Defining Moments in Black History: Reading Between the Lies

Written by Dick Gregory

Narrated by James Shippy

With his trademark acerbic wit, incisive humor, and infectious paranoia, one of our foremost comedians and most politically engaged civil rights activists looks back at 100 key events from the complicated history of black America.

A friend of luminaries including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Medgar Evers, and the forebear of today’s popular black comics, including Larry Wilmore, W. Kamau Bell, Damon Young, and Trevor Noah, Dick Gregory was a provocative and incisive cultural force for more than fifty years. As an entertainer, he always kept it indisputably real about race issues in America, fearlessly lacing laughter with hard truths. As a leading activist against injustice, he marched at Selma during the Civil Rights movement, organized student rallies to protest the Vietnam War; sat in at rallies for Native American and feminist rights; fought apartheid in South Africa; and participated in hunger strikes in support of Black Lives Matter.

In this collection of thoughtful, provocative essays, Gregory charts the complex and often obscured history of the African American experience. In his unapologetically candid voice, he moves from African ancestry and surviving the Middle Passage to the creation of the Jheri Curl, the enjoyment of bacon and everything pig, the headline-making shootings of black men, and the Black Lives Matter movement. A captivating journey through time, Defining Moments in Black History explores historical movements such as The Great Migration and the Harlem Renaissance, as well as cultural touchstones such as Sidney Poitier winning the Best Actor Oscar for Lilies in the Field and Billie Holiday releasing Strange Fruit.

An engaging look at black life that offers insightful commentary on the intricate history of the African American people, Defining Moments in Black History is an essential, no-holds-bar history lesson that will provoke, enlighten, and entertain.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Sep 5, 2017
• ISBN: 9780062742247

Dick Gregory

Richard “Dick” Claxton Gregory was an African American comedian, civil rights activist, and cultural icon who first performed in public in the 1950s. He was on Comedy Central’s list of “100 Greatest Stand-Ups” and was the author of fourteen books, most notably the bestselling classic Nigger: An Autobiography. A hilariously authentic wisecracker and passionate fighter for justice, Gregory is considered one of the most prized comedians of our time. He and his beloved wife, Lil, have ten kids.

Reviews for Defining Moments in Black History

[La'Sheena Polite · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The BEST book I've ever read!! This book gave me chills!!!

[Shakira Bowman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I absolutely loved this book. I'm a 23 yr old young woman and sifting through tons of information in this day and age is stressful, especially not knowing what's fully fact or fiction. Baba Dick definitely refreshed my thirst for learning all about black history, with the hopes of being inspired enough to be the change I want to see. I could go on and on and on about his storytelling skills and his ability to make you feel in the moment hes talking about. I just loved it, I hope hes somewhere in the heavens enjoying his new life.

[Linda Ivey · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Dick Gregory knew 50% of the people he reflects on in this book. Some aspects of his recollection and commentary regarding Marvin Gaye, MLK, Malcom X and Metgar Evers I found to be extremely personal and shocking. His life of activism, healthy living, political satire and comedic entertainment is revealed throughout the book.

[Steven Stankevitz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was a great read. I couldn’t put it down. Thanks!

[Jermale Haywood Jr. · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Read this and Shook One, and you'll know all you need to know.

[Lori · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

From the perspective of a man that actually witnessed history in the making! Greatest history lesson I’ve ever read!

[Cedric Austin Nash · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An inspiring way to tell history. This gives me a different perspective of Black history and definitely touches on things I knew and did not know.

[Ian Khisa · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

There are some sections the narrator read that aren't in the book but overall it's a fantastic narration. Feels like listening to Dick Himself

[Charles Martin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Dick Gregory is an excellent story teller and he tells stories of our history in the United States in his distinctive and unique style. I heartily endorse this work.

[Chantell Williams · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the best!! I absolutely loved it! ??

[Daniel Hall · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Had to buy a few copy’s and give to my family

[Veronica Brown · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I learned so much Thank You Mr. Gregory you are truly missed!your work lives on. I absolutely love this book! ❤️

[Marvin Edwards-Bey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The research and the ingenious way it was presented as well as having a Moorish man speaking.

[Alexis · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Information that ive never heard before i love learning new details about black history

[Jhai · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Some very interesting history that you’ll never be taught about in regular school being brought to light!

[Matthew Brooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

this was a great book from a legend. the insight and thoughts are spot on and it will give you history of events that you may not have know about.

[Jason Johnson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the most important books I’ve read in a long time. Everyone in America should read this book.

[Florine Clark · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book contains valuable historical and sociological information that impacts the quality of life in an anti-black society.

I have listened to this audio presentation twice (back-to-back) and I am elated!

As I process the intellectual and emotional morsels of this book, I know that I am a changed person ... I can feel my personal positive growth.

I am grateful that Mr. Gregory gave this gift to the world.

Thank you Father Gregory!

[jef louis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So much stuff in this book made me say wow and make me look at the government a different way.

[Faheem Lea · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Dick Gregory was an iconic figure, as well as an insider, and I admire him for taking up a lifelong mission to wake our people up.

[Wesley Julien Sainval · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was an eye opener I’m so glad that i picked that book.

[tena_heath · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a wonderful piece of literature! I didn't realize how much history he was a part of! Fascinating!

[EDCM14 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book, filled with lots of information on African Americans!

[ivory adams · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fascinating and funny read from one of the greatest social commentators of our time

[J Doty · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thank you for sharing ,let’s continue the Works.I really enjoy and appreciate all the works

[Melanie Cornelius · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Interesting historical tidbits with generalizations that fall short of verifiably.