Bill Cosby Visits SCSU & New Haven

Takes message of hope and education to the streets.

Wed., Nov 24

Bill Cosby, a legendary entertainer who is passionate about encouraging urban youth to stay in school and pursue higher education, was greeted like a rock star on Nov. 23 during visits to three New Haven venues.

He used his vintage brand of humor to make salient points with people of all ages -- starting at Southern, where he urged students, faculty, and staff to reach out to the underprivileged urban community; proceeding to the King-Robinson International Baccalaureate Magnet School, where he told kids from grades Pre-K to 8 to study hard and do their homework; and concluding with a walk through the Newhallville neighborhood of New Haven, where he stressed the importance of kids staying in school and of parents acting like parents, rather than trying too hard to be their kids' friend.

Cosby's visit was the result of an invitation from SCSU Interim President Stanley F. Battle, who accompanied the 73-year-old star during the day's activities. "I invited Dr. Cosby to come to New Haven because his message resonates with the efforts of our university and our city to bridge the achievement gap and help children in grades K-12 realize that college is an attainable dream," Battle said.

Battle introduced Cosby to an audience of nearly 300 people at SCSU. "He has a commitment and energy for education that is unparalleled," he said.

Cosby said greater efforts needed to be made across the board -- including in homes and communities, as well as at educational institutions -- to change the negative cultural phenomena occurring in disproportionately high numbers throughout many urban areas - phenomena like high dropout rates for high school students, gang membership, and teen pregnancy.

"This (SCSU) should be the first place and the last place that they think of coming -- other than the community colleges," Cosby said.

While speaking to the younger kids at King-Robinson, Cosby used some of his favorite comical lines, playfully mocked their laughter, and talked about his own childhood creativity when it came to getting out of homework and studying. He recalled telling a teacher one time that the reason he didn't have  his previous night's homework completed was because he was robbed. "A man had a gun and said to me, 'Give me your homework.'"

He also said that he used to think teachers were old people who were jealous of him because he was young and could go out and play when he got home. "But these old people love you very, very much." He offered them the hope that if they do their homework and listen to their teachers, they can be successful in life.

Throngs of fans surrounded the famous comedian during the walk through several streets in Newhallville. He posed for pictures, and hugged and joked with many of the residents. But he also mildly chided a few teens who should have been in school and stressed the need for education and hard work to improve one's chances for a successful life, especially for those who grow up and live in underprivileged neighborhoods like Newhallville.

"That's how America works," he said. "It's (success) there for you, but it's not going to come to you."

See more photos of Cosby's visit on Facebook.