Baratunde Thurston

From the moment he greets the crowd, Baratunde is unforgettable. “My full name is Baratunde Rafiq Thurston. Baratunde is a Nigerian name meaning ‘one with no nickname.’ Rafiq is an Arabic name meaning ‘really, no nickname.’ And Thurston is a British name meaning ‘property of Massa Thurston.’ It’s ok if you weren’t expecting that last one. Neither were we.”

From here, this Harvard Philosophy graduate takes his audiences on a journey through the absurd world of American politics, media and pop culture, having turned his astute political awareness into a rising career in sharp and entertaining comedy where nothing is sacred.

When so many Americans get their news from Fox, when someone like Ann Coulter can get published, and when a black man with an afro still can’t walk down the street without white people touching it, it’s time to call on this comedian, author and self-described “vigilante pundit.”

Baratunde has been nominated for the Bill Hicks Award for Thought Provoking Comedy, featured in the New York Underground Comedy Festival and declared a Champion of the First Amendment by Iowa State University. He has appeared in media outlets such as The New York Times, C-SPAN, NPR and Fox News Boston and performs regularly across the country. His writing can be found in Boston’s Weekly Dig and Huffington Post as well as his three books, the most recent of which is Thank You Congressional Pages, For Being So Damn Sexy.

If you are a fan of Al Franken, Jon Stewart or the Bill of Rights, you will love Baratunde Thurston. He is not just an alternative to mainstream media. He’s an antidote.

Quotes

Barack Obama, US Senator & presidential candidate

Apparently, you’re somebody I need to know.

Barry Crimmins, political satirist

Baratunde Thurston is a gracious and humble man. The grace comes naturally but the humility has got to be difficult for someone of his enormous talents. A sharp, insightful and important performer and writer, Baratunde has exactly the kind of curiosity, energy and wit that makes great political satirists.

Catherine Orland, Student Activities Coordinator, Hampshire College

…I nearly died laughing. I agreed with his critiques of American racism, but what I was most impressed by was his successful blending of the sadness of those realities with comedy.

Rick Jenkins, Owner, The Comedy Studio

Baratunde is one of a few comic voices that is able to take a sharp, intelligent point of view and make it hysterically funny to all audiences.

Orson Scott Card, Author

We don’t necessarily see eye to eye politically, but when you’re that funny, I laugh even when it’s against my side.

mooospot (a YouTube viewer)

dumbass libral crackhead welfare sucker

Resume Stuff



awards, festivals and honors

* Regional Finalist, 2007 Comedy Central Open Mic Fight * Recipient, “Champion of the First Amendment” from Iowa State University’s School of Journalism * Featured comedian, 2006 New York Underground Comedy Festival * Nominated, 2005 Bill Hicks Spirit Award for Thought Provoking Comedy * Contestant in 2004 & 2007 Boston Comedy Festival * Finalist in 2002 HBO Comedy Festival Talent Search

media appearances

* Guest on NPR’s News & Notes * Regular guest on Christopher Lydon’s Radio Open Source * Featured guest and commentator on Fox News Boston * Quoted or featured in The New York Times, C-SPAN, The Boston Globe, The Washington Times, The Boston Phoenix, The Harvard Crimson, Somerville News and more

* special events Opener for DNC Chair Gov. Howard Dean at the 2007 Yearly Kos Convention * Master of Ceremonies, Media that Matters Film Festival at HBO Headquarters * Performer/host, fundraiser and writer for Mass. governor’s candidate Deval Patrick * Political Debate Moderator, Massachusetts 34th & 27th District State Rep contests * Panelist on the artist/activist path, Eastern ACE Conference @ Yale University * Performer, First Nights Boston for 4,000 people * Former Co-Host, Cambridge chapter of Drinking Liberally * Keynote Speaker, Higher Achievement Program graduation * Master of Ceremonies, Harvard Black Men’s Forum Celebration of Black Women * Master of Ceremonies, Harvard Black Arts Festival * Panelist, discussing role of podcasting for the Publicity Club of New England

writing

* Blogger, Huffington Post * Blogger, Jack & Jill Politics, a black bourgeois perspective on American politics * Columnist, Boston’s Weekly Dig * Author of political humor books Better Than Crying, Keep Jerry Falwell Away from My Oreo Cookies and Thank You, Congressional Pages for Being So Damn Sexy * Featured in author series alongside Howard Zinn and Cornel West * Published in ModernHumorist.com, BlackPeopleLoveUs.com, The Boston Metro newspaper

other comedy-related

* Graduate, Chicago’s Improv Olympic Summer Intensive * Regular performer, Laughing Liberally (incl. NYC’s Town Hall and the YearlyKos convention in Las Vegas) * Worked with comics such as Gary Gulman, Louis CK, Greg Giraldo, Jonathan Katz, Brian Kiley, Bob Wiltfong, Lizz Winstead, Dwayne Perkins, Sarah Silverman, Brendon Small, Jimmy Tingle, Tony V, Barry Crimmins, and The Whitest Kids U Know