Cosby urges parent-child communication

CLEVELAND, May 24 (UPI) -- Comedian Bill Cosby said during an appearance in Cleveland that parents need to better communicate with their children on history and sex risks.

Speaking at the Cleveland Convention Center on Saturday, the former "Cosby Show" star said members of the black community must better inform their children of black history, the Cleveland Plain Dealer said.

"Our children are trying to tell us something, and we're not listening," Cosby, who is black, said. "We're not taking charge. Our children don't know their own history. … Our children don't know downtown belongs to them as well."

The 71-year-old actor also urged parents to openly speak with their kids on the subject of sexually transmitted diseases, while calling for increased interaction between parents and teachers.

"School, it's the way out," he said at the Cleveland Metropolitan School District's Family and Community Empowerment Luncheon. "Those kids who believe in education, we've got to give them strength."