2021 - Paul Mooney, Comedic Legend and Social Commentator, Dies

On May 19, 2021, the world lost Paul Mooney, a legendary comedian, writer, and unapologetic voice on race in America. Known for his sharp wit and fearless commentary, Mooney was a key writer for Richard Pryor and contributed to shows like In Living Color and Chappelle\’s Show. His comedy tackled institutional racism, Black identity, and hypocrisy with piercing insight and raw humor. Mooney helped shape the landscape of modern Black comedy by demanding truth be spoken from the stage, often making audiences uncomfortable in the pursuit of honesty. He viewed humor as a weapon of liberation, using it to dissect white supremacy and empower Black thought. His death on May 19—the birthday of Malcolm X—was poetic, marking the passing of a truth-teller whose work aligned with radical clarity. Remembering Mooney on this date honors a comedic icon who turned laughter into resistance.