Dick Gregory, Comedian, Civil Right Activist, Dies at 84

It is with heavy hearts that we report, civil rights activist, author, and comedian Dick Gregory has died at age 84. Mr. Gregory passed away in Washington D.C. on Saturday, August 19 after suffering from an aneurysm.

Below is a post from Gregory’s Instagram page written by his son, Christian Gregory, confirming the death.

It is with enormous sadness that the Gregory family confirms that their father, comedic legend and civil rights activist Mr. Dick Gregory departed this earth tonight in Washington, DC. The family appreciates the outpouring of support and love and respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time. More details will be released over the next few days – Christian Gregory

A post shared by Dick Gregory (@therealdickgregory) on Aug 19, 2017 at 7:24pm PDT

Mr. Gregory rose to prominence in the 1960’s taking on racism in America through comedic satire, working his way to becoming one of the few African-American comedians to breakthrough and perform in front of white audiences.

Dick Gregory = The REALEST Of The REAL #RIPDickGregory pic.twitter.com/GiGgLwaojn

— Khari's Uncle Dre (@DreSpencer84) August 20, 2017

R.I.P. Brother. Your voice will be missed. #DickGregory pic.twitter.com/9ffbTrzTBY

— LeSean Thomas (@LeSeanThomas) August 20, 2017

Mr. Gregory’s comedy career went hand in hand with his civil rights activism. He was a regular at rallies, marches, and was arrested multiple times during the Civil Rights Movement. He even ran for president in 1968, earning close to 50,000 write-in votes.

#RIPDickGregory he ran for President as a write-in that's unheard of. Though he didn't win the nerve is simple #BlackExcellence #STAYWOKE pic.twitter.com/g422q9lcJN

— Curtis C. Greene (@warriorsong777) August 20, 2017

#RestInPeace to the great Dick Gregory. Your comedic brilliance, activism and strength will always be remembered. #dickgregory pic.twitter.com/k8y1xxx5PC

— Judge Mablean (@JudgeMablean) August 20, 2017

Dick Gregory talks about his loyalty to Black people and how he'd like to be remembered. #RIPDickGregory pic.twitter.com/MIxS4SiVNA

— Billy Michael Honor (@criticalcleric) August 20, 2017

As a trailblazer, Mr. Gregory not only opened doors for other comedians, he shined a light on the dark realities of the Black experience and other serious affairs. His monumental legacy will impact generations to come.

#RIPDickGregory pic.twitter.com/JWvLiRqD7Q

— Ron Murray Jr. (@flippdaburd) August 20, 2017

–Ron Murray