Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby is a very funny man. He is also a brilliant advocate for Black History. In 1968 he narrated a film entitled "Black History, Lost, Stolen, or Strayed" which I used to show to my class every year. Two descriptions follow:

In this program, host Bill Cosby shares several accomplishments that have not always been fully or properly covered in the history books. The achievements of important historical figures are discussed, including the medical advances made by black doctors, the dedication of the black soldiers who fought in the Civil War, and the contributions made by Admiral Perry's navigator. Though the film was made in the late '60s and doesn't include the many new discoveries and accomplishments made since then, it does present important information that encourages young people to meet their academic goals and follow their dreams.

Did you know that the first open-heart surgery was performed by a black doctor, Daniel Hale Williams? Not many people did in 1968, the year this eye-opening film, narrated by Bill Cosby, was first released. Many still don't today. "Black History: Lost, Stolen or Strayed" reviews the numerous contributions of African-Americans to the development of the United States. From the perspective of the turbulent late 1960s, the fact that their positive roles had not generally been taught as part of American history, coupled with the pervasiveness of derogatory stereotypes, was evidence of how black people had long been victims of negative attitudes and ignorance. Viewing this film today offers students and adults an opportunity to explore their own perspectives — to examine how things have changed in their lives and those of their parents, as well as how troubling stereotypes still persist four decades later.

Cosby is not the sweet, funny man that we are used to seeing in this film. Instead he is sharp and angry. He directs his remarks to everyone who have ignored the contributions of Blacks throughout history. This program was so highly acclaimed that CBS NEWS rebroadcast it, again in prime time, only three weeks later. Featured segments spotlight the changing image of black Americans through film and TV clips ranging from The Birth of a Nation, to Amos ’n’ Andy, to Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner; Freedom Day School in Philadelphia, where African-American children were taught about their heritage and racial identity; and some of America’s less familiar black heroes, including Daniel Hale Williams, the first doctor to perform open heart surgery in America.

I still carry the image of a little black child saying "I am Black and Beautiful" over and over as the teacher worked to instill a pride which had not been there before. He showed how the movies marginalized the black man and made him less than a person. He expressed outrage at the images presented in the movies of a black man who had to bug out his eyes or act afraid of everything but never mind. Little Shirley Temple came to his rescue so he need not be afraid.

Yes, Bill Cosby is a funny man. He is also an activist and an advocate for his people and their history. I admire him greatly. You can read more about him here, here and here.