Dave Chappelle Acceptance Speech | 2019 Mark Twain Prize
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Published 2020-01-07
An outstanding lineup of entertainers gathered in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall to salute Dave Chappelle, recipient of the 22nd annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on October 27, 2019. The Prize, which is named to honor one of the world’s greatest humorists, was given at a gala performance featuring some of the biggest names in comedy.
www.kennedy-center.org/pages/specialevents/marktwa…
Dave Chappelle is an internationally recognized stand-up comedian and actor whose trademark wit and sharp, irreverent social commentary explores race, popular culture, sex, drugs, politics, and fame. Arguably the most-touring comic on the circuit, Chappelle has performed more than 1,600 concerts worldwide in the past four years, selling out shows within minutes of their announcements.
Dave Chappelle could always make people laugh. Once he realized the power of his natural talent, he set some ambitious goals for his art. As a 14-year-old student at Washington, D.C.'s Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Chappelle crafted his stand-up comedy act out of the realities of his life growing up Black in the nation's capital.
ABOUT THE MARK TWAIN PRIZE
The Mark Twain Prize recognizes people who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th century novelist and essayist best known as Mark Twain. As a social commentator, satirist and creator of memorable characters, Samuel Clemens was a fearless observer of society, who startled and outraged many while delighting and informing many more with his uncompromising perspective of social injustice and personal folly. He revealed the great truth of humor when he said "against the assault of laughter nothing can stand."
The inaugural Mark Twain Prize was presented to Richard Pryor during the first annual Kennedy Center Celebration of American Humor, October 20, 1998. The event was created by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Bob Kaminsky, Peter Kaminsky, Mark Krantz, and John Schreiber and is televised annually. The Kennedy Center is grateful to Cappy McGarr for his steadfast support of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor since its inception. Previous recipients of the Mark Twain include Richard Pryor (1998), Jonathan Winters (1999), Carl Reiner (2000), Whoopi Goldberg (2001), Bob Newhart (2002), Lily Tomlin (2003), Lorne Michaels (2004), Steve Martin (2005), Neil Simon (2006), Billy Crystal (2007), George Carlin (2008), Bill Cosby (2009, rescinded in 2018) Tina Fey (2010), Will Ferrell (2011), Ellen DeGeneres (2012), Carol Burnett (2013) Jay Leno (2014), Eddie Murphy (2015), Bill Murray (2016), David Letterman (2017), and Julia Louis-Dreyfus (2018).
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All Comments (21)
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"Sometimes you have to be a lion, so you can be the lamb you really are" - Dave Chappelle's Mom
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If someone from the future should stumble upon this video I need you to know: Dave Chappelle wasn't overrated. The acclaim and public love he receieved were completely merited. He was a master of his craft. He transcended comedy--he was one of the premier public intellectuals of his day. When Chappelle spoke people listened. He was easily one of the 10 most important public figures we had. He was the GOAT
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When his mother is saying that quote with him, it's one of the truest, and most powerful thing he could share. Major props to dave, and his wonderful mother, and family.
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It is amazing how he developed his career, story-telling, jokes and the message since 2005 when I watched him for the very first time. I could barely speak english back then. Dave is the GOAT of comedy
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I really hate how his words are being misconstrued. This guy owns his craft. He tells jokes but he always offers some perspective on life. You don't have to agree with it but it is his opinion. In the beginning when he was talking about racist comedians and how he is still friends with them. I just can't see how people say Dave Chappelle is hateful person. Yes, he makes fun of people. But he does it equally, himself, friends, family and so on. Have we gotten so soft as a society now that we can even talk about each other? Sometimes it is not right. But the conversation has to get done. Or else no one is ever heard.
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"This is the truth, and you are obstructing it".. what a legendary line.
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It’s probably weird that I’m saying this, but Dave’s parents being well-learnt educators and divorcing each other, gave him an incredible perspective on life, and in turn blessed us (fans of his work) with deep stuff to think about behind all the incredible jokes & comedy. For context if you don’t know, Dave’s parents split when he was young. He was mainly raised close to inner-city DC, but when his parents split, his Dad moved to Yellow Springs, Ohio. So as a kid he split his time between being close to the inner city, and being in the “country”. That, coupled with him later on making it and hanging around the Hollywood elites, is why his comedy has such a complete understanding & perspective on American life, or just life in general.
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Dave Chapelle's genius aside, you can't help but respect the mother who brought him up to be a man with opinions and courage.
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I need to listen to this speech every once in awhile. Heals my soul when I'm down... thank you Dave
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My favorite speech of all time. He pulls back the curtain of influence and talks so raw and so humanly about the truth. I can’t not cry watching this. An absolute legend of a man.
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I have students. And since I started teaching I’ve told them, “The world belongs to the bold. Be bold.” I’ve been at it since 2013 and the great Dave Chappelle’s mother said it the best. “Sometimes you have to be a lion... to be the lamb that you really are.”
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When a man with a clear vision and understanding of who they are speaks it is a direct injection of courage and strength into all of our hearts. Thank you Dave for being someone authentic, strong and clear minded at this time in our lives. We need people like you! God bless.
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Dave is a national Treasure and needs to be honored and protected
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Whoever says he is a comedian is oh so wrong...this man is a genius, legend, and hero of our times. Thank you Dave for mlgiving me hope that rational thought can and will prevail!!
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I've watched this clip a bunch of times.. Dave is truly a lion of language & illustration. His comments about his mother really struck a cord. My mother was a elementary school librarian and always did her utmost to encourage her children to read & learn along with passing on important life lessons. Dave & I were truly blessed.
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Its such a Beautiful sight watching a man appreciate his mother the way Dave Chappell did! Now you know Dave is a "Good Man" by the way he honored his Mom. Dave Chappell is one of my favorite artist not only for his comedy but for standing his ground and being Real. Hollywood has not changed him! 😊😊
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Sarah Silverman is close to tears towards the end of this and a moment before the camera panned to her showing that emotion I felt it too. Dave Chappelle is overly deserving of this award if that's even possible given that this is the yearly "Mark Twain Award" and he is my favorite author. Cheers
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I swear to God i watch this man's stand up repeatedly and i pray that may his legacy lives on more than he ever imagined.
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"Sometimes you gotta be the lion so you can be the lame you really are" Powerful 👏🏽
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The greatest of all time. Privileged to have grown up with this mans comedy, his work has saved me on so many levels.
