Dick Gregory to give Black History Month keynote speech Feb. 21

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Comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory will come to Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium on Feb. 21 as the keynote speaker in honor of Black History Month.

The event, hosted by Multicultural Academic Student Services, will begin at 7 p.m. and is open to the public.

MASS Assistant Director Keisha Janney said she is looking forward to Gregory coming to campus.

“We are always hoping that students and community members come to Black History Month events to enjoy themselves and to possibly learn something new,” Janney said. “College is about learning new things and seeing new perspectives.”

Beginning at a young age, Gregory has been active in fighting for civil rights. He participated in the Civil Rights Movement, and after becoming a celebrity comedian, used his status to bring to light issues of segregation and disenfranchisement.

He became a hit in the national comedic scene when Playboy creator Hugh Hefner invited him to work at his Chicago Playboy Club. Gregory drew in such a huge crowd that the Playboy Club offered him a contract for three years.

Detroit senior Destynee Jones said she plans on attending Gregory’s speech.

“I think he will be a good representation of what Black History Month means to African Americans,” Jones said. “I think history is important to learn about on a daily basis, and I find it unfortunate that black history is only taught in one month, because without these events in history, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Rochester freshman Maggy Doyle said while she cannot attend the speech because of class, she thinks having Gregory come to campus will be beneficial to students.

“I feel like since he’s a comedian, he will make the topics he’s talking about interesting and relate to everyday life,” Doyle said. “Black History Month is an opportunity to learn more about a different culture besides our own.”