Celebrate the Legacy: From Dreams to Action

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

Midway through his speech, Dick Gregory asked how many people would not be surprised if Barack Obama were assassinated.

Half the audience raised their hands, and the other half had never thought about it. Gregory asked the question to illustrate how many people live with terrible realities – and how many people have no idea.

Gregory – an activist, comedian and nutrition guru – delivered the keynote address Thursday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Speaking in the Center for Workforce Development, Gregory gave a speech that was equal parts thought-provoking and hilarious.

Gregory had a personal connection to Columbus State: In 1976, he ran across America with Gordon Brooks, an emeritus professor of English. The two started in Los Angeles and arrived in New York City 71 days later, averaging 50 miles a day. They took the walk to dramatize the problems of hunger in America and overseas.

Gregory was already a successful comedian when he got the call to join the civil rights movement. He was sure he was going to die, but the risks were worth it. He said he never imagined the changes that have happened in the last 40 years.

He directed many of his remarks to African-Americans in the audience. Many African-Americans are proud of Barack Obama running for president, but Gregory pointed out how few had donated money or helped with his campaign.

People ignore terrible injustices today, Gregory said. He said many people will get angry and hit their wives or children, but never say anything if they are discriminated against. He asked how many students had ever given a helping hand to a classmate. “It don’t cost nothing. You don’t need a Pell grant to do that,” he said. Still, Gregory urged his audience to work for justice with forgiveness and compassion, just as King preached. Children aren’t born knowing about racism and corruption, he said. “When you come out of your mama’s womb, you’ve got one job – get back to the big house,” Gregory said. “Come back as clean as you were when you left here.” This event is brought to you by the Diversity Study Abroad and TRIO Programs Department, Columbus Community Relations Commission, Radio One Stations, Huntington Bank Lecture Series, OSU Frank W. Hale, Jr., Black Cultural Center and CSCC Interpreting Services.

Keynote Speaker: Dick Gregory