Special Edition of texas metro news 10 8 17

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LIFE. LESSONS. LOVE AND LAUGHTER.

Texas Metro News

OCTOBER 8, 2017

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God Bless You!

Richard Claxton Gregory 1932-2017

From humble beginnings to universal appeal Comedian and social activist Dick Gregory’s career spanned four decades. He was born Richard Claxton Gregory on October 12, 1932, in St. Louis, Missouri.

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product of humble beginnings, the incomparable Mr. Gregory relied on his exceptional running skills at Sumner High School to eventually earn him a track scholarship at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

While attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Mr. Gregory set records as a half-mile and mile runner.

Mr. Gregory’s college education was put on hold when he was drafted into the United States Army.

It was in the army that Mr. Gregory first performed as a stand up comedian, entering and winning several U.S. Army talent shows.

After his military service ended, Mr. Gregory worked at the United States Post Office by day, and by night performed as a comedian in several small

black nightclubs.

In 1961, Mr. Gregory was hired by adult magazine mogul Hugh Hefner to work at the Chicago Playboy Club.

Hefner was impressed by his ability to perform successfully for a white audience.

Soon after, Mr. Gregory received national acclaim, and in 1964 released an autobiography entitled Nigger, which sold seven million copies.

In the mid-1960s, Mr. Gregory became increasingly involved in the Civil Rights Movement and spoke out against the war in Vietnam and government policy.

In 1967, he decided to run against Mayor Richard Daley

in Chicago. Though unsuccessful, Mr. Gregory pursued higher political positions and ran for President of the United States in 1968 as a writein candidate for the Freedom and Peace Party. Mr. Gregory was eventually defeated, but efforts landed him on the list of President Nixon’s political opponents; his experiences in the political arena inspired Mr.

Gregory to write a book entitled, Write Me In. Throughout the 1980s, Mr. Gregory was principally

known for his strong voice in the health food industry. Seen as a nutrition guru, Mr. Gregory advocated diets consisting of raw fruits and vegetables.

Mr. Gregory developed a beverage called the Bahamian Diet Nutrition Drink, and advertised the product on television.

In 2005, during the last stages of the Michael Jackson trial, Mr. Gregory was invited by Jackson’s father to advise him on his health.

In 2004 Mr. Gregory was listed as number 81 on Comedy Central’s list of the 100 Greatest Stand-Up Comedians of All Time and has a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

Featured on TV One’s award winning series, Unsung, Mr. Gregory also received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

A frequent guest on TV One’s News One Now with Roland Martin, Mr. Gregory’s demanding schedule kept him on the road for several days a

week as he shared his wit and insight at banquets, political forums and comedy clubs.

Performing before sold out crowds, Mr. Gregory had just completed his latest book, Defining Moments in Black History - Reading Between the Lies, on shelves today.

For the past 24 years Mr. Gregory has been a consistent visitor to Dallas for a number of events including supporting the Cheryl Smith’s Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon, Mothers Against Teen Violence programs and Juneteenth celebrations. He also performed at the Arlington and Addison Improvs.

Mr. Gregory even toured Dallas County’s jail, Lew Sterrett Justice Center, with Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price.

No matter where he traveled, he never met a stranger.

Killer Mike said it best, “when he left us, a library burned down.”

Mr. Gregory was indeed our library, our encyclopedia, our search engine; and our conscience.

The question is, “Can you be loving and lovable?

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OCTOBER 8, 2017

LIFE. LESSONS. LOVE AND LAUGHTER.

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LIFE. LESSONS. LOVE AND LAUGHTER.

DICK AND LILLIAN GREGORY

WE THANK OUR UNIVERSAL FAMILY

Dick Gregory made this world a better place The reality has still not set in. Rich- to come to my first Don’t Believe the lieved in and he was very loyal. ard Claxton Gregory, known as Dick Hype Celebrity Bowl-a-thon, he didn’t Interestingly as much as he supGregory, transitioned on August 19, hesitate and he was determined to ported the scholarship fundraiser; I 2017 after a brief illness. come every year. And the one year that never saw him touch a bowling ball!

The next day, August 20, marked a year since the passing of veteran journalist George E. Curry; another good friend.

Whenever I have traveled to the nation’s capital, for more than two decades, there were three people who I made it my business to contact: fellow journalist George Curry, friend Dick Gregory and sorority sister Dr. Julianne Malveaux; and they wouldn’t think of coming to Texas without reaching out to me.

Now, only my dear soror, Julianne, is here to call and when I visited DC recently, she made sure that we had some special time together.

Although the late, great Dr. Maya Angelou has always been quoted; I can say I actually had her tell me that “growing old is not for sissies.”

Minister and Mrs. Jeremiah Cummings w/Cheryl Smith and Dick Gregory at Forest Avenue Theatre I now realize what she meant.

It’s hard saying goodbye to loved ones. Dr. Angelou had said farewell I waited too late to get on his schedMr. Gregory has not missed a year to so many friends. That was also the ule, he let me know how displeased visiting Dallas in almost 25 years and case with Mr. Gregory who counted he was. There was also one year that so it is only fitting that we pay tribute among his friends: Dr. Martin Luther he hopped on a plane after being re- to him. While a scheduling conflict and Coretta Scott King, Medgar Evers, leased from jail; one of the many times prevented him from attending the Marvin Gaye, Malcolm and Dr. Betty he was jailed for protesting injustices. Bowl-a-thon this year, before the year Shabazz, and Richard Pryor.

I met Mr. Gregory almost 25 years ago. When Min. Jeremiah Cummings invited me to serve as the emcee for a program featuring Mr. Gregory, I had no idea that my life would change forever.

On that eventful night I met a very special man who I grew to respect and love.

I think the love came after talking with his beautiful wife, Lillian.

Although we had frequent conversations we didn’t meet Dick Gregory and Public Enemy’s Chuck D Dick Gregory and Malik Farrakhan face-to--face until year’s later at Mr. Gregory’s 75th birthday in DC. We wouldn’t see each other Then another year, we delayed his trip was out I was looking forward to celeagain until the night he received his so that he could come and attend the brating his 85th birthday. star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, National Association of Black JournalI always came away from Mr. Gregand then at his celebration of life last ists convention with me in Dallas. ory feeling a little smarter. There are month. To me, she made him even It wasn’t about the money. While so many lessons that I will recall as I more special. there are those who won’t get up in continue to grow.

When I invited him, along with the morning unless they got paid; Mr. Yes, of course I will drink more wafriends Chuck D and Malik Farrakhan, Gregory stood firm for anything he be- ter and smile more. I will think about

moderation in everything I do.

I used to love watching him interact with people. He was especially fond of those service workers and he tipped well. Very well. I will provide more than adequate tips to those in the service industry.

I can go on and on.

There were times when I questioned him, though. And these times weren’t just when I was interviewing him on Soul 73 KKDA-AM. I questioned him when he said we should be able to drink our own urine.

His explanation made sense; however, I hope to never ever have to resort to that scenario.

Then there was the time just about five years ago when he was 80 and he picked me up from the airport. I thought there would be a driver when he told me, “I’ll pick you up.”

There was a driver. It was Dick Gregory.

He had always told me that fear and faith could not exist in the same space so I just let my questions swirl around in my head but I didn’t say a word to him.

Instead I did just as another friend always instructed me, “just enjoy the ride.”

I never told him that I thought we might go to jail that day, but I did tell him that his driving was pretty good!

Mr. Gregory left an indelible mark wherever he went. He left so many memories to cherish and I feel blessed to have known him. I am a better person because of Dick Gregory and his wonderful wife.

They embraced me, my family, my community and my world.

I know that they have done so much for so many and so I say a heartfelt thanks to the Gregory family. Because of who they are, Mr. Dick Gregory was able to be what he was to this universe, and we are all better.

But, as is the case with all the GREATS who came and went before him; the future depends on those he left behind.

I get up every morning, committed to be better and do better.

That’s what Mr. Gregory did.

Cheryl Smith

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LIFE. LESSONS. LOVE AND LAUGHTER.

OCTOBER 8, 2017

DICK GREGORY: What is seen and unseen

By Barbara Reynolds

The celebration of the life of Dick Gregory on Sept. 16 at the City of Praise Family Ministries in Landover, Md., was more than seven hours of eclectic diversity, from a serenade by Native Americans to a musical tribute by Ayanna Gregory, Mr. Gregory’s daughter, and Stevie Wonder, to speakers MSNBC’s Lawrence O’ Donnell and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, to the fiery Rep. Maxine Waters, who vowed to help impeach that “thing” in the White House.

There were torrents of “hallelujah” and especially “as-salaam alaikum” as Nation of Islam head Minister Louis Farrakhan began a profoundly uplifting eulogy.

It was fascinating to see how a man born so far down in the cracks of society could rise so far: Jailed countless times in the fight for human rights; 13 books written; a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, movie roles, a celebrated humorist and global humanitarian.

Mr. Gregory was born in 1932 in the slums of St. Louis. His mother, Lucille Gregory, had to put plastic on her feet to keep them from getting wet as she walked to work. When Mr. Gregory was 10, a white man knocked out two of his front teeth for touching a white woman as he shined her shoes. The family was chronically evicted for the inability to pay their $18 monthly rent.

What kind of journalist would I have become if it had not been for Mr. Gregory becoming my mentor and coach for more than three decades as I tried to survive as a pioneering black woman journalist in white newsrooms? He was the one who pushed me to go out on a limb for unpopular people and for causes even if the limb broke off; how not to discount conspiracies just because it is safer to believe a lie rather than an unpopular truth; and how to expose the liars and the exploiters in high places, no matter who and where they were.

Should I state the obvious of how badly Mr. Gregory is still needed today?

Of course, following the Dick Gregory stylebook meant you wouldn’t have a job long. In some newsrooms, the reward for not toeing the company line,

disbelieving that white is always right, and caring more for the masses at the bottom than the big shots at the top, means a swift kick out the door.

It was not unusual for Mr. Gregory to entice me to venture off to distant lands or to stick my nose into events that sounded and looked correct, but would turn out to be rotten to the core.

Mr. Gregory was a renowned health enthusiast who developed weight loss products, such as the Bahamian Diet, that were popular in the states.

In 1985, he developed a low-cost nutritional product to fight famine and took 50 truckloads of it to Ethiopia. I went with him and saw hundreds of people dying from starvation in resettlement camps in the desert. I held in my hands 5-year-olds so emaciated that they looked half their age, and women so exhausted that they collapsed as they walked. The products he delivered saved many lives.

I began to understand that hunger and homelessness in a world where people are dying from obesity is criminal. It is not because of a lack o f

resources, but a lack of will, and the failure to hold governments, such as that in Ethiopia, accountable. Mr. Gregory’s amazing success in Ethiopia did not get press in the United States. But he told me his mission was saving lives, which was all that mattered.

Even amidst such tears, Mr. Gregory could bring humor. On the way home from Ethiopia, the plane stopped briefly in Rome and, much to the surprise of his friends, Mr. Gregory grabbed his bag and headed for the exit.

“Why are you getting off here?” I hollered at him. With a smile and a swagger, he answered, “Don’t forget I am an international n…er,” which left the rest of us laughing.

Mr. Gregory often was shunned and slammed as a “conspiracy nut.” In time, he usually would be proved right. We often would meet at some out-of-theway place. He would pull out his big battered brown briefcase jammed with reports and facts counter to what the news bosses wanted to see.

One day in 1996, he called me. “Bar-

bara, you know they murdered Ron Brown.” Mr. Brown was the first black U.S. secretary of commerce. On April 3, 1996, Mr. Brown died in a plane crash on a mountaintop in Croatia along with 34 others.

“C’mon Greg, don’t tell me that. I am in enough trouble on my job.” I knew news executives generally hated conspiracies. Besides, who would murder all those people to get at one man even though Mr. Brown had been threatening to expose others in high places involved in illegal campaign funding rather than taking the fall himself?

Nevertheless, I met with Greg. He showed me some disturbing reports.

First, the New York Times had reported that Mr. Brown’s body was so mangled it would be virtually impossible to identify. Yet, Greg had a picture that clearly showed Mr. Brown’s body intact at the crash site. TIME magazine had reported there had been a terrible storm that contributed to the crash, but later reports showed only drizzling rain. Several investigators at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, where Mr. Brown’s body was carried for examination, reported a circular hole in his skull that some forensic experts said appeared to be from a gunshot. But the X-rays which could have cleared up the matter turned up missing. In addition, the manager of the airport where the plane crashed reportedly committed “suicide” before investigators could conduct an interview.

Whether or not Mr. Brown was murdered was never proven, and few if any news groups tried to get to the bottom of how he died. Mr. Gregory and Rep. Waters planted yellow crime scene tape banners around the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington to highlight the case and Mr. Gregory was arrested for refusing to leave. I also was able to write several columns about Mr. Brown for USA TODAY. Several school buildings were named after Mr. Brown and, for many, that appears to be enough.

When the establishment would not budge to find the truth behind the assassination of leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, Mr. Gregory wrote books to shame the system for their closed minds.

In “Callus On My Soul,” he told how “the brothers who shot Malcolm X were paid by the CIA,” who he said had rented the Audubon Ballroom where Malcolm X was murdered a week before.

In “Code Name Zorro: The Murder of Martin Luther King Jr.,” he wrote

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how on April 4, 1968, Dr. King was murdered in a conspiracy between the Memphis Police Department, the Mafia and the CIA, which had a black man planted on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis at the time of the shooting.

The kinds of information Mr. Gregory unearthed hardly ever received major news coverage because his facts ran counter to the acceptable narratives of news operations. Those of us who insisted upon using Mr. Gregory’s truths rather than those of the major news institutions were viewed as untrustworthy and soon fell out of favor.

The Iran-Contra story, with my determination to ensure Greg received his just due, was the last straw that helped separate me from my job as a national reporter at a major Chicago newspaper.

In 1979, 66 hostages had been taken

by Iranian revolutionaries who were threatening to kill them. Greg made his way to Iran to pray and fast for the hostages’ release. The U.S. State Department and newsrooms were feverishly looking for an American who could talk to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. When the ayatollah learned that Greg was in Iran and had fasted for peace during his four month stay, losing 51 pounds, he invited him to meet. Greg said the ayatollah thanked Greg for coming and also prayed that the hostage crisis would end peacefully.

Greg called me from Tehran, giving me a first-hand report of this significant development. At one point, the bombing and shootings in the background sounded so real, I literally ducked under my desk, thinking the noise was from outside my window. The Chicago Tribune ran the story for only one edition, but pulled it in later ones.

I was terribly upset by this because I knew if a white man had met with Ayatollah Khomeini in the midst of such a crisis, it would have been major news.

Eventually, I wrote of his heroic venture in a cover story for Playboy magazine.

Shortly after that, I was forced to part company with the newspaper.

On page 199 of Mr. Gregory’s book, “Callus on My Soul,” he wrote, “There is no better writer than Barbara Reynolds … She understands the way this government works and the trickery that comes with it.”

Clearly my understanding of the workings of certain institutions and government came from my coach, Mr. Gregory. It has left me well-equipped to monitor and write about the Trump presidency and those to come — what is seen and unseen.

Thank you Mr. Gregory.

Barbara Reynolds, 75, is a longtime journalist who has written for the Cleveland Press, Ebony magazine, Chicago Today and the Chicago Tribune. She also has authored several books, including a biography of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and assisted with the autobiography published posthumously of Coretta Scott King. She is a Pentecostal minister in Washington.

Dick Gregory - A Man Of Substance For being a soldier of righteousness, we lift you up today.

For your wisdom and wit, that propelled nations to hasten towards equalities lighted way.

For the fasting to bring injustice to the forefront of the worlds stage, For the courage and strength in the face of bitter descent, And the phenomenal freedom trail for your people you blazed.

For the minds and hearts you touch, with thought provoking common sense, For your tireless march to the gateway, of humanities prejudicial fence.

For the foot prints you’ve left, on the scroll of civil rights, And how you’ve taught us to seek knowledge and truth, not fiction, So we ‘Don’t Believe The Hype.’

We honor you Mr. Dick Gregory, a Man of Substance, Who has given blinded eyes of ignorance sight.

We celebrate you today, for your unyielding pursuit of change, Keeping ‘The Dream’ alive, and fighting the good fight.

Zemill Copy Right 2012 Lyrics Unlimited Publishing Attention Required LLC * performed at Mr. Gregory’s 80th birthday celebration

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OCTOBER 8, 2017

LIFE. LESSONS. LOVE AND LAUGHTER.

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Jermaine Bennett

EXPRESSIONS NNPA The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) pauses to express our heartfelt condolences to the family of Dick Gregory, and to express forthrightly on the public record our profound and enduring love, respect, and salute to the living legacy of Dick Gregory.

At no time in our 400-year travail and struggle for freedom, justice and equality have we been more blessed, as people, to have in our midst a freedom-fighting leader and visionary like our brother and comrade, Dick Gregory.

Brother Gregory’s avant-garde leadership in civil rights, entertainment, journalism and entrepreneurial development will always be remembered and cherished by generations to come. African Americans, in fact all people of African descent, as well as all people who have felt the cold, damp hands and wretchedness of racism and oppression will be forever inspired by the example of courage embodied by the commitment and activism of Gregory.

During the past six decades, Dick Gregory, would periodically write columns, essays and editorials for the Black-owned newspapers of NNPA mem-

bers across the nation. His pen and his voice were always on the side of the oppressed, who dared to speak up and stand up for freedom. Today, in Dick’s memory, we all are obligated to do no less. Every breath that we take, we should gain more and more strength to speak truth to power and to stand against all injustice.

Dick Gregory made us smile, while simultaneously stimulating the irrepressible desire to fight for freedom without compromising the values of integrity, honesty and self-determination. In my own personal life-commitment to the freedom movement, Dick would always remind me not to permit the contradictions of society to break our spirit of unity and purpose.

Therefore, on behalf of Dorothy R. Leavell, the chairman of the NNPA, and all the 211-member publishers of the NNPA, we acknowledge that we will miss Dick Gregory, but we will not forget him. We will not forget his tenacity. We will not relent in using the audacity and clarity of his devoted life to the uplift of all humanity. Long live the spirit of Dick Gregory.

Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. National Urban League “Dick Gregory was both a personal friend and a strong supporter of the Urban League Movement. He was a guest at

my wedding, and spent two weeks campaigning for me in New Orleans neighborhoods during my 1994 runoff campaign for Mayor. He was a frequent speaker at Urban League events and his sharp-witted insight will be sorely missed.

With the nation facing a crisis of racial hostility, we would do well to be guided by his unwavering dedication to justice.”

National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial SCLC “I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Dick Gregory’s wife, Lillian, his children, and the entire family. We have lost a true warrior in our long journey towards justice.

“Dick was not just a comedian, author, entrepreneur and a dedicated foot soldier in the Civil Rights Movement; he was a friend and will be missed by many. His unique brand of social satire helped opened the eyes of people of all races around the world. Dick’s keen understanding of the need for black people to have a voice led him to run for Mayor, President, and gave him the audacity to make significant sacrifices in his career in order to stand against, and call out hatred and oppression. When the people asked, ‘Who will bell the cat?’ Dick Gregory answered the call.”

Dr. Joseph E. Lowery

In remembrance of

Mr. Richard Claxton Gregory Oh, just to pick up the phone again and hear his voice utter those three words: PRESIDENT

Sarah Glover NBC Owned TV Stations New York, N.Y.

VICE PRESIDENT - BROADCAST

Dorothy Tucker WBBM-TV Chicago, Ill.

VICE PRESIDENT - PRINT

Marlon A. Walker Atlanta Journal-Constitution

VICE PRESIDENT - DIGITAL

Vacant

SECRETARY

Cheryl Smith I Messenger Media LLC Dallas, Tx. TREASURER

Greg Morrison Bumper to Bumper TV Atlanta, Ga. PARLIAMENTARIAN

Dave Jordan WSPA-TV Spartanburg, S.C.

REGION I DIRECTOR

Johann Calhoun The Philadelphia Tribune REGION II DIRECTOR

Vickie Thomas WWJ/CBS Radio Detroit, Mich.

REGION III DIRECTOR

Ken Lemon Cox Media Group – WSOC Charlotte, N.C.

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In remembrance of Mr. Dick Gregory

As we celebrate the life of Richard “Dick” Claxton Gregory, the members of the National Association of Black Journalists salute a fine person and offer our condolences to his family.

While we are saddened by Mr. Gregory’s passing, we are joyful because many of us had the privilege of knowing, interviewing, photographing and learning from this giant.

It was one of NABJ’s founders, Paul Brock, who conducted an eight-hour on camera interview with Mr. Gregory for the trailblazing series, The HistoryMakers; TV One’s Cathy Hughes' in-depth One-on-One interview was insightful and thought-provoking as the two friends provided a history lesson for viewers; and, there are countless others who interacted with Mr. Gregory as he continued to speak truth to power.

Mr. Gregory was one of those newsmakers who, even if he wasn’t on the program, attended several of NABJ's conventions and conferences. He always made time for members; rarely turning down an interview, and that was only when he had a scheduling conflict.

In praising our work, Mr. Gregory would always talk about the awesome responsibility we as journalists have because we are disseminating information. He frequently, eloquently and emphatically stated, “information is power!”

Our prayers are with Mr. Gregory’s family and loved ones.

Respectfully submitted,

REGION IV DIRECTOR

Vacant

ACADEMIC REPRESENTATIVE

Michelle Johnson Boston University

MEDIA-RELATED REPRESENTATIVE

Tanzi West-Barbour Policy Innovators in Education

Sarah J. Glover

President National Association of Black Journalists September 13, 2017

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

Kyra Azore Howard University Washington, DC

INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Shirley Carswell

11 0 0 K n i g h t H a l l , S u i t e 3 1 0 0 | C o l l e g e P a r k , M a r y l a n d 2 0 7 4 2 Phone: (301) 405-0248 | Fax: (301) 314-1714 w w w. N A B J . o r g

“GOD BLESS YOU!” Richard “Dick” Claxton Gregory was our friend, supporter, messenger of truth and enlightenment, and teacher.

Since it’s inception in 1995, Mr. Gregory has traveled to Dallas, Texas at least once a year to support the Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation. Although we don’t think he ever picked up a bowling ball; he attended at least 20 of the 23 annual scholarship fundraisers, Cheryl Smith’s Don’t Believe the Hype Celebrity Bowl-A-Thon, with the last one being in July 2016.

Over the years we witnessed the Dick Gregory who was hard on the outside, soft on the inside, and willing to stick his neck out.

There are no words to adequately express the emotions we are feeling over the loss of our dear friend. It is so hard to imagine a world without Mr. Dick Gregory.

We must take solace in the wonderful memories we have and the many words of wisdom that he shared. The nuggets of wisdom he shared changed lives for the better.

We also thank his family for sharing him with the world. They made sacrifices and we are so appreciative to them. Mr. Gregory couldn’t have had a better partner in his dear, Lillian. She meant the world to him and also to us.

Mr. Gregory lived a life worth emulating and his legacy will live forever.

Cheryl Smith

Founder Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation

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LIFE. LESSONS. LOVE AND LAUGHTER.

Dick Gregory predicted chaos

Dr. E. Faye Williams For those who knew comedian-activist Dick Gregory, it’s no secret that we were best friends for a very long time.

More than a year before he died, he told me — as I am sure he told many others — that the 2016 election wasn’t going to go the way I thought it would.

It was obvious to him that I, like so many others, thought the November 2016 presidential election would be a piece of cake for Hillary Clinton to win a big victory.

Mr. Gregory kept saying, “No, it isn’t going to happen that way, and the result is going to bring about chaos.”

Just as with most of his predictions, what he said would happen did happen.

What’s worse is that we’ve experienced eight months of chaos and things don’t appear as though they will get better any time soon.

While he was with us, Mr. Gregory gave us

much invaluable advice and information.

In his newest and final book, “Defining Moments in Black History: Reading Between the Lies,” he has bequeathed us his counsel and guidance for our future survival.

For those who value his insight, as well as those who previously paid little attention to his advice, I recommend this book as an important tool for navigating our futures.

The book is Mr. Gregory’s instruction about the need for us to be kind to each other, about the need to rid ourselves of hate and jealousy, and about serving the people.

Mirroring the strongest of his own character traits, he encourages us to be honest in all that we do and to have the courage to do all that we should do.

He also reminds us not to take “dirty money” because, if we do, the day will come when we will have to forsake the best interests of our peo-

ple to pay for what we received.

So much of the chaos predicted by Mr. Gregory has been caused by 45 and the band of crooks who work for him. What stands out is the volume of unsettling news that surfaces daily. As Special Counsel Robert Mueller tightens the legal noose around the neck of Paul Manafort, 45’s former campaign chairman, one wonders when/if Mr. Manafort or other members of 45’s cabal of crooks will “come clean” and relieve the nation of the incessant anxiety of having to reconcile what can reasonably be called treason.

For those who argue the severity of the word treason, I can only refer to the record of emails exchanged between Mr. Manafort and one of his employees candidly discussing arrangements to convene a private briefing regarding 45’s campaign for a Russian billionaire with close ties to Russian President Vladi-

OCTOBER 8, 2017

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Hollywood Star Induction Speaker Dr. E. Faye Williams and Dick Gregory

mir Putin.

Such a briefing violated the law and opened speculation that Mr. Manafort’s position was being leveraged to establish influence in the White House.

Rather than focusing national attention on the devastation and recovery from hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, 45 attempts to divert and mire our attention in the ridiculous claim that former President Obama and

Mrs. Clinton, the former secretary of state, bare the blame for the continuing nuclear threat from North Korea.

Rather than affirming scientific research proving human involvement in global warming and the growing intensity and impact of major storms, 45’s administration number among the deniers.

I once read a book that spoke of 1,000 people who made America

great. The list did not include 45, but Dick Gregory’s name was there.

I will never forget his impact. He lived his life with honesty and character. He lived for the betterment of humanity and never stopped encouraging us to work to end the chaos in our lives.

He fought the good fight.

He kept the faith and finished his course.

Dr. E. Faye Williams is national president of the National Congress of Black Women Inc.

The Age of Aquarius

By Vincent L. Hall

Vincent Hall with Dick Gregory

“Talk Back Liberation Radio” (TLR) was hosted nightly by Dallas’ “controversial” County Commissioner John Wiley Price. The now defunct KKDA Radio that propelled the "Flyjock," Tom Joyner, produced a mainstay of AM night talk shows in Dallas.

TLR was provocative, providential and generally problematic for the status quo.

One brilliant Black Prodigy; Richard Claxton Gregory, made sever-

al appearances on TLR… and all of his preachments were profound.

There was one very memorable show featuring Dick Gregory near the turn of the new millennium. It was a crazy time. American capitalists were in rare form and y’all was buying everything from extra insulin to computer insurance for fear of what might happen. I still got a case of potted meat, some peanut butter and a bundle of one dollar bills in my underground bunker!!

Anyway…Dick Gregory made a foretelling of the “Age of Aquarius.” Some of you are old enough to remember that 1960’s hit.

“When the moon is in the Seventh House…And Jupiter aligns with Mars.

Then peace will guide the planets… And love will steer the stars. This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius. The Age of

Aquarius has always held a modicum of mystery in the astrological sciences.

D i c k Gregory pronounced profusely that in the Age of Aquarius there would be no more mysteries.

Anything you conspired to do in the dark might just as well be done in broad daylight. Dick mused that although Black/Southern culture prescribed that a "Hit dog would holler," you wouldn't have to wait for the holler. In the Age of Aquarius you might see the dog get hit.

Either by happenstance of circumstance, Dick’s messianic message marked the beginning of an age when social me-

dia and social outlets would replace crystal balls a n d Ouija boards.

“There ain’t no use to ducking and hiding now, it's all going to come out and everybody's going to know about it.”

If you were ashamed of whom you were with, where you were going or how your hypocritical habits might look… you better quit because in the Age of Aquarius all of your secrets were going to be laid bare before the world. Your paramour would be no more and your giftedness can’t hide your shiftiness.

When my saddened 13-year-old, Hailee came and told me that Greg-

ory “was no more,” we were both dumbfounded.

But the next day when the word that Jerry Lewis transitioned, it made sense…at least to me.

Check this--Dick died at 84, Jerry at 91, that’s seven years right.

That may not sound significant to most, but if you peruse the annual statistics, Black male life expectancy is generally shorter than the seven year difference between the two iconic comedians.

Dick closed that gap by instituting a rigor of healthy living and routine fasting. Dick Gregory is gone and still exposing the truth to those who will listen and abide.

Dick Gregory was a “Man's man” but not sexist; the Peoples prophet but not a carnival barker.

He was the consummate comedian and a learned lecturer.

Psychologists tell us there are 16 distinct per-

sonality types. But within that 16 are thousands of variations dependent upon passion, environment, education, and the experiences that we have. Gregory was born and remained unique.

There's a multitude of his musings we shouldn’t part with. “I never learned hate at home, or shame. I had to go to school for that.” Or, “Everything we do we should look at in terms of millions of people who can't afford it.” Or “When I first broke through, there was only NBC, CBS and ABC, and they had news in the morning and in the evening - there wasn't no 24-hour news.”

Even with 24 hour news cycle in the midst of the Age of Aquarius we have no clue as to how we replace Dick Gregory.

Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist and award winning columnist.

Dick Gregory: Icon, Comedic Legend, King of Hearts My Day

By Dr. J. Ester Davis Dick Gregory died in August of this year at the age of 84. Every credible magazine, newspaper and media outlet has said many words about this ‘lover of his people’ that spanned so many decades.

What is so beautiful about the life of Richard Claxton Gregory is how well he lived in every moment and the impact he left as a lifetime example for the rest of us.

In Time Magazine, Dick Gregory and Jerry Lewis are on the same page, dying a day apart.

Jim Carrey wrote “every artist is fed by the people who came before them. In the same way that Jimi Hendrix learned from Chuck Ber-

ry, I learned from Jerry.”

Tavis Smiley started his say with, “For American blacks of Gregory’s generation, freedom took some figuring out.”

Further down in the article, Tavis goes there by penning, “but Gregory did not just tell jokes, he fought for justice. He was loved and respected by the lions of the civil rights movement because he was not afraid to tarnish his brand by getting arrested right alongside them.”

You must read about the rich life of Dick Gregory. He attributes his “ stand up comic” career to Hugh Hefner. Hefner hired Dick Gregory to work in the Chicago Playboy Club in the early 60’s.

One of Dallas’ finest, mature citizens called and shared that piece of

Ester Davis with Dick Gregory

history with me. I looked it up and there it was.

Dick Gregory was always on my television

shows when in Texas, and he was welcome to just take over, which he so handsomely did. He

came in one year while we were in Time Warner Studios and was very passionate about a serious cause of injustice against Coca Cola Bottling Company. Even after my time ran out, the cameras continued to roll. The producers came up with a solution, of course, and we ran the segment in its entirety.

I finally found an old picture of Dick and myself at an SCLC National Convention. On the back of the picture is the year 1994. I was there with a booth, selling designers clothing manufactured by African American designers and he was encouraged and encouraging. It was one of the few times I saw him in a suit.

One of the most stellar moments of my media career was hosting his

80th birthday, the one hosted and chaired by Cheryl Smith, of course, in Dallas. Dick Gregory’s travel schedule especially in his last years was amazing. He remained busy and in demand from his many diverse audiences and his bountiful wealth of knowledge; not to mention the colorful language that he also shared.

Forever thanks to publishing icon Cheryl Smith for many, many years of bringing Dick Gregory to Dallas.

His fire side chats at ‘the hype’ will be surely missed. www.esterday.com Dr. J. Ester Davis is a television show host, former model and columnist.

6

OCTOBER 8, 2017

LIFE. LESSONS. LOVE AND LAUGHTER.

Friendship-West Baptist Church 2020 West Wheatland Road Dallas, Texas 75232 Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes, III - Senior Pastor

Texas METRO NEWS SPECIAL EDITION MAILING ADDRESS 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 220 Dallas, TX 75203

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#TEAMDICKGREGORY Terry Allen Nicole Barrett Secret Bridgewater LaDonna Castro S. Curet Eva Coleman Diane Evans Dorothy J. Gentry Vincent Hall Linda Jones Alana King Keisha Lankford Becky Lewis Carlton McConnell La’Wonda Peoples Shonedra Redd Sondra Roney Betheny Sargent Terry Smith Debra Brown Sturns Dareia Tolbert Akwete Tyehimba Andrew Whigham III Alexis Yancey

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Wallace Faggett Kevin Griffith Richard Manson dgdaphotographer.com Lott’s Photography Lisa Davis

Special thanks to

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RESOLUTION And God will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain: for the old order of things has passed away.

Revelation 21:4

"We the members of Friendship-West Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas want the family of Mr. Richard Claxton “Dick� Gregory to know that our hearts have been full since learning of the passing of Mr. Gregory. A valiant man, Dick Gregory, the father of Richard Jr. (who preceded him in death), Michele, Lynne, Pamela, Paula, Stephanie a.k.a. Xenobia, Gregory, Christian, Miss, Ayanna, and Yohance, and loving husband of Lillian, broke racial barriers and crossed social economic lines as he walked with purpose as a social activist. “One of the things I keep learning is that the secret of being happy is doing things for other people.�

-Dick Gregory Whereas, Dick Gregory used his platform as a comedian to inject social justice in to the veins of black people and confront white people and the nation about racism and white supremacy.

Whereas, He was a phenomenal critical thinker who never failed at dissecting the American narrative and did not accept it as truth, but instead read between the lines and came up with the truth.

Whereas, Dick Gregory, who viewed social activism as his calling, was a pioneer who won over audiences through humor and helped bring world-wide attention to integration, Jim Crow, and the lack of social equality for blacks.

Whereas, His impeccable timing and bold, in-your-face humor and political satire that was often ripped from current events and news headlines produced some of the most prophetic social commentary of modern times.

Whereas, Dick Gregory will be recognized forevermore as author, theorist, businessman, presidential candidate, soldier, dietician, college lecturer, comedian, civil rights campaigner, and front-line social activist.

Now, therefore be it resolved, that we encourage you to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. II Corinthians 5:1 says, “Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.�

We further resolve, that you can rejoice that Richard Claxton Gregory no longer has the limitations of an earthly tent and now enjoys the privilege of being in the presence of our Lord.

The Gregory Family Dr. Julianne Malveaux TBAAL staff Rev. Barbara Reynolds We further resolve, to give you our full spiritual support, love and prayers that you have added strength during the Zemill days ahead. We bow to a will greater than our own, and find comfort in knowing that one day we will be united with Mr. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. All program participants Gregory again, in joy and in the fullness of God’s mercy.

Dallas Post Tribune I Messenger Media

Norma Adams-Wade To the family, we know your sorrow is great and your loss is deep. Please know that we share in your sorrow, but more T .EWSSTANDS IN

Leo Hassan importantly, we recognize that the earthy world’s loss of Mr. Gregory is truly Heaven’s gain. He is now with our ances

Jermaine Bennett, artist

Free - Take One Free - Take One

Rowlett Mesquite hardson E.Dallas

tors and cheering us on with the great cloud of witness.

Humbly submitted in Faith and Appreciation for the gift of our time with Richard Claxton “Dick� Gregory On October 8, 2017 by Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, Senior Pastor Friendship-West Baptist Church Dallas, Texas

Year Subscription $45.00

CREDO OF THE

03) 450-1397 BLACK 1 Year Subscription $45.00 PRESS The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.

PRESIDENT

Sarah Glover NBC Owned TV Stations New York, N.Y.

VICE PRESIDENT - BROADCAST

Do you know this man?

Dorothy Tucker WBBM-TV Chicago, Ill.

VICE PRESIDENT - PRINT

Marlon A. Walker Atlanta Journal-Constitution

VICE PRESIDENT - DIGITAL

Vacant

SECRETARY

Cheryl Smith I Messenger Media LLC Dallas, Tx. TREASURER

Greg Morrison Bumper to Bumper TV Atlanta, Ga. PARLIAMENTARIAN

Dave Jordan WSPA-TV Spartanburg, S.C.

POLICE have not apprehended “Pookie� the serial rapist.

We know he has attacked members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and there is a $5,000 reward offered by Crime Stoppers.

If you have ANY information, PLEASE call Crime Stoppers

877-373-8477 Come on PEOPLE! Don’t you CARE? Will it matter when it is your sister, mother, aunt or grandmother or maybe YOU?

REGION I DIRECTOR

Johann Calhoun The Philadelphia Tribune REGION II DIRECTOR

Vickie Thomas WWJ/CBS Radio Detroit, Mich.

REGION III DIRECTOR

Ken Lemon Cox Media Group – WSOC Charlotte, N.C.

!

In remembrance of Mr. Dick Gregory As we celebrate the life of Richard “Dick� Claxton Gregory, the members of the National Association of Black Journalists salute a fine person and offer our condolences to his family.

While we are saddened by Mr. Gregory’s passing, we are joyful because many of us had the privilege of knowing, interviewing, photographing and learning from this giant.

It was one of NABJ’s founders, Paul Brock, who conducted an eight-hour on camera interview with Mr. Gregory for the trailblazing series, The HistoryMakers; TV One’s Cathy Hughes' in-depth One-on-One interview was insightful and thought-provoking as the two friends provided a history lesson for viewers; and, there are countless others who interacted with Mr. Gregory as he continued to speak truth to power.

Mr. Gregory was one of those newsmakers who, even if he wasn’t on the program, attended several of NABJ's conventions and conferences. He always made time for members; rarely turning down an interview, and that was only when he had a scheduling conflict.

In praising our work, Mr. Gregory would always talk about the awesome responsibility we as journalists have because we are disseminating information. He frequently, eloquently and emphatically stated, “information is power!�

Our prayers are with Mr. Gregory’s family and loved ones.

Respectfully submitted,

REGION IV DIRECTOR

Vacant

ACADEMIC REPRESENTATIVE

Michelle Johnson Boston University

MEDIA-RELATED REPRESENTATIVE

Tanzi West-Barbour Policy Innovators in Education

Sarah J. Glover

President National Association of Black Journalists September 13, 2017

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

Kyra Azore Howard University Washington, DC

INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Shirley Carswell

11 0 0 K n i g h t H a l l , S u i t e 3 1 0 0 | C o l l e g e P a r k , M a r y l a n d 2 0 7 4 2 Phone: (301) 405-0248 | Fax: (301) 314-1714 w w w. N A B J . o r g

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LIFE. LESSONS. LOVE AND LAUGHTER.

OCTOBER 8, 2017

7

Celebrating the Life of Mr. Gregory September 15-17, 2017

Dick Gregory was a friend to the D/FW Metroplex

MALIK, CHERYL AND DICK @ TIKI’S RESTAURANT

DALLAS MAYOR TOM LEPPERT AND DICK

VINCENT HALL, GREG, CHARLES STEELE, SHUCKEY DUCKEY, MILES JAYE AND IRMA P. HALL.

CHERYL SMITH, COMER COTTRELL, DICK GREGORY AND FELISHA COTTRELL

TERRY ALLEN AND DICK GREGORY DICK AND CHEF

ANDREW WHIGHAM AND DICK

BETHEL JOHNSON AND DICK @ IMPROV

MALIK FARRAKHAN, VIRGINIA MAGEE, DICK GREGORY, MOTHER, RICHARD MOORE AND ALAYNA SMITH

DICK GREGORY AND PHYLLIS YVONNE STICKNEY

KEISHA AND THE GIRLS WITH MR GREGORY

DENICE FORD AND DICK AT HEALTH FAIR

ONE OF MANY SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

HAPPY 75TH BIRTHDAY

TONY REED (NATIONAL MARATHONERS) AND DICK GREGORY

EVA COLEMAN, DICK AND SHERRI TURNER HEALTHY LIVING EXPO 2016

DICK GREGORY AT HEALTHY LIVING EXPO DECEMBER 2016

DALLAS WEEKLY TEAM WITH PUBLISHER JAMES WASHINGTON

Support the Dick Gregory Foundation

www.dickgregoryfoundation.net Buy a book.

Knowledge is power!

NICOLE BARRETT AND DICK

DAWOLF, SHUCKEY DUCKEY, MILES JAYE, CHERYL DICK, IRMA P. HALL, PHYLLIS YVONNE STICKNEY AND CHARLES STEELE

8

OCTOBER 8, 2017

LIFE. LESSONS. LOVE AND LAUGHTER.

WWW.TEXASMETRONEWS.COM

Dick Gregory also said, “Don’t Believe the Hype!”

This anti-war, anti-apartheid, conspiracy theorist An energetic organizer for the Freedom and Peace Party They want him to run for President of the United States…don’t laugh, seriously!

THIS ONE IS FROM THE HEART (for Dick Gregory)

He tirelessly performs at fundraisers for C.O.R.E., SNCC and the NAACP His reputation as a freedom fighter is recognized and respected internationally He marched, sat-in and went to jail regularly…you can laugh out loud if you want to But you had better start taking this comedian “seriously” Here is a man who prayed and fasted to protest injustice and genocide… confronting poverty and hunger…he cried, “No More Lies”!

He wanted us to be educated, responsible and healthy Freeing our minds of toxins while cleansing our bodies He even had me drinking his Bahamian diet…how many others out there have tried it?

Do you know what it means to be “St. Louis Cool”? Intensity in the personality Speaking “real shit”…while still being funny…analyzing insanity…neutralizing apathy Confronting inhumanity, using satirical comedy…to educate a smoke-filled room Of intellectual liberals, finger-snapping beatniks…and fools He was the first Black comic to sit on the tee vee talk show couch This Black guy in the black suit puffin’ on a cigarette…legs crossed As comfortable as can be…while casually criticizing racism and social injustice Somehow making it all seem funny

Some folks would ask me, “How come he seemed so angry lately”?

I guess he was just pretty frustrated by the “State of the Union” And how he felt things really should be So, here was a wonderful man who dedicated his life to “elevating humanity” And because of his unselfish work…and his remarkable legacy We will speak his name eternally…we love you Brother Dick Gregory

From the Chicago Playboy Club, to Jack Paar, to Ed Sullivan…Vegas and Atlantic City Alcohol, horse, coke, nicotine…living “the good life” on ten grand a week But really…is any of this worth sacrificing your soul, your health…and your family?

Then we witness “the grand transformation” Of a successful stand-up comedian to a modern-day American historian He lost 100 lbs., grew a beard, became a vegetarian He tours the country lecturing at college campuses and capacity-filled auditoriums

Leo Hassan 8/25/17

Celebrity Bowl-a-thons over the years

DICK GREGORY AND CONRAD PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

CAT DADDY, ADAM, MISS COMMUNITY AND TEAM WITH DICK GREGORY

SEN. ROYCE WEST, INTERNS AND DICK GREGORY

DICK GREGORY SPEAKS AT CELEBRITY BOWL-A-THON

KIKI SHEPARD WITH DICK GREGORY CHAMPION TEAM WITH GREGORY AND CHERYL CHAMPION TEAM WITH GREGORY AND CHERYL

THE SNEEDS WITH DICK GREGORY

SKIP MURPHY AND GREGORY WITH MY GIRLS

KAT AND DICK GREGORY

THE DALLAS EXAMINER TEAM WITH DICK GREGORY

TWIN, GREGORY, KEN BELL AND BARBARA HAWKINS (AMERICAN AIRLINES REP)

HE RELATES TO ALL AGES

VIRLINDA STANTON AND DICK

CONGRESSMAN MARTIN FROST DICK GREGORY WITH CONSTABLE DERICK EVANS

DICK WITH A NAPPY HAIR AFFAIR

HAFIZAH SMITH AND DICK GREGORY

DICK GREGORY WITH NINA FROM THE NORTH DALLAS GAZETTE

EVERYBODY LOVES MR. GREGORY

BIG BROTHERS/SISTERS BOWL FUN FOR ALL AGES AT DBTH WITH DICK GREGORY

DICK AT DBTH

DICK GREGORY WITH ATTY. DEMETRIS SAMPSON AND HER BOWL-A-THON TEAM

HAIR CARE MOGUL COMER COTTRELL, DICK AND PR GURU JOE WALKERERS) AND DICK GREGORY

CELEBRITIES WITH DICK GREGORY AT DBTH IN THE 1990S. ALSO MY MOM, HER BEST FRIEND VIRGINIA, MALIK, MAYOR RON KIRK, SEN. ROYCE WEST

DICK, CHERYL, IMAJ, JOYCE ANN BROWN, HEATH HARRIS AND OTHERS AT DBTH

ANGELA ROBINSON, T’KEYAH CRYSTAL KEYMAH AND DICK GREGORY