Much buzz over Bill Cosby in New Haven

New Haven, Conn. (WTNH) - TV legend and comedian Bill Cosby and NFL star Michael Vick and  spent some time in New Haven today at separate events.

Bill Cosby came to take his campaign on the importance of education to the streets. He spoke to both students and parents.

Tuesday, Cosby visited the Newhallville area of the city to walk the neighborhood.

At age 73 and nearly 20 years after the heyday of The Cosby Show, Bill Cosby can't walk down the street without getting mobbed.

Invited to speak at Southern Connecticut State University , Cosby insisted on venturing into the community to talk about, of course, kids.

"I want you all to understand the value of your children,” Cosby said. “Your children happen to be helpless. They need you."

He says too many parents expect too much of the schools and that pouring more money into them won't solve all of the community's problems.

"To try to get the adults to seriously throw off the apathy and recognize that the revolution is in the home,” the actor, producer and activist continued.

Earlier in the day, Cosby was at King-Robinson International Baccalaureate School talking about how parents need to take an active role in their children’s education.

Out in the neighborhood, the message was the same.

"If you don't show up to meet the teachers -- who are teaching your children -- have them at least six hours a day. Find out how your child is doing."

Lisa Kellman, a mother of three, hopes people see past all the celebrity buzz, and take the message to heart.

"In this neighborhood, in particular, it's definitely needed. The morale is just so disheartening. And I'm just wondering, once he leaves, is everybody going back in their house, are we going to do change?” she said. “Are we going to be about changes? Is he really going to make some things happen so that we can, as a community, come together and do what's right for our children?”

Obviously there is a lot of enthusiasm for Dr. Cosby's message. But those who helped organize the event Tuesday say the key is going to be keeping that enthusiasm going long after he leaves town.