Cosby takes South Dallas parents to task
Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 8:38 am
Comedian urges S. Dallas audience to challenge kids, not label them
By TAWNELL D. HOBBS / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Actor and comedian Bill Cosby injected a bit of humor into a town hall meeting Monday filled with advice for parents – and disdain for labeling black children "at risk" or "disadvantaged."
The town hall meeting at Lincoln High School in South Dallas focused on the importance of education. The meeting was punctuated by outbursts of praise as Mr. Cosby challenged the mostly black audience of about 1,200 to get involved with their children's schooling and keep them off the streets.
"There's a revolution that needs to start," Mr. Cosby said. "It's not pointed yet in the direction ... where City Hall is, not yet. It's pointed in the neighborhood."
Mr. Cosby faced some criticism last year for his remarks that lower-income black youths put too much stock in their appearance and not enough in education. He also challenged parents to be more accountable.
He's traveling to the town hall meetings around the country at his own expense.
"Ladies and gentlemen, for goodness' sake, join together. There's nothing at risk about your child, except you."
The Rev. Donald Parish of True Lee Missionary Baptist Church said he was impressed that Mr. Cosby came to South Dallas.
"It's a message we need to hear instead of fighting it," he said. "We, the community, just need to finally get the message and do something about it."
A 10-member panel, including Dallas school trustee Ron Price, gave short speeches before Mr. Cosby addressed the audience.
"Our children are our greatest resources," Mr. Price told the town hall participants. "When you leave here, go help somebody else's child other than your own."
By TAWNELL D. HOBBS / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Actor and comedian Bill Cosby injected a bit of humor into a town hall meeting Monday filled with advice for parents – and disdain for labeling black children "at risk" or "disadvantaged."
The town hall meeting at Lincoln High School in South Dallas focused on the importance of education. The meeting was punctuated by outbursts of praise as Mr. Cosby challenged the mostly black audience of about 1,200 to get involved with their children's schooling and keep them off the streets.
"There's a revolution that needs to start," Mr. Cosby said. "It's not pointed yet in the direction ... where City Hall is, not yet. It's pointed in the neighborhood."
Mr. Cosby faced some criticism last year for his remarks that lower-income black youths put too much stock in their appearance and not enough in education. He also challenged parents to be more accountable.
He's traveling to the town hall meetings around the country at his own expense.
"Ladies and gentlemen, for goodness' sake, join together. There's nothing at risk about your child, except you."
The Rev. Donald Parish of True Lee Missionary Baptist Church said he was impressed that Mr. Cosby came to South Dallas.
"It's a message we need to hear instead of fighting it," he said. "We, the community, just need to finally get the message and do something about it."
A 10-member panel, including Dallas school trustee Ron Price, gave short speeches before Mr. Cosby addressed the audience.
"Our children are our greatest resources," Mr. Price told the town hall participants. "When you leave here, go help somebody else's child other than your own."