Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy

Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy is a 2009 documentary film based on the book Black Comedians on Black Comedy: How African-Americans Taught Us to Laugh, by Darryl J. Littleton.

Plot
The film analyzes the history of comedy and how the television and film industries have stereotyped African Americans throughout a multitude of generations. Quincy Newell, Executive Vice-President of Codeblack Entertainment, was the producer and co-writer with John Long on the project. The documentary was a selection of the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, and eventually acquired by Showtime. Newell himself has stated "the intent of the film is to spark meaningful discourse."

Cast
The film features commentary from black comedians including:
 * Chris Rock
 * Eddie Murphy
 * Dave Chappelle
 * Steve Harvey
 * Katt Williams
 * Marlon Wayans
 * Sherri Shepherd
 * Niecy Nash
 * Marla Gibbs
 * Dick Gregory