They Used to Joke About It

Whether or not King's dream was realized by the election and inauguration of President Obama, the once far fetched concept of a black President will never again be the premise of a stand-up comedy routine or a sketch.

Here's a look at some of the greats riffing on the formerly unattainable dream.

RICHARD PRYOR

Things get progressively more stereotypical in this SNL sketch featuring Pryor playing Carter's successor.



EDDIE MURPHY

During the Reagan administration, Eddie Murphy talks about the prospect of Jesse Jackson running for President.



DAVE CHAPPELLE

Dave has a plan to stay alive if he became the first black President--appoint a Mexican Vice President. It doesn't reflect well on me, but this was a plus in my column when I was considering the benefits of Obama selecting Bill Richardson.



MUHAMMAD ALI

This isn't a comedy situation, but Ali gives an all too prophetic assessment of the job facing the first black President--the ship is going down.