McLean Community Center's 10th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Features 'An Evening with Dick Gregory,' 1/19

Civil Rights icon Dick Gregory will be the featured speaker at the 10^th Annual McLean Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19, in the Alden Theatre. Sponsored by the McLean Community Center, the event will include a post-performance reception. Tickets are $20, $10 for MCC district residents. The theatre is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue.

A man totally committed to nonviolent social change, Gregory is one of the few surviving leaders of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. In "An Evening with Dick Gregory," (www.dickgregory.com) Gregory will bring his renowned humor and tell-it-like-it-is style to tales of his work with Dr. King, and his thoughts on what we still have to accomplish. A brilliant comedian, leading civil and human rights activist, author of 15 books, recording artist, television and film personality, leading nutritionist, veteran and social change agent, Gregory will share a lifetime of experience with Alden audiences.

When Gregory began performing in public in the 1950s, his detached, ironic, and satirical style changed the way white Americans perceived African American comedians. He drew on current events, especially racial issues, for much of his material. He has marched, protested and spoken out against the Vietnam War, world hunger, and drug abuse. Gregory's activism has continued into the present day.