Tackling subjects from religion to O.J. Simpson, civil rights activist Dick Gregory used humor to broach serious topics in his speech, “Imperatives for the New Millennium.”

The 68-year-old lecturer attracted an audience of about 160 people to the Sun Room of the Memorial Union Thursday night, as part of the Black History Month celebration.

Gregory’s light approach to his sensitive topics was apparent from the beginning. He told the audience that he’s concerned about racial issues.

“‘White’ ain’t nothing but an attitude. If you ain’t got the big bucks, you can’t have the attitude. Racism is an insanity that this country can no longer afford,” he said. “I do not believe we’ve gone beyond the point of no return, but it’s up to you.”

Gregory said Americans don’t realize what is happening in their country every day.

“We older folk left you young folk with a mess to clean up. It’s the most racist, insane nation, and you don’t even know it,” he said.

One of Gregory’s main complaints about American society is its music, especially rap. He said the rap lyrics referring to women are often vulgar, disrespectful and do not reflect well on the black community.

“You can’t feel [that way], and yet you are all stupid enough to buy it. Brother ain’t cool; he’s crazy,” he said.

Jokes related to current events were also filtered throughout Gregory’s presentation. He gave the audience a comedic take on the 2000 presidential race.

“Al Gore was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. [Texas Gov. George W.] Bush was born with a silver spoon up his nose,” he said.

The Simpson murder trial was another part of American culture that Gregory riffed on.

“O.J. was on TV the other night crying about how he still loved Nicole. He said she came to him in his dreams every night,” Gregory said. “If I ever get a chance to talk to that boy, I’m going to say, ‘Next time she comes to you in your dreams, ask her who did it.'”