Dick Gregory at Le Poisson Rouge

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Dick Gregory is an influential American comedian, social activist, writer and entrepreneur who has used his performance skills to convey to both white and black audiences his political message on civil rights. Influenced to stand up for civil rights by his early surroundings of poverty and violence, Gregory became the first comedian to successfully perform for both black and white audiences. He is number 81 on Comedy Central’s list of the 100 Greatest Standups of all time and has his own star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame. There is a grassroots effort afoot to get him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, spearheaded by Radio One host Joe Madison.