80R22717 JNC/JHS-D

By: Davis of Dallas H.R. No. 2656

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Influential comic and social activist Dick Gregory is celebrating his 75th birthday in Dallas on June 29, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Gregory began his career in comedy in the mid-1950s after being drafted into the U.S. Army; in 1961, he earned a three-year contract with Chicago's Playboy Club, which propelled him onto the national stage; hired to replace a white comedian, he wowed audiences and was soon selling out nightclubs, making television appearances, and recording albums; and

WHEREAS, A champion of the civil rights movement, Mr. Gregory used his celebrity status to draw attention to issues of segregation and disenfranchisement; in one remarkable act of generosity and commitment to a just cause, he chartered a plane to bring in food to poor black families who had been cut off from federal surpluses as SNCC was encouraging voter registration; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Gregory has been honored for his lifetime of achievement at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; hosted by Bill Cosby, the sold-out tribute was attended by Mrs. Martin Luther King, Jr., Stevie Wonder, Isaac Hayes, and Cicely Tyson, to name a few; and

WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Mr. Gregory has enjoyed the support of his wife, Lil, and his 10 children, Michele, Lynne, Pamela, Paula, Stephanie, Gregory, Christian, Miss, Ayanna, and Yohance; and

WHEREAS, A talented performer, published author, and cancer survivor, Dick Gregory possesses a maverick spirit that has moved countless individuals and earned him a special place in the hearts of many; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas Legislature hereby honor Dick Gregory on the occasion of his 75th birthday and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Gregory as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.