Bill Cosby: African-Americans 'Not Holding Up Their End of the Deal'

Comedian Talks About Personal Responsibility and His Own Lapses in Judgment

Jun. 29, 2005 - It came as a shock to many last year when Bill Cosby, one of America's top TV dads and comedians, strongly criticized low-income African-Americans, and then took that message on the road.

In a series of "Conversations with Cosby" held in cities with large urban and poor populations, Cosby has said African-Americans are not "holding up their end of the deal" and need to take more responsibility for their families and communities.

During these events, Cosby has been tight-lipped with the media, often talking only to columnists in order to promote his advocacy. But the entertainer invited "Nightline's" Michel Martin to sit down for an exclusive interview during his latest event in St. Louis. Martin shared a preview of the piece, which airs in its entirety tonight, with "Good Morning America."

Cosby calls his town meetings "call outs" and has traveled to 12 cities so far, spreading his message of personal responsibility.

He has lambasted "lower-economic people," parents who spend more on athletic shoes than education, and children who use poor English and curse constantly. He has said blacks need to stop blaming whites and take control of their children and their communities.

"Nine hundred kids enter many of these high schools, and 35 walk out with diplomas," Cosby told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "The rest are in prison, pregnant or wandering around doing nothing."

Critics have dubbed it the "Blame the Poor Tour," and blasted Cosby's remarks as hurtful and stereotypical.

Martin asked Cosby about those criticisms.

"I would say they are trying to move away from the problem," Cosby said.

"They're trying to deal me some cards other than the hand that I'm talking about. I don't talk about the television set that works. I call the mechanic about that one that's broken."

However, his outspokenness has made him a target due to his own conduct, including current allegations of sexual misconduct. Prosecutors have declined to press charges, although a civil suit is pending. Cosby has publicly acknowledged that he had an inappropriate relationship outside of his marriage.

Martin asked Cosby if his own failures of judgment disqualify him from speaking about others.

"No," Cosby said flatly. "I couldn't care less what you think of me as long as you begin to execute that which will save your children."

He compared speaking out to warning others against mistakes he had made himself.

"You don't have to listen to me," he said. "But you're going to be very, very sorry."

Cosby grew up in a poor Philadelphia neighborhood, seeing little of his father who was a mess steward in the Navy. Cosby himself left high school in 10th grade to join the Navy, and later received his diploma from a correspondence course while still in the service. He attended Temple University on a football scholarship, and received a master's and doctorate in education from the University of Massachusetts.

Cosby is the creator of Fat Albert and played Heathcliff Huxtable on "The Cosby Show." He has won four Emmy Awards, eight Grammys, the NAACP Image Award, the Kennedy Center Honors Lifetime Achievement Award and is a member of the Hall of Fame of the Academy of TV Arts & Sciences.

Cosby and his wife, Camille, had five children. In 1997, their son, Ennis, was killed by a single gunshot to the head while changing a tire on his car.

Cosby has already taken his "call outs" to Atlanta; Springfield, Mass.; Newark, N.J.; Baltimore; and Dallas, among other cities. He plans to continue his conversation in Cleveland, Kansas City and other urban areas.

Copyright C 2005 ABC News Internet Ventures

Bill Cosby is a cigar smoker and I like his viewpoints! He will be frowned on by the likes of Jesse Jackson and his crowd!

Good for him!

Charlie

Bill has caught a great deal of grief for speaking out

He has be called everything from “Oreo” to House N****r

His message applies to all people, but he is directing it toward black americans.

Hurray for Mr. Cosby. He is exhibiting rare courage and leadership when it is needed the most.

I agree with MAC

His message should apply to all no matter race!

Charlie

Mr. Cosby is currently being sued in civil court for drugging and fondling a woman. Innocent until proven guilty, but that can't do his image much good.

I think as above that Bill words apply across the race lines...but i applaud him for doing something that is difficult...I remeber his records like why is there air when I was a kid...

.

Perhaps Mr Cosby needs to read or study Malcom X to get a better understanding of inner city mentality and mental slavery before he goes on his rants.

"You don't catch hell because you're a Methodist or a Baptist

You don't catch hell because you're a Democrat or Republilcan

You don't catch hell because you're a Mason or an Elk

And you sure don't catch hell because you're an American

Because if you were an American you wouldn't catch no hell

You don't catch hell because you're a black man.")-

Malcom X

Tey just made my point.

Bill Cosby was born poor in 1937 and raised in a Philadelphia ghetto, the cement slab in his project was his play ground. He dropped out of high school at 16 and joined the navy. While on active duty he received his GED. Ultimately he earned his Doctorate in Education from the University of Massachusetts. (Btw this is a real doctorate, not an honorary one that many entertainers get)

When he was boy growing, all the major sports were still primarily white only, Rosa Parks had not yet refused to give up her seat. He came of age with the Civil rights movement. There were clubs he played where he had to enter thru the kitchen because blacks where not allowed in the front door. He was part of the leading edge of black performers that broke down racial barriers in Hollywood, and across America,

But, some how Tey thinks Bill Cosby doesn’t understand what is like to be poor and black in America.

Here is a link for more on Bill Cosby

http://slate.msn.com/id/2103794/ 

BTW this is the proper quote from Malcom X. If you going to quote him, at lest take a few seconds and get the quote right

“I'm not here to argue or discuss anything that we differ about, because it's time for us to submerge our differences and realize that it is best for us to first see that we have the same problem, a common problem, a problem that will make you catch hell whether you're a Baptist, or a Methodist, or a Muslim, or a nationalist. Whether you're educated or illiterate, whether you live on the boulevard or in the alley, you're going to catch hell just like I am. We're all in the same boat and we all are going to catch the same hell from the same man. He just happens to be a white man.”

The Ballot or the Bullet speech by Malcolm X

April 3rd 1964

Cos is a very wise man. The same wisdom could - and should - be applied to anyone who thinks that "Society" is down on them. Any race, either sex. Instead of wasting time feeling downtrodden, grab that tiger by its tail, take advantage of the programs that are already in place to help you get up on your feet and then make something of yourself.

Heather

Actually Steveman,

I have the recorded version of that speech and the only thing he says different from what I typed(which was a typo)is " you catch hell because your'e a black man".

And as far as Cos growing up poor that holds only so much weight. I grew up in the housing projects in Los Angeles and I also dropped out of high school. But my opinion is different than Cos because I grew up in a different time. I grewup amongst gang warfare, crack epidemic, la riots, I have maybe one friend from the projects that made it out. I educated myself and swore to never forget who I was or where I came from. Most of you have never seen the stuff I've seen and never will. I wear glasses because I was beaten down over gang turf. I firmly believe that the answer to our inner city problems can only be solved thru the combined efforts of the people and the govt. but I don't think that will happen because mnopst of them want to keep us there. As can be evidenced in the crap they teach us in school. Nothing they teach us historically is meant to empower us.

The California schools do not teach history...they teach politically correct historical crap!

Charlie

Tey, in that sense you are right; there are certain factions trying to keep women and minorities down. They may not be those to whom one's mind might automatically turn, however. Think about who it is that you said teaches you things that are not meant to empower you. Young people are encouraged to speak street slang and dress like thugs because it is fashionable. Women are told by NOW that if they do not dress and act like men they are not going to succeed, which is a pile of hooey. Young women of every race are rewarded by the Welfare system for becoming pregnant before they are old enough to vote. Everywhere I look there are public figures telling telling me that if I were a minority I couldn't make it without the Government handing me a check. If I were you I would be mad too - at Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton and Nancy Pelosi and Paul Welstone and anyone else who told me that I wasn't good enough or smart enough to get up and get out on my own.

Lots of people have a thorn in their side, Tey. My babies are Autistic. They may never be able to get as far in this world as you have. With God's help they will, but my point is that there are all kinds of hurdles to jump. You have every right to be proud of the fact that you have gotten where you have. I think Cos is trying to tell these families that if they want their children to succeed then they need to start taking some responsibility for what is going on. He wants those young people to be able to go as far as you have.

Heather

Heather thank you for your kind words. I taught special ed for 8 years and have had many autistic children in my class. I would still be doing it if I wasn't trying to raise a family on the salary. I also have a son with down syndrome and understand hurdles that many people have to overcome. I just too often see those at the top telling you to pull yourself up when they themselves were born with silver spoons.

Heather, thank you again.

Bill Cosby is a racist.

He is a racist of the worst kind. That being not only is he racist against other ethnic and/or racial groups, but also against his own racial group.

His actions in the past have shown this. Notice that the title of the article talks of "his own lapses in judgement."

Wow adroomi that's a stretch. Especially coming from you!

adroomi is still doing his 'night at the improv' routine. Pretty funny isnt it?

Sorry adroominski, I couldnt help myself, LOL!!

Tey, I hope you didn't think I was being condescending. I sometimes come across that way and certainly didn't mean to in this case.

I commend you for teaching special ed - you have an activist's spirit and those kids need someone who will fight for them.

How old is your son? Kids with Downs can be so delightful. I have an older cousin, Ted, who has Downs and he is one of the most enlightened souls I have ever met. He is kind, generous to a fault and takes everyone at face value. I wish I could be more like him in that sense. He lives in his own apartment (he does have people that come in to help him with bill paying and the market) and goes to work every day. I don't know if I have ever heard him complain.

There are lots of biomedical things that can be done to help kids with Downs - nutritional therapies and such. If you are interested let me know.

Heather

Heather,

I was being totally sincere in my last post. I really appreciated everything you said. As for my son Zack he's a wondeful 11 year old. He never had any of the heart concerns that sometimes come with down's. He currently takes a supplement called nutrivene d which has helped his verbal skills tremendously. Thanks again for the kind words.

Dante