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Two Republican Party activists in South Carolina apologized earlier this month for racist jokes made online about Barack and Michelle Obama. Dispelling the notions of a ‘post-racial’ society, the apologies are just the most recent in a steady stream of racist humor continuing since the first African-American president’s inauguration. In stark contrast to those supposed one-liners, San Francisco-based comedian W. Kamau Bell was noted by Comedy Central as the first person to tell the very first joke about Barack Obama noting how his name alone would be too tough for racist voters to swallow. The joke was much in line with Bell’s current work that weaves through the contentious intersections of race in society with his acclaimed solo show, “The W. Kamau Bell Curve: Ending Racism in About an Hour.” Inspired by the incendiary style of Bill Hicks, Bell pulls no punches in his punch lines about race relations interweaving personal experiences and social commentary in a standup act set to provoke as much insight as laughter. Flavorpill.com has said of the one-hour show, “By making no subject off limits, keeping no discrimination too taboo, and leaving no room for self-denial, Kamau’s Bell Curve is not only a powerful comedic performance but an outlet for a necessary dialogue.”

GUEST: W. Kamau Bell, stand up comic

The W. Kamau Bell Curve at The Comedy Central Stage in Los Angeles

When: Tue, Jun 30, 2009 8:00 PM – Tue, Jun 30, 2009 9:00 PM

Where: 6539 Santa Monica Boulevard (@Hudson btw Highland and Vine)

Tickets are Free. To RSVP, Call 323.960.5519