“Every group of brothers should have at least one white guy in it. I’m serious, for safety—cuz when shit goes down someone is gonna need to talk to the police.” That’s Dave Chappelle, and it’s humor like this—funny in spite of, and because of, its serious subject matter—that has made Chappelle one of the most loved comedians of our time. This year he receives the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, which was first presented in 1998, to Richard Pryor. The gala celebration is October 27, and its PBS broadcast is scheduled for January 6, 2020. —J.V.