Fall Reading 2022 The Essential Dick Gregory

 

This gathering of the words of Dick Gregory is pulled together from his books, interviews, lectures, and performances. He candidly answered questions about his childhood, his rise to prominence in the field of comedy, his involvement in civil rights, and other topics. Those details are organized into three sections in the book - Body, Mind, and Spirit. 

Readers will find themselves caught up in descriptions of walking to school, performing on the stage of a nightclub, or addressing groups of protesters ready to march for voting rights or other causes. Gregory talks about his visits to Mississippi after the death of Medgar Evers, testifying before Congressional members about discrimination in performing arts, or his involvement in efforts to end apartheid. 

I don't remember hearing about Dick Gregory when I was growing up, but I recognize many of the influences he mentions - Redd Foxx, Nipsey Russell, Amos and Andy. Perhaps it was because he was on the nightclub circuit rather than other venues that I did not hear of him until  I was an adult. And with his speeches and participation in protests and demonstrations, I have never seen him mentioned in accounts of those events. 

For those like me who were not cognizant of his speeches, protests, and even hunger strikes, this book covers the span of a remarkable life in the man's own words. Just released October 11, this is an eye-opening compilation and a fascinating book.

I read an advance copy provided for review purposes through NetGalley.