Civil rights activist, comedian Dick Gregory dies weeks after local performance

Civil rights activist and comedian Dick Gregory died Saturday, his family confirmed in a social media post.

He passed away at age 84 in Washington, DC., nearly three weeks after his one-night appearance earlier this month in the Miami Valley.

The best-selling author and 1968 write-in presidential candidate performed Aug. 2 at the Dayton Funny Bone at The Greene Towne Center.

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Although he began as a comedian, he was active in social justice. He was allied with Martin Luther King Jr. and Andrew Young, and participated in sit-ins and marches.

Gregory was hospitalized with a serious, but stable condition, his son, Christian, said Thursday.

He is survived by his wife, Lillian, and their 10 children.

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