Richard Pryor’s Daughter Elizabeth Recalls Moment Her White Mother Called Her the N-Word During Heated Argument (Exclusive)

Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor, the third eldest daughter of the late comedic legend Richard Pryor, has opened up about her unique upbringing as a biracial woman in her newly released memoir, “Something We Said: Richard Pryor, a Notorious Word, and Me.” Stordeur Pryor, who is currently a history professor at Smith College, takes a deep dive into the complexities of race and identity through both personal narratives and historical analysis.

At 59 years old, Stordeur Pryor reflects on her experiences growing up in a family rife with racial dynamics, having a white Jewish mother, Maxine Silverman, and a father known for his boundary-pushing approach to comedy. In her memoir, she recounts pivotal moments from her childhood that highlight the challenges and revelations she faced in navigating her multifaceted identity.

In an enlightening conversation with PEOPLE, Stordeur Pryor touched upon a significant incident in her life involving her mother. During a heated exchange, her mother reportedly used a racial slur directed at her, which had far-reaching implications for their relationship. Despite the hurt caused by such a shocking remark, Stordeur Pryor emphasises that she has always felt loved by her mother, stating, “Even with what my mum said, she loved me. I’ve always known that my family has.”

This candid admission is indicative of the complexities of familial love and racial dialogue, which Stordeur Pryor wishes to explore further with her relatives. She expresses a desire to engage in more profound discussions about race with her cousins, who form part of her predominantly white family. “I want to ask them, ‘Did you know that I was Black?’ or ‘Were you told to behave in a particular way around me?’ These are the kind of questions I feel are necessary,” she explains.

Referencing W.E.B. Du Bois’ concept of double consciousness, Stordeur Pryor conveys her awareness of living with dual identities. She articulates this profound understanding, observing that her family experiences a similar dichotomy. “They are 100% my family with whom I share memories. Still, I have this careful observance of how race plays a role in our relationships, always operating in tandem,” she states. While she has not yet fully processed the themes of her memoir with her family, she has engaged in meaningful conversations about her experiences with friends from high school.

Stordeur Pryor credits her mother with diligently documenting her father’s achievements and personal moments throughout her upbringing. From newspaper clippings to heartfelt letters, Silverman’s meticulous archival efforts have endowed Stordeur Pryor with a trove of familial history. “As a child, it was always a bit annoying; she was constantly cutting things out and throwing them into boxes. Yet, it turns out, she had the foresight to curate my father’s legacy,” she reminisces.

One particularly memorable item that Stordeur Pryor recalls is a suitcase filled with artefacts that represent her father’s legacy. “That suitcase would have been sold off at a garage sale if it were left up to me,” she laughs, “but my mother preserved it, filled with magazine clippings and sweet notes from him.” This preservation became essential in shaping her understanding of her father, crafting a rich narrative woven from the moments he shared with her.

In “Something We Said,” Stordeur Pryor intricately intertwines her historical knowledge with personal storytelling, creating a multifaceted exploration of identity and heritage. The memoir delves into the complexities of race and familial relationships, aiming to incite conversations that are often avoided or understated.

Now available in bookstores nationwide, Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor’s “Something We Said: Richard Pryor, a Notorious Word, and Me” promises to offer not only insight into the life of one of comedy’s greatest icons but also a compelling examination of race through the lens of personal experience. As she reflects on her journey, Stordeur Pryor hopes to inspire others to engage in open conversations about race, identity, and the intricacies of family dynamics.