There’s a reason why Dave Chappelle called Paul Mooney “an unofficial sociologist.” The comedic genius behind Richard Pryor, the ’90s “Homie the Clown” sketch on In Living Color, and “Ask a Black Dude” on Chappelle’s Show  — which has taken new life as an app — has a career spanning 50 years.

Here are five times he reminded us of why his words remain as timely today as they were when he first hit the scene.

 

When he told us about white tears and how we should drink them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaQR0Bg8Wr8

 

When he kept it 100 on our culture’s nostalgia for slavery.

 

When he told the truth about the mental illness trope for white murderers.

 

When he called out white folks for feeling more kin to animals than black people.

 

When he said what we’re always saying when we call out cultural appropriation.