long time civil rights activist, writer, social critic, and comedian Dick Gregory, (Scott Keeler /Tampa Bay Times via AP)
LANDOVER, Md. (AP) —While the Emmy Awards missed the chance to honor legendary comedian Dick Gregory, his family and friends did not.
The likes of Stevie Wonder, Louis Farrakhan, India Arie and Congresswoman Maxine Waters gathered at a Maryland church in the suburbs of the nation’s capital to celebrate the life of the comedian and activist, according to RollingOut.
The service was held Saturday at City of Praise Family Ministries in Landover, Maryland.
Reena Evers-Everette, the daughter of slain civil rights activist Medgar Evers, says they gathered “to hear about the funny man, the straight man, who impacted our minds and impacted our hearts.”
Gregory, who broke racial barriers in the 1960s, used his humor to spread messages of social justice. His commentary led him into civil rights activism. His talent as a comedian helped bring national attention to integration and social equality for blacks.
He died in Washington, D.C., last month at the age of 84.
