him to undertake hunger strikes and campaigns both in the United States and abroad.
• His commitment to these causes even led to his banning from Australia in the early 1970s, as Australian officials feared he would incite demonstrations against the Vietnam War.
• In 1964, Gregory played a crucial role in the search for three missing civil rights workers—James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner—in Mississippi. He offered a $25,000 reward for information, ultimately leading to the discovery of their bodies.
• At a civil rights rally marking the 40th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Gregory criticized the United States, denouncing it as “the most dishonest, ungodly, unspiritual nation that ever existed.”

Dick Gregory’s Activism and Advocacy

Challenging the Warren Commission

• Gregory questioned the findings of the Warren Commission regarding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. In 1975, he introduced forensic investigator Stephen Jaffe and assassination researchers Robert J. Groden and Ralph Schoenman to the Rockefeller Commission, which was investigating the assassination.
• He appeared alongside researcher Robert J. Groden on Geraldo Rivera’s late-night ABC talk show in March 1975. During this show, the famous Zapruder film of JFK’s assassination was publicly shown for the first time, leading to public outrage and the formation of the Hart-Schweiker investigation. This event contributed to the Church Committee Investigation on Intelligence Activities and the United States House Select Committee on Assassinations investigation.

Involvement in the Investigation of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Assassination

• Gregory collaborated with Mark Lane in researching the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Their efforts influenced the U.S. House Select Assassinations Committee to investigate not only King’s murder but also that of John F. Kennedy.
• Gregory and Lane co-authored the book “Code Name Zorro,” which presented the theory that James Earl Ray did not act alone in King’s assassination.
• Beyond these investigations, Gregory also expressed skepticism about the authenticity of the Moon landing and questioned the accepted narrative of the 9/11 attacks, among other conspiracy theories.

Involvement in Civil Rights Movements

• In 1998, Gregory delivered a speech at the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, attended by President Bill Clinton. The President expressed his admiration for Gregory’s humor, particularly a comment made on Dr. King’s birthday related to Speaker Newt Gingrich.
• Gregory played a role in Native American rights by participating in a fish-in protest alongside the Nisqually people in Washington state in 1966. The protest aimed to address state laws that restricted traditional Native American fishing methods, violating their federal treaty rights.

Activism during the US Embassy Hostage Crisis in Iran

• During the U.S. Embassy hostage crisis in Iran in 1980, Gregory took a strong stance. He traveled to Tehran in an attempt to negotiate the hostages’ release and embarked on a public hunger strike. By the time he returned to the United States, he weighed less than 100 pounds.

Vegetarianism, Animal Rights, and Health Advocacy

• Gregory adopted a vegetarian lifestyle in 1965, influenced by the nonviolence philosophy of the Civil Rights Movement. He promoted his natural diet and fasting regimen through his 1973 book, “Dick Gregory’s Natural Diet For Folks Who Eat.”
• He founded Health Enterprises, Inc. in 1984, a company focused on distributing weight-loss products and improving the life expectancy of African Americans through better nutrition.
• Gregory’s advocacy extended to combating malnutrition in Ethiopia using his formula during a famine.
• He saw a strong connection between civil rights and animal rights, emphasizing the shared suffering and consequences of violence on both humans and animals.

Feminism and Equal Rights Advocacy

Gregory was not only a civil rights activist but also a vocal advocate for feminism and equal rights:

• In 1978, he joined forces with prominent feminists such as Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, and Bella Abzug to lead the National ERA March for Ratification and Extension. This historic march took place down Pennsylvania Avenue to the United States Capitol.
• The march, organized on Women’s Equality Day, aimed to secure a ratification deadline extension for the proposed Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the United States Constitution.
• With over 100,000 participants, the march successfully extended the ERA ratification deadline to June 30, 1982. Gregory, along with other activists, celebrated this achievement alongside pro-ERA Senators, members of Congress, and fellow advocates.
• Despite the extension, the ERA ultimately narrowly failed to be ratified by the extended deadline.

Dick Gregory’s Personal Life and Health

• Gregory met his future wife, Lillian Smith, at an African-American club, and they married in 1959. The couple had 11 children, but tragically lost their son, Richard Jr., just two months after birth. Their surviving children were named Michele, Lynne, Pamela, Paula, Xenobia (Stephanie), Gregory, Christian, Miss, Ayanna, and Yohance.
• In a 2000 interview with The Boston Globe, Gregory shared his perspective on fatherhood, stating, “People ask me about being a father and not being there. I say, ‘Jack the Ripper had a father. Hitler had a father. Don’t talk to me about family.'”
• Gregory faced health challenges in his later years. In late 1999, he was diagnosed with lymphoma. He chose an alternative approach to cancer treatment, relying on herbs, vitamins, and exercise to manage his condition. He believed that these methods played a significant role in keeping his cancer in remission.

Passing Away

• Dick Gregory is a true leader whom I have always followed due to his facts in all aspects. He lived his truth and a healthy lifestyle.
• His life came to an abrupt end due to heart failure. He passed away at a hospital in Washington, D.C., on August 19, 2017, at the age of 84. Gregory is survived by his wife and ten children

Legacy

Dick Gregory received numerous awards and honors throughout his lifetime for his contributions to various fields, including comedy, civil rights activism, and humanitarian efforts. Some of the notable awards and honors he received include:

1. NAACP Image Award: Gregory was recognized with an NAACP Image Award for his outstanding work as a comedian and his contributions to the entertainment industry.
2. Spingarn Medal: In 1964, he was awarded the prestigious Spingarn Medal by the NAACP for his outstanding achievements and activism in civil rights.
3. International Platform Association’s Freedom Award: Gregory received this award in 1965 for his fearless and impactful contributions to the civil rights movement.
4. Hollywood Walk of Fame: He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his significant contributions to the world of entertainment.
5. Baha’i Faith’s Human Rights Award: Gregory’s dedication to human rights and social justice earned him the Human Rights Award from the Baha’i Faith community.
6. Ebony Magazine’s Black Achievement Award: He was recognized by Ebony Magazine with their Black Achievement Award, celebrating his achievements as an African American in various fields.
7. United Negro College Fund’s Trumpet Award: Gregory received the Trumpet Award for his advocacy and support of education and civil rights causes.
8. Bishop College’s Doctor of Laws Degree: In recognition of his civil rights work, Bishop College awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
9. Public Welfare Medal from the National Academy of Sciences: He was honored with this medal for his efforts to address social issues and improve the welfare of humanity.
10. Posthumous Commemorations: After his passing, various tributes and honors were dedicated to Dick Gregory’s memory, including renaming streets, schools, and cultural centers in his honor.

These awards and honors reflect the significant impact that Dick Gregory had on American society and his lifelong dedication to fighting for civil rights and social justice. He challenged societal norms with humor and fearlessness, becoming a trailblazer for future generations of comedians and activists. His writings became best sellers, and he left an indelible mark on the fight for justice and equality.