On September 19, 1977, Richard Pryor performed at the Los Angeles Hollywood Bowl. His influence on American comedy in the 1970s was profound, owing partly to his controversial use of the N-word. Historian Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor, his daughter, has spent much of her career tracing the word’s history through different eras, including slavery, Jim Crow, the civil rights movement, and hip-hop.

The Scholar’s Perspective

Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor has a unique relationship with the N-word. As the daughter of Richard Pryor, she describes her experience as ‘super complicated’. One notable incident occurred while teaching a college class. A white student quoted ‘Blazing Saddles’, a film co-written by her father, using the word. Prohibited from using the word in her classroom, she found herself faced with an unexpected challenge. ‘I [was] just kind of like a deer in headlights,’ she said. This moment highlighted the difficulty of dealing with racism within an educational context.

Richard Pryor’s Journey with the N-word

Richard Pryor’s career eventually led him away from using the N-word. After a trip to Kenya, he vowed never to use it again. His decision showcased his understanding of the word’s function in Black culture and the artist’s struggle over its impact. Pryor did not impose his decision on others, acknowledging the word’s significance in cultural protest and resistance.

A Memoir of Complications and Conversations

Elizabeth Pryor’s book, ‘Something We Said: Richard Pryor, A Notorious Word, and Me’, blends personal memoir with historical analysis. Highlighting her father’s role in reshaping the word’s protest language, she emphasizes its powerful impact on stage.

Challenges in Classroom Discussions

Teaching about the N-word remains challenging. Conversations often prove difficult, yet they offer important lessons. Elizabeth Pryor stresses the importance of acknowledging the impact of such talks. They are less about free speech and more about considering the shared experiences of those involved.

A Daughter’s Perspective

Elizabeth Pryor recounts meeting her father for the first time at age six. In Newark, New Jersey, her mother seemed nervous as they arrived at a hotel. Richard Pryor opened the door, a towel around him, and Elizabeth felt an instant connection. ‘I loved him immediately’, she says.

A Creative Bond and a Secret World

Her childhood experiences with her father were marked by her desire for his attention. Attempting to impress him, she engaged in theater and improv, performing in plays he attended. Later, her quest for intellectual connection led him to send materials encouraging her ‘Black awakening’. These included a Malcolm X documentary and a song by The Last Poets.

A Comedian’s Childhood

Richard Pryor shared stories from his early years, navigating life with a sex worker mother. One poignant memory involved him, at age five, slipping in dog poop while pretending to be a cowboy. The laughter he received encouraged him to repeat the act. These moments reveal the lengths Pryor went to gain attention and validation from those around him.