Remembering Dick Gregory

Bill Duke reflects on the life of a legend.

“I have lost many people that I love — mother, father, aunts, uncles, friends. Losing Dick Gregory has hurt me deeply because he was more than an individual.

He represented a generation that stood up with courage for not only themselves but for all of us. He told the truth none of us wanted to face — integrating comedy for the first time, and putting his life on the line daily because he cared. He was not ego-driven or self centered. He was selfless. He loved us.

He is gone, and I will miss him and never forget him. I cry today not only for his loss but the loss he represents. The loss of a generation that to a great extent has been forgotten. Without their sacrifices, we would not be empowered today. We are not all cowards — but compared to him and the generation he represented, we are. My tears will stop soon, but not my resolve to make a difference that honors his and his generation’s sacrifices.”