Dick Gregory In His Own Words: Remembering the Pioneering Comedian and Civil Rights Activist

democracynow.org - In a special broadcast today, we remember legendary comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory, who passed away on Saturday in Washington, D.C. at the age of 84. Gregory became one of the most popular comedians in the country, paving the way for generations of African-American comedians. On Sunday Chris Rock wrote on Instagram, "We lost a king. They’ll never be another. Read his books. Look him up you won’t be disappointed. Unfortunately the America that produced Dick Gregory still exists." Dick Gregory was the first African-American comedian to sit on the couch of The Tonight Show, then hosted by Jack Parr. As his popularity grew, so did his activism. In 1967, Dick Gregory ran for mayor of Chicago against the infamous Richard Daley. He was a close friend of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and in 1968 he ran for president against Richard Nixon. Dr. Greg Carr, chair of Afro-American Studies at Howard University and a friend of Gregory, described him as a perpetual student. “His intellectual capacity was honed to precision with a lifetime of deep study,” Carr told Diverse Magazine. We feature Dick Gregory in his own words in our 2002 interview with the comedian in our old firehouse studio. We first interviewed Gregory just months after Democracy Now! went on television. In a special broadcast today, we remember legendary comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory, who passed away on Saturday in Washington, D.C. at the age of 84. Gregory became one of the most popular comedians in the country, paving the way for generations of African-American comedians. On Sunday Chris Rock wrote on Instagram, "We lost a king. They’ll never be another. Read his books. Look him up you won’t be disappointed. Unfortunately the America that produced Dick Gregory still exists." Dick Gregory was the first African-American comedian to sit on the couch of The Tonight Show, then hosted by Jack Parr. As his popularity grew, so did his activism. In 1967, Dick Gregory ran for mayor of Chicago against the infamous Richard Daley. He was a close friend of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and in 1968 he ran for president against Richard Nixon. Dr. Greg Carr, chair of Afro-American Studies at Howard University and a friend of Gregory, described him as a perpetual student. “His intellectual capacity was honed to precision with a lifetime of deep study,” Carr told Diverse Magazine. We feature Dick Gregory in his own words in our 2002 interview with the comedian in our old firehouse studio. We first interviewed Gregory just months after Democracy Now! went on television.
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[@mustaphaahmed5451]

WHO IS WATCHING THIS IN 2023...RIP,,MY BROTHER

[@anjielenoir70s]

April 18th 2024 still relevant. We need more like him. No worries. No fear. Stand up.

[@greatblackness8828]

He was always real and we honor him in the Black community.❤❤❤❤❤

[@1feloniouspunk]

Fear and God do not occupy the same space.

[@kennethwalker5519]

He is a king

[@VisibleTimes]

God has not given us a spirit of fear ❤ The Lord has given us POWER 💪 praise the Lord ❤

[@groovykaay2098]

One of the wisest men to ever walk the earth! Rest in peace King Gregory! 🫡🙏🏾

[@ttoca6671]

GOAT!!!! We NEED MORE of his ENERGY💪🏽

[@reneeharrison643]

R.I.P Dick Gregory....Another Pioneer...never forgotten!!

[@nomoru6451]

This man would. Not.stop. give gave his life to what he believed in and I respect the hell out of that

[@aarondigby5054]

A man of many moons . He was an activist.

[@elizabethmartinez2048]

So true that fear is our worst enemy. Fear is used to control us. Fear is used in business, religion, politics, etc etc. Fear not!!

[@slimtimesl.l.c4614]

Yup

[@aab777barry5]

REST IN PEACE & POWER, FOR NOW, BELOVED ANCESTOR!!!

[@jreeder6168]

Good Program. Dick Gregory will be missed.

[@beverleyelliott-butcher4900]

MR DICK GREGORY, A LIVING LEGEND OF A MAN, WHO USED HIS FEARLESS BOLD ATTITUDE,TALENT, & VOICE AS A PLATFORM TO REACH GLOBALLY !!! HE WAS MY NEIGHBOR & I HAD NO IDEA WHEN I MOVED TO WASHINGTON, DC FROM VIRGINIA (1994). I FINALLY MET THIS GIANT AT ROCK CREEK PARK ON 16TH STREET, NW ONLY A FEW BLOCKS FROM HOME, WHERE MY HUSBAND & I BOTH OFTEN WALKED ON THE TRACK,... THERE HE SAT,,, I RECOGNIZED HIM & INTRODUCED HIM TO MY HUSBAND,... THEY SHOOK HANDS,... I RECALL THINKING TO MYSELF : "TWO GREAT MEN & LEGENDS IN HISTORY..." !!! WOW, ABSOLUTELY AMAZING !!! REST ON SIR & POWER TO YOUR FAMILY.

[@williedaniel6194]

The magnificent one Dick Gregory I had the magnificent privilege to be in your presence

[@CEELOW3000]

I love how Amy just let him talk without interrupting him when he was telling a story... that's a Veteran Journalist right there! … What a GREAT man - R.I.H. DG 🕊

[@psenijn]

the corporate media aint even acknowledge his death shows me hes not a sell out

[@elizabethmartinez2048]

Thank you for your service, Dick Gregory

[@evelynpayne2289]

RIHP. You will not be forgotten. Condolences to the family. Streaming prayers. ❤🙏🏻

[@GaryG63]

Humanities voice has lost a true human of extraordinary kindness & love. Rest In Peace Mr Gregory

[@mefilmmaking]

Salute to the now Ancestor.

[@Addi_Teacha509]

Ase!

[@coreyroyal9384]

Wat a true historian full of love and knowledge wat a great man 😢...

[@MAWadud-vn5go]

I really loved this man as everyone else did. He was truly an inspiration to me

[@williedaniel6194]

I had the magnificent privilege to be in your presence Dick Gregory Brilliance St Joseph College City line Bala Cynwyd Pennsylvania

[@kwameaboagye121]

Baba Dick Gregory what a comical and political warrior. He’s funny, bold and unapologetic. RIP

[@elisianez1291]

Dick Gregory is a national treasure

[@jamesanderson2826]

It's 4-27-2024 I just saw this post. Thank you! Democracy Now! You're the best and the realist! To the man who could have had anything he wanted, and all he wanted to do was help. What a man, and to know that he was so funny, yet so seriously real about this life. And thank you! Democracy Now! Thank You Richard Claxton Greagory. May you RIP?

[@RachaelCollins-]

Ahhh, he's always around. 40:07

[@gcmlrd12]

Bravo for bringing these words to the fore. He could be talking today.

[@washitawmoor8657]

Dick Gregory..... " Icon "..... RIH....True Intellect.

[@makepeaceu]

Dick Gregory hasn’t been a comedian for years. He has been a conscious person speaking on the world’s ills for most of his life. He’s a truth teller.

[@kwameaboagye121]

But also he can put you into hospital with his comedy too.

[@karenmorgan8900]

Rip Dick Gregory you are missed 🤲🏾✊🏾🙏🏾😘

[@feralLove]

Dick Gregory, keep shining your light from the heavens above upon us all! Thank U Amy

[@fantasma8253]

I could listen to him all day. he commands the attention, the interviewer hasn't said much yet

[@Walter-Anderson]

A trailblazer and a true legend. RIP

[@williedaniel6194]

Fasting against the war in Vietnam 🇻🇳 Dick Gregory overwhelming knowledge

[@johnsmith-so5do]

A dying breed, a true patriot, Rest In Peace

[@fantasma8253]

you know he smashed that night

[@dhop3419]

Baba Gregory always on fire

[@mahlina1220]

I can imagine Dick Gregory and George Carlin in a conversation together for hours and hours on end. R.I.P.

[@aab777barry5]

"WE THE PEOPLE" LOVE, HONOR & RESPECT SIR!!! RIPP FOR NOW... WE LOOK 4WARD 2 YOUR CONTINUED TRIUMPHANT RETURN!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@traderjays375]

He is not lying! I was running to catch the bus in the morning and “they” stopped me me.

[@ElectricCult]

Information is power. If I gave you bad information, then you've got bad power - Dick Gregory.

[@kwameaboagye121]

Baba Dick Gregory- comedian, actor scholar politally self conscious activist and author.

[@MBH5587]

I listened to Dick Gregory in high school 1967-70.. always loved his spirit & simplistic wisdom, mixed with humor..he could be a very dude.. thanks very much for your fearlessness…

[@MrDXRamirez]

An incredible life that echoes America's erroneous ethos with grace and humor.

[@gehalex]

Thank you for sharing ur wisdom and knowledge!💕

[@smanqele]

"You kill where you live" is such a soothing comment in the crazy societies we dwell in.

[@paulfelix9081]

Smart response

[@t.hudgens5940]

I love this interview! He was a teacher and mentor to me and I miss him dearly. So thankful to have been blessed to know and learn under his wing. "Gone but never forgotten".

[@lovesme24]

Locks on attitude ..that's deep✊🏾

[@daviddeli913]

R.I.P to a True Legend your courage to stand up to injustice not only for African Americans but for all human beings will never be forgotten

[@pR1mal.]

David D Eli "Speaking truth to power", the essence of Dick Gregory. /Damn strait the two party system is obsolete.

[@johnndominguez3290]

David D Eli injustice.maybe the gov should show some justice and take african americans to home sweet homeland.sure theres pockets of injustice here and there.but not everyone is full of hate.

[@johnndominguez3290]

O. Jackson-Ali im not white tho.

[@johnndominguez3290]

Phil Esh im not white.hahaha

[@OLJackson]

No your not because WHITE isn't a nationality and neither is HISPANIC .Your just a pretender bitch lol

[@ebukailo9946]

God bless ur soul and welcome you home Dick Gregory

[@globalwarmhugs7741]

A lovely tribute. Thank you, Democracy Now, for recognising and supporting this brilliant human.

[@corinthiafisher2101]

You can't please everyone hence the negative comments. This was a phenomenal being who shared his views with as many people and touched many. Thank you.

[@easterlywesterly9304]

absent father to ten kids

[@evasionelove]

Much respect, it's a sad day to loose such a voice!

[@johnndominguez3290]

Jessica Pantaleo-Wansick we all perish in the end.sad but true.

[@geraldjackson1755]

8⁸

[@billydaggett4310]

You are truly missed. S.I.P

[@tysonhustler5775]

I LOVE THIS WOMAN AMY

[@schadellconnor7891]

So do I.

[@nufuture]

...and the Universal God sent a sign of Gratitude in the form of a Solar Eclipse. Blessings Brother Greg.

[@bsinita_wokeone]

RIP Mr. Gregory you will be miss.😢😭🙏🙇💖 video needs a lot more views because many people knew this great man.

[@imanabraham6868]

B Sinita share it.

[@josephinerichards2677]

Dick Gregory, a AWESOME spirit...🤲🏽💚

[@Angie-wr1zv]

I'm so thankful to have found this treasure of an interview. Amy, I know you were engaged and soaked in the words of wisdom. RIP, Dick Gregory ❤❤

[@sylviaboone5557]

Rest Mr.Gregory 🕊 🕊🕊♥️♥️♥️

[@futurewarrior7979]

Miss him so much

[@bobwoww8384]

Will u please re broadcast this 🙏🏽🙏🏽 THIS MAN DESERVES SO MUCH AIRTIME ONE CHANNEL COULDN’T DO IT ALONE🙏🏽🙏🏽 PLEASE give him at least three

[@jackhamilton3705]

I like listening to him he was a great man.

[@ig2hi1]

Rest well Baba Dick. Your legacy will live on.

[@shakeelraja8215]

Miss you Mr Gregory RIP ❤🇬🇧

[@kimberlylane5067]

Thank you Amy love u. He was beautiful.

[@tftkadawidalle6342]

MUCH RESPECT, AMY GOODMAN ! Thanks for your service , too.

[@ihatethedevil1398]

r.i.p brother..i will always listen to you..

[@questube45]

I appreciate the video. Brother Dick Gregory's voice allowed me to Augment my level of thinking.

[@Socrates1944]

Thank you , Democracy Now for educating the public about the Truth taking place in our beloved country and Democracy 🙏🏽❤️

[@carrettaroberts2971]

What a man what a man the first book I read was Dick Gregory autobiography I never forgot it he was so smart able to figure out what going on in the world I am gonna miss him I truly love him I will not ever for get him , RIP my brother Dick Gregory

[@catherineoconnell3213]

Wise man.........."It's a game!"

[@alphasuck6538]

The 1969 the Light side: Dark Side album he made is life changing 🔥🔥

[@cockatoomagnet583]

Long live a comic legend Dick Gregory. He was brilliant and sharp.

[@globalwarmhugs7741]

What a brave and beautiful soul. Rest easy, good soldier. We thank you for your courageous service.

[@kennethchay1098]

A beautiful remembrance, Amy. The light in your face when you talked with and about Dick Gregory could not be blocked by the moon. Dick Gregory -- what a courageous and inspiring person and humanist.

[@bluethunder4542]

Yeah beautiful .would of been really beautiful what Gregory thought about Amy' and her skin color if asked . Pleaseeeee

[@gordonrichard8555]

i guess im asking randomly but does any of you know a tool to get back into an instagram account?? I was stupid lost my password. I appreciate any tips you can offer me.

[@ramonmajor334]

@Gordon Richard instablaster :)

[@tomconway5684]

What a Great man he was. Very enjoyable interview.

[@Seekyourtruth777]

What a moving interview, he is an amazing soul

[@patriciab1215]

Giving your life for your people.. 😭 Wow! Look how lovely Amy looks! Shes still good todsy! Thank you Amy for your passion and always reporting ❤

[@globalwarmhugs7741]

As a new to American politics and media student, allow me the latitude of just now learning that Amy Goodman is a hero. And Dick Gregory was a super hero.

[@GeeAmbler]

As I sit here LMAO, I remember reading (as a "tween" in the late '70s - early '80s) my Pop's copy of Gregory's "Natural Diet for Folks Who Eat" - the blistering comedic pace & the introduction of wild concepts like "breatharianism" absolutely blew my young mind. What a singular personality - peace and blessings to Mr. Gregory and family! And many thanks, Democracy Now!

[@zzendawgie]

Thank you for this!!!

[@TheSongNinja]

I'm glad I got to witness his life and I'm sad to see him go. There is GREAT love here for you, Baba Gregory💚

[@robreigns5357]

The realest person i ever seen. He didnt need validation from anyone the universal God validated him. I use the laugh when the government use to try to make folks thinks he was crazy. He was one of the people in a book called 1001 people who made America. Dam i wish i had a chance to meet him he was one of the influences on my life that made me look at things in a completely different aspect. Thanks for all you have contributed Mr. Gregory

[@roni1976]

Much respect.... RIP to a good man!!

[@marcusmcgrew9671]

Piece of Shit! She sullied his name from jump and sat silent throughout. Only the real people that know his lineage realize what happened during this interview. Fuck this piece of SHIT woman 😎

[@caseyfagin3569]

Good people

[@Qstar36]

Rest In Power Baba Dick Gregory, you will be Greatly Missed! Great Tribute Show Amy, Thank you & the entire Democracy Now team! Best, -Quenton

[@yvonnethomas1657]

I loved this beautiful man. Yes, 😊😊Chris Rock, you are RIGHT! A great king worthy of his title!🎉😊

[@yvonnethomas1657]

You Go Brother Dick!!!!"😂😊😊😊❤

[@kyrie2516]

I feel fortunate to have seen this terrific human being, Mr Gregory. His pain transformed by humour he became an Laughing Buddha bringing Truth into our Hearts if we could listen. He comforted all who hear him. He took our fear of each other and ourselves towards ourselves so we can walk through what scares us the most. Dick Gregory asked us to evolve from our survivalist selfish selves to people who could imagine fasting to memorialise his dear friend--Mr Ali, Celebrated, Poet and Fighter, at age 70. Truth and Compassion place us on the trail towards Freedom--we must each reach past our pain and fear to embrace Love. Thanks

[@garyross1490]

Z

[@Fedora_JP]

I'm just happy that I hadn't seen this yet so its fresh baba gregory content

[@itsyourworldtoday]

One word "legend"

[@marquiseanubis9535]

Rest in power Dick Gregory.🌺💎

[@Marcus-143]

RIP loved his work

[@jedixon100]

Amy is the best interviewer in the media.

[@diamondlate90sbaby18]

God bless his heart may he rest in peace now that his work here is done😘🙏

[@kennethwillis5274]

The man the Legend such a powerful and great man rest in power sir and thank you for your intellect and greatness

[@Carlparishhonda]

I remember seeing Dick Gregory many times in Chicago during the 1960s marching against the Chicago public schools superintendent. I met him one time in downtown Chicago around 1977. I purchased all of his albums and health food products. Rest In Peace brother Gregory.

[@dentrh]

Dick Gregory wrote an autobiography which I read as a teenager in the 1970s. To say I was shaken by his description of his life. The poverty and cruelty he faced all because he was Black was staggering. His book was also hopeful and reflected his courage and perseverance in the face of the obstacles I could neither understand or have to face because I am white.

[@dellwhis]

He Spoke Facts, That Would Otherwise Be Considered Crazy. Loved Listening To Him Talk. Great Storytelling. He made You Look At Things Out Of The Box.

[@cfvasconcellos]

thank you for this content - rest in light to the elder Dick Gregory, amazing person - his fasting is something that I will discipline myself to start..

[@windelldubison9491]

Amey is an excellent journalist, one of the best.

[@overshare7]

Rip, i didn't even know him, but I am in love... (gz on the piece /goosebumps/)

[@acajudi100]

know

[@overshare7]

@@acajudi100 it only took u 3 year, but ty

[@lawrencekenchen2220]

Hey Dick, you were right and still are always right. The two party system was and still is obsolete, and "We The People;" need to do away with the dictatorship of the two party system! Dick, I miss your presence and I wish you were here so that you could produce new video's for all of us to watch.

[@6957-c5k]

If only there were more people like him.