Need a laugh? Want to hear jokes from some of the world’s most successful black comedians, as well as their thoughts on the evolution of black comedy?

comedians

Why We Laugh film art courtesy of reelblack.com.

On Thursday, February 5, 2015, the College will screen Why We Laugh: Great Black Comedians, a documentary based on comedian Darryl Littleton’s 2008 book, Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy. The film traces the development of black comedy in America and includes interviews with comedians Bill Cosby, Chris Rock, D.L. Hughley, Steve Harvey and more.

After the film, Littleton will perform and then answer questions about his book and the documentary, of which he was an executive producer.

The film will begin screening at 6 p.m. at the College’s Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture at 125 Bull Street in Charleston.

EXPLORE: Learn More about the Avery Research Center.

And, speaking of famous black comedians, the College was once home to comedian Orlando Jones, star of Sleepy Hollow and MADtv, and who was recently profiled in the College of Charleston Magazine.

For more information on Why We Laugh, check out the film’s preview: