Boys & Girls Clubs of America is joining forces with Bill Cosby in support of the comedian's latest CD project, "Bill Cosby Presents the Cosnarati: State of Emergency." The youth development organization is set to host a series of LISTENing parties across the country to foster community dialogue and promote the album's socially conscious themesself-respect, education and service to otherswhich embody the principles championed by Boys & Girls Clubs. These sessions will kick off on December 12th and 13th across America and will be greeted with a phone call from Cosby and the Cosnarati.
"Boys & Girls Clubs of America is excited that Clubs are hosting LISTENing parties to mobilize their communities around very poignant issues that are affecting youth nationwide," says Judith J. Pickens, the organization's Sr. VP, Program & Youth Development Services. "We believe this is the perfect opportunity for the Clubs to not only engage teen members but also fosters dialogue and action throughout the community."
With some 4,300 Boys & Girls Clubs across the United States, the organization counts among its diverse alumni actor Denzel Washington, Olympic Gold Medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee, actress Jennifer Lopez, President Bill Clinton, and Cosby himself. "Thank you Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Your support of the Cosnarati LISTENing Parties gives the true meaning of 'it takes a village'", said Cosby.
Released November 24th and executive produced by Cosby, "State of Emergency" is produced by Cosby's longtime musical colleague William "Spaceman" Patterson and special guest rappers/activists Jace the Great, Brother Hahz and Supa Nova Slom. To continue the dialogue and further combat the social issues addressed on the CD, Cosby developed the LISTENing parties.
Visitors to billcosby.com can sign up to host or attend LISTENing parties in their own neighborhoods. Party hosts will receive a "State of Emergency" pack which will include a CD, the album lyrics, a list of talking points and a copy of the CD's companion book, the Cosby co-written "Come On People: On the Path From Victims to Victors."
