Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy

Directors Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell offer this comprehensive and hilarious examination of the history, evolution and cultural significance of African American comedy in America, from the earliest minstrel shows to the latest HBO special. Featuring interviews with cultural critics and loads of comedic clips, this program features appearances by a who's-who of black comedians including Chris Rock, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg and many more.

Comedy Documentary

Franklyn Ajaye

(Self)

Angela Bassett

(Narrator (voice))

Bill Bellamy

(Self)

Todd Boyd

(Self)

Jeff Clanagan

(Self)

Bill Cosby

(Self)

Stanley Crouch

(Self)

Elijah Cummings

(Self)

Tommy Davidson

(Self)

Michael Eric Dyson

(Self)

Walter Fauntroy

(Self)

Shang Forbes

(Self)

Marla Gibbs

(Self)

Louis Gossett Jr.

(Self)

Dick Gregory

(Self)

Eddie Griffin

(Self)

Steve Harvey

(Self)

D.L. Hughley

(Self)

Sheila Jackson Lee

(Self)

Eddie Levert

(Himself)

Faizon Love

(Self)

Kweisi Mfume

(Self)

Kel Mitchell

(Self)

Mo'Nique

(Self)

Paul Mooney

(Self)

Garrett Morris

(Self)

Charlie Murphy

(Self)

Niecy Nash-Betts

(Self)

Reynaldo Rey

(Self)

Chris Rock

(Self)

Sherri Shepherd

(Self)

Sommore

(Self)

Robert Townsend

(Self)

Thea Vidale

(Self)

George Wallace

(Self)

Maxine Waters

(Self)

Damon Wayans

(Self)

Keenen Ivory Wayans

(Self)

Marlon Wayans

(Self)

Shawn Wayans

(Self)

Cornel West

(Self)

Katt Williams

(Self)

Andrew Young

(Self)

Topper Carew

(Self)

Julian Bond

(Self)