Denmark Vesey Bicentenary: DL Hughley

Event Details

One of the most popular and highly recognized standup comedians on the road today has also made quite an impression in the television, film and radio arenas. DL can currently be heard nationwide as host of his own afternoon radio show “The DL Hughley Show”which is nationally syndicated in over 60 cities across the country. The radio show dives head first into hot topics of the day and dishes on the latest news, entertainment, pop culture and what’s trending in social media. The radio show is also seen in its TV component – “Uncut,” which runs on the LOL Network on Pluto TV. The show airs weekly in a lifestream format.

This June 15, 2021, Harper Collins released DL’s fifth book How to Survive America, following last year’s successful title Surrender, White People. Two of his satirical titles Black Man, White House: An Oral History of the Obama Years and How Not to Get Shot…And Other Advice From White People, became New York Times bestsellers. It was recently announced that Comedy Central will shoot a docu-comedy series of How Not to Get Shot.

DL continues to dominate the stand up stage, producing specials for Netflix, Showtime and HBO. His 11th stand up special “DL Hughley: Contrarian”is currently available on Netflix.

DL also created and starred in the satirical documentary special for Comedy Central DL Hughley: The Endangered List, which premiered to rave reviews. The special was honored with the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award at the 72nd Annual Peabody Awards.

Known for being astute and politically savvy in true comedian-style, DL served as host of his own late night talk shows on CNN and Comedy Central, and was a series regular on the Aaron Sorkin NBC drama Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. DL hosted the TBS’s game show Trust Me, I’m a Game Show Host. He also tapped into his playful side and participated in the 16th season of the hit ABC show Dancing with the Stars.

As the star and producer of his namesake television show that ran on ABC and UPN The Hughleys, DL is also well known as one of the standout comedians on the ground-breaking tour and docu-film The Original Kings of Comedy. A veteran of numerous talk show appearances, he is a regular on the late night talk show circuit, including always-memorable appearances on Real Time with Bill Maher, CNN and The Tonight Show. He is frequently requested as a guest host for such shows as Good Morning America, The View and Live with Kelly.

DL’s first love always has been, and always will be, standup comedy. “From the minute I first walked onstage and picked up a microphone,” he says, “I knew that it was what I was meant to do.”

Denmark Vesey Bicentenary | July 14 – 16

The Charleston Gaillard Center, a leader for performing arts in the Southeast, is partnering with Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and the soon-to-open International African American Museum (IAAM), to mark the bicentenary of freedom fighter Denmark Vesey’s planned uprising to free the enslaved people of Charleston through three days of free and paid cultural performances and conversations. Taking place July 14-16, 2022, the Gaillard Center will open its doors to the Charleston community to acknowledge America’s difficult history of race and slavery, and use arts and entertainment to bridge divides, build dialogues, and support healing in a city that historically saw some of the first enslaved men, women and children enter through its port, and only six years ago, witnessed the racially motivated murder of nine congregants at Mother Emanuel AME Church.

Consisting of discussion panels, musical and comedy performances, and installations, the three-day initiative will bring together prominent artists, scholars, educators, and the community to reflect on Denmark Vesey—a formerly enslaved man and respected, multilingual church leader and businessman—and redefine his place in American history. Attendees will participate in a vital journey of acknowledgement and exploration of the past, present, and future with conversations that reckon with the abominable truths and ongoing repercussions of slavery. The weekend will also include and center performances that aim to facilitate healing through the arts.

Thursday, July 14 at 7:30pm – Truth be Told: Vesey
Friday, July 15 at 8:00pm – Performance by multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, and actor Anthony Hamilton
Saturday, July 16 at 5:00pm – Orchestrating Freedom: a free outdoor concert featuring the Charleston Symphony and Lowcountry Voices
Saturday, July 16 at 8:00pm – Performance by Comedian DL Hughley

Learn more about all the events at gaillardcenter.org/denmark-vesey/.