Activist, comedian, Dick Gregory is set to embark on a 30 day fast to raise more awareness to the devastation and
victims in Haiti and discuss some of the challenges ahead. Gregory will also begin his fast on Monday in honor of the victims
of the Haitian earthquake and will be joined and supported by Rev. Willie Wilson (Pastor,
Union Temple Baptist Church), Sidney Miller (Publisher, BRE Magazine) and others.
For
the first seven days of the fast, Gregory will go without anything to eat or drink
including any type of food, liquids or water. He will also be confined to
the church for the first 7 days. For the remaining days of the 30 day fast he will not
have any solid foods just liquids.
“I want thank everyone around the world, especially Americans
and those first responders who have really stepped up to help Haiti", said Gregory.
"Never has America witnessed such a tragedy. I am fasting to bring attention to short and long range effects of this disaster and raise the conscious
level that we can all do something to help. There is still so much to do. The people of Haiti need our protection, while they fight disease, loss of families
and the unbelieveable devastation and the other mounting issues that will come from the earthquake. I am asking all Americans to skip lunch one day a week, eat nothing, just meditate or pray
for Haiti, together we can make a difference.”
Gregory will be monitored by Dr.
Vincent Roux (former Associate Dean of Howard University College of Medicine) everyday for the first seven days at 12:00pm
at Union Temple. The doctor will test Gregory’s urine and blood samples and report on his overall condition daily.
Known for making political
statements through fasting, Gregory is in hope this will raise the consicous level that we can all do something. Gregory rose to fame during the 1960s for his socially charged
and racially provocative comedic material. Gregory was one of the first black
comedians to perform in front of both black and white audiences. Gregory,
also an author and social critic, has a history of going on hunger strikes for injustice as he has fasted to bring awareness
to various issues such as ending the War in Iraq and unfair drug laws.
For
more information visit www.uniontemple.com.
