Legendary Civil Rights Activist, Comedian Dick Gregory Visits Georgia Southern for MLK Celebration

Legendary civil-rights activist, comedian and writer Dick Gregory will speak on behalf of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at the Georgia Southern University.

By: Kim Gusby | WSAV News 3
Published: January 17, 2012

Statesboro, GA --

He was on the frontline during the Civil Rights Era; today he continues to be a "drum major for justice and equality."

Legendary civil-rights activist, comedian and writer Dick Gregory will speak on behalf of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at the Georgia Southern University.

Gregory became nationally recognized in the 1960s for a biting brand of comedy that attacked racial prejudice. He gave a comedic voice to the rising Civil Rights Movement.

Inspired by the work of leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and organizations such as the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), Gregory took part in the Civil Rights Movement and used his celebrity status to draw attention to such issues as segregation and disfranchisement. When local Mississippi governments stopped distributing Federal food surpluses to poor blacks in areas where SNCC was encouraging voter registration, Gregory chartered a plane to bring in several tons of food. He participated in SNCC's voter registration drives and sit-ins to protest segregation, most notably at a restaurant franchise in downtown Atlanta, Ga.

In the 1980s his nutrition business venture targeted unhealthy diets of African Americans.

Performing Arts Center Thursday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu

Legendary Civil Rights Activist, Comedian Dick Gregory Visits Georgia Southern for MLK Celebration

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