Original Photo of Comedian Dick Gregory Giving a Speech Decrying America's "Sick System" in 1968 riots

Dick Gregory

Photograph

Original photo of Dick Gregory on a flatbed podium giving a speech in Washington D.C. on the urban riots that had swept the nation. 9" x 7" inches. Black and white silver gelatin original Press photograph. Gregory was a comedian notable for his outspokenness on civil rights and many other causes. In this photo he is seen giving a speech to a crowd just a few days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. The pain in his face is particularly acute and noticeable as he looks directly into the lens of the photographer, and the men behind Gregory seem to be reeling from the recent tragedy as well. The caption of this photo makes note of the "mostly white civil rights rally" of student age in "hippy attire" in "well-to-do Georgetown." The sentiment expressed by that caption is indicative of the Silent Majority populism that would support the rise of Richard Nixon to the White House in 1968. Dick Gregory ran against Nixon in 1968 as the Freedom and Peace Party, an offshoot of the Peace and Freedom Party, and garnered nearly 50,000 votes. He continued to be committed to justice in all facets of life, being a vocal supporter of feminist, animal, Native American, and environmental struggles. In very good condition overall.

Item #17599

Price: $125.00