1291. Dick Gregory, 1932–

Dick Gregory, the entertainer and civil rights leader, whose full name is Richard Claxton Gregory, was born in St. Louis. His autobiography, entitled Nigger (he insists upon the use of the word to break the taboo), is representative of the struggle of American Negroes to escape from crippling poverty, although he makes the distinction that he was "not poor, just broke." One of six children reared by a mother who had been deserted by her husband, Gregory tells of the abuses and deprivations he endured. At school he was successful in athletics and distinguished himself in track. Later he chose entertainment as a career and became a successful comedian. He then began to devote an increasing amount of his time and money to the cause of civil rights. His book is a testament to his mother, who inspired him but did not live to see his many achievements.

1292. Nigger; an autobiography, by Dick Gregory with Robert Lipsyte. New York, Dutton, 1964. 224 p. illus. 64–11067 PN2287.G68A3