Washington, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations released the following statement about the passing of comedian and civil rights crusader Dick Gregory:

“It is with deep sadness that I recognize the passing of Dick Gregory, who brought laughter to millions during the darkest days in the struggle for civil rights. Mr. Gregory was a pioneering African American comedian who opened doors of opportunity to comics who had previously been shut out due to the color of their skin.

“Mr. Gregory was a friend to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a man of courage, who often placed the equality of African Americans ahead of his own professional career. This nation owes him a tremendous debt of gratitude for his class, dignity and tireless commitment to the ideals that make America great. We all loved Dick Gregory and offer his family our deepest sympathies.”