When I got the call two weeks ago that Bill Cosby was coming to town, I was pleased, though he has come here several times to do comedy shows.
As I finished listening to the message my boss, Andre Holman, was leaving, I thought I heard him say something about me being a moderator for Bill Cosby.
I rewound the message and listened intently. My ears had not deceived me. Bill Cosby was coming to St. Louis to do an open forum to discuss bettering the lives of African Americans, and I was going to be one of the moderators.
To say I was thrilled would be an understatement.
I had heard of his campaign of sorts, going around the country holding what some were calling town hall meetings. His message was one that piggybacked on the notorious speech he gave at the NAACP event over a year ago.
He had raised much controversy with his comments on the plight of Black America, and these meetings were to shed some light on that.
Not only would I get the chance to moderate, but I would get learn more about his message and the feelings of St. Louisians in the process.
The event went very well. Our very own Donald M. Suggs, publisher of the St. Louis American, was there, along with a host of others who came to hear the message.
Mr. Cosby had us laughing, pondering and thinking out loud as he explained how his message came from love and not condemnation.
I looked at this man, a man who has made such an impact on the world over the last five decades, and I was very proud of him.
There stood the creator of one of the most successful sitcoms in television history, a man who had meant so much to so many, and I was fortunate enough to be a part of this event right alongside him.
The evening went off without a hitch, and I believe those in attendance had a wonderful time.
I found myself beaming from pride, not from the fact that I had such a great opportunity, but from you St. Louisans who came out that night, those who participated, cheered and voiced your opinions.
You are the real reason for the successes of our neighborhoods and schools. I was just as proud to be there for you as I was for Mr. Cosby.
Thanks for sharing.
