Dave Chappelle will be honored at the Kennedy Center with one of its most prestigious awards.
The Kennedy Center will award the popular comedian with the Mark Twain Prize, which, according to the Kennedy Center website, “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,” on October 27. (RELATED: Dave Chappelle’s New Netflix Special Includes This Brutal Riff On ‘Poor Whites’ Who Voted For Trump)
“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,” the Kennedy Center said in a statement.
Breaking news: #DaveChappelle is the next recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor!
Thanks to our presenting sponsor, @CapitalOne, for bringing laughter to the community & helping us celebrate the unparalleled career of a comedy legend. #TwainPrize pic.twitter.com/9LbAbbeECF
— The Kennedy Center (@kencen) May 7, 2019
Chappelle grew up in Washington, D.C., where the Kennedy Center is located. In its statement announcing the award, the Center noted Chappelle’s upbringing in the community. (RELATED: Pete Davidson Gets Away Ahead Of Christmas, Spends Time In The Woods With Dave Chappelle)
“Dave Chappelle could always make people laugh,” the Center said. “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.”
At a time when most comedy has been watered down because of capitulation to political correctness, Chappelle remains unafraid to tackle difficult subjects.
Chappelle is truly deserving of this award, and it’s great that the Kennedy Center is honoring him in such amazing fashion.