Norton Introduces Resolution Honoring the Life of Dick Gregory
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a congressional resolution recognizing the life and legacy of Dick Gregory and honoring his contributions to the civil rights movement, American comedy, and the District of Columbia's struggle for home rule and voting rights. Norton spoke at Gregory's funeral service, and will present his family with a copy of the resolution.
"Dick Gregory, a satirist who made everyone laugh out loud with his comedy, committed his life to being a champion for human and civil rights, leaving an indelible mark on this nation," Norton said. "After fighting for the rights of African Americans during the civil rights movement, he came to the District of Columbia, his adopted hometown, and helped lead the fight for home rule and statehood."
Below is the full text of Norton's resolution.
RESOLUTION
Recognizing the life and legacy of Richard (Dick) Gregory, and honoring his contributions to the civil rights movement and to American comedy.
Whereas Dick Gregory was born on October 12, 1932, in St. Louis, Missouri, and passed away on August 19, 2017, in the District of Columbia at the age of 84;
Whereas Dick Gregory was an early civil rights pioneer, participating in sit-ins and getting arrested numerous times throughout the South for the defeat of segregation and for equal rights;
Whereas Dick Gregory was a passionate champion for voting rights and home rule for the residents of the District of Columbia and in the 1960s was in the forefront of the struggle that culminated in home rule for the District of Columbia;
Whereas Dick Gregory moved to Chicago, Illinois, in 1956 to begin his comedy career after having served in the United States Army;
Whereas in 1959, Dick Gregory married Lillian Smith, with whom he had 11 children;
Whereas, besides civil rights, Dick Gregory was an activist in numerous causes over the course of his life, including the Vietnam War, the Equal Rights Amendment, police brutality, South African apartheid, nuclear power, prison reform, feminism, drug abuse and Native American rights;
Whereas Dick Gregory authored a dozen books; and
Whereas Dick Gregory became one of the first African American comedians to enjoy crossover appeal to blacks and whites alike, using his talent to point up the absurdity of racism and discrimination: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives honors the life and legacy of Richard (Dick) Gregory and acknowledges his contributions to civil rights, to multiple other causes for freedom and equality, and to American comedy.