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Cosby Returns to Celebrate Blacks in Science

True to his word Cosby will return to Washington, DC for the 2nd Annual Benjamin Bannaker Award

Legacy Awards Gala on November 7, 2007. This Gala honors pioneering African-Americans who have contributed to the onward progression of the Black science community.

Last year’s program, entitled “Celebrate the History of Blacks in Science” took the audience through the journeys of African-Americans and their scientific contributions to the world. Featuring a narrated slide show, the program served as the platform for honoring the winners of The Benjamin Banneker Legacy Award.

This entertaining evening included African Drummers, Master of Ceremonies and Emmy Award winning journalist, Leon Harris, and prominent scientists from across the nation, but the main attraction of the night was none other than Keynote Speaker, Bill Cosby, whose passionate and challenging words were received with laughter and open-mindedness from the crowd.

From the stage of last year’s event, Cosby announced that he would return the following year as keynote speaker, and true to his word, he is scheduled to address this year’s gathering on November 7^th. A key part of his message last year was that the excellence of Black scientists – magnificently

heralded at last year’s event -- is still a well kept secret. He challenged those present to spread the word far and wide at least by making sure that this year’s event filled the 1000-seat auditorium.

“Bring people in off the streets if you have to,” said Cosby. “People need to know about the brilliance that exists in our community!”

The Benjamin Banneker Institute for Science and Technology, sponsor of the Benjamin Banneker Legacy Awards Gala, has taken on the Cosby Challenge. To attend the Gala, to stay informed on their progress with the Cosby Challenge, and to learn more about the Banneker Institute’s program, including the Decade of Blacks in Science, visit www.thebannekerinstitute.org.

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