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What if the most important conversations about race, identity, and American values happened in comedy clubs and on television sets?
The journey of Black comedy in America is a story of laughter, resistance, and cultural power. This is the central thesis of Black Out Loud: The Revolutionary History of Black Comedy from Vaudeville to '90s Sitcoms, the new book from Peabody Award-winning journalist and PBS NewsHour co-anchor Geoff Bennett. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Darryl Bell is no longer able to attend this program in person.
Bridging Journalism and Pop Culture Legacy
Bennett, who has covered the White House through six presidential election cycles, brings an investigative journalist's rigor to cultural history. His book charts a course from vaudeville through the groundbreaking work of Redd Foxx, Richard Pryor, and Whoopi Goldberg, culminating in the golden age of 1990s television. Drawing on intimate interviews with Martin Lawrence, Robert Townsend, and Keenan Ivory Wayans, Bennett reveals:
-How Black comedians functioned as cultural theorists, embedding social critiques within commercially viable humor
-The behind-the-scenes politics that shaped iconic shows like Martin, Living Single, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
-The lasting impact these artists had on American attitudes toward race and identity
The evening includes an author conversation, audience Q&A, and book signing. Learn more about the author and moderator below.
Geoff Bennett is the co-anchor and co-managing editor of PBS NewsHour and serves as a contributor to NBC News. A Peabody Award-winning journalist, he has reported on national politics at the highest levels -- covering the White House and six presidential election cycles -- while conducting exclusive interviews with cultural icons, world leaders, and groundbreaking artists. His work bridges politics and culture, offering clear-eyed insight into the forces that shape American life.
He lives in the Washington, DC, area with his wife and their son.
AGE GROUP: | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Author Talk |
