Black Comedy in America

Dave Chappelle's uncompromising comic voice and vision fuel his ascent to major success, even in the face of controversy and changing cultural tides.

The origin story of Black comedy includes slave tradition, the chitlin circuit, racial stereotypes, Jim Crow segregation on the road, and breakout triumphs.

Richard Pryor blazes a trail that includes transformational appearances, addiction and tragedy, and a mix of pain and joy.

A wave of hit sitcoms like ``The Jeffersons`` bring Black family life and humor into the homes of Americans everywhere, with an influence that continues today.

Russell Simmons and Stan Lathan fuse a hip-hop sensibility with cutting-edge comedy voices to create a groundbreaking franchise with enduring cultural impact.

A wave of hit sitcoms like ``The Jeffersons`` bring Black family life and humor into the homes of Americans everywhere, with an influence that continues today.

The origin story of Black comedy includes slave tradition, the chitlin circuit, racial stereotypes, Jim Crow segregation on the road, and breakout triumphs.

Richard Pryor blazes a trail that includes transformational appearances, addiction and tragedy, and a mix of pain and joy.

Dave Chappelle's uncompromising comic voice and vision fuel his ascent to major success, even in the face of controversy and changing cultural tides.

Russell Simmons and Stan Lathan fuse a hip-hop sensibility with cutting-edge comedy voices to create a groundbreaking franchise with enduring cultural impact.