Early on in this book I wondered why it was being published: I didn't see the value in it. I'm glad I continued on because I realized, that through Dick Gregory's maturity and life experience, his observations became more sharp and profound over the years. This book would be more beneficial to young, Black men and men who have a lack of strong, male figures.
This collection of essays and interviews covers Gregory's early life, living in poverty and how having a strong, mother-figure got their large family through it. It is interesting to learn how he built his craft as a comedian. This would benefit any person interested in becoming a comedian because Gregory goes in depth about where he gets material, which audience the material would work best on, etc. There are not many books that talk about this and he makes intelligent observations about societal norms and learning people.
Then there is the activism. He was not so caught up in being a celebrity comedian that he ignored the need for an activist such as himself to help his people. In this day in age, where scrutiny is on an innumerical level, with the insertion of social media, so many celebrities struggle with speaking for a cause or being silent and judged for their silence or their opinion. Gregory chose to speak up, but also speak up and raise sensible points and arguments that helped those who had no voice or a weak one. He was quite a man who should be celebrated and never forgotten.

This gathering of the words of Dick Gregory is pulled together from his books, interviews, lectures, and performances. He candidly answered questions about his childhood, his rise to prominence in the field of comedy, his involvement in civil rights, and other topics. Those details are organized into three sections in the book - Body, Mind, and Spirit.

Readers will find themselves caught up in descriptions of walking to school, performing on the stage of a nightclub, or addressing groups of protesters ready to march for voting rights or other causes. Gregory talks about his visits to Mississippi after the death of Medgar Evers, testifying before Congressional members about discrimination in performing arts, or his involvement in efforts to end apartheid.

I don't remember hearing about Dick Gregory when I was growing up, but I recognize many of the influences he mentions - Redd Foxx, Nipsey Russell, Amos and Andy. Perhaps it was because he was on the nightclub circuit rather than other venues that I did not hear of him until I was an adult. And with his speeches and participation in protests and demonstrations, I have never seen him mentioned in accounts of those events.

For those like me who were not cognizant of his speeches, protests, and even hunger strikes, this book covers the span of a remarkable life in the man's own words. Just released October 11, this is an eye-opening compilation and a fascinating book.

The Essential Dick Gregory personally taught me a lot about a fascinating and innovative talent worthy of the material. Gregory's career starting at a time when that was a difficult journey for those chasing the dream was a tough task, but his story shows the passion for his craft and groundbreaking accomplishments. This book was a great way to introduce Gregory and all that went into his life.