Miles College Presents 'An Evening With Bill Cosby' Hosted by Robin Givens, 2/17

Miles College Presents An Evening With Bill Cosby Two Comedy Shows, One Night Only Hosted by Robin Givens on Friday, February 17, 2012 at The Historic Alabama Theatre located 1817 3rd Avenue North Birmingham, Alabama 35203, with the first comedy show starting at 6:00pm and the second comedy show starting at 8:30pm.

One of America’s most beloved comedians of all time, Bill Cosby is bringing his comedic talents to Birmingham, Alabama’s only Historically Black College & University, Miles College. Bill Cosby's ultimate goal is to help raise funds for Miles College Institutional Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarship funding to over 400 students annually. As a longtime proponent of Higher Education, Bill Cosby and his wife Camille Cosby have supported many colleges and universities across this great nation. As a result of Bill Cosby’s philanthropy and the invaluable leadership of President George T. French, Jr. the corporate community, political community, Citizens of Birmingham and Miles College Alumni has embraced this event with their financial and in-kind support. Today, Miles College primary purpose is to perpetuate the dream of its founders by eliminating the mounting financial burdens that impact students, especially those upperclassmen who must drop out in their final year because of a lack of funds and scholarships.

Robin Givens, who starred in a successful stint on Broadway in Chicago and also starred Off-Broadway in The Vagina Monologues, just starred in Blues for an Alabama Sky co-starring Kadeem Hardison and Kevin T. Carroll under the direction of Sheldon Epps for the Pasadena Playhouse drawing acclaimed reviews and standing ovations.

Miles College presents one of the largest fund-raising events to take place in Birmingham, Alabama this year. Not only will you laugh when you encounter the comedic talents of Bill Cosby, but both comedy shows will be hosted by the lovely, talented and beautiful Actress Robin Givens. However, the excitement doesn’t end after the comedy shows with Bill Cosby because a special after party concert will take place with Grammy Nominated American Idol Superstar Ruben Studdard and three time Grammy winner and Jazz Legend Ramsey Lewis at The Harbert Center located 2019 4th Avenue North Birmingham, Alabama 35203, doors open at 10:00pm with show starting at 10:30pm. This concert will not be available for the general public; you must purchase the two top tier tickets for either comedy show An Evening With Bill Cosby in order to be admitted to this special concert.

“Because of the generosity of Dr. Cosby, Miles College has been able to secure a new stream of financial resources that are valuable to help strengthen the institution’s scholarship fund, states Miles College President George T. French, Jr. Based solely on having Dr. Cosby’s name attached with Miles College, we have raised an estimated $120,000.00 from corporate sponsors and still counting – this number doesn’t reflect ticket sales from the comedy shows. This is a huge gift from Dr. Cosby and Miles College goals and commitment to Dr. Cosby is very simple – help sustain our most valuable asset, which are our students because without them, Miles College doors would not be open.”

"People play key roles in the Plan of Divine Providence -- Bill Cosby has played such a role in my life,” says Robin Givens. ”It was Mr. Cosby who gave me my first “big break” on The Cosby Show. It was Mr. Cosby who brought me to Hollywood and believed in me. Not only does Mr. Cosby hold a special place in my heart but he holds a special place in the world of entertainment and as a humanitarian. I am in awe of being asked to Host this evening honoring my longtime mentor and friend. Now at this time, as Divine Providence authors another chapter in my personal history and another great man, Dr. George French has brought me to another great place, Miles College. As Professor-in-Residence, I will share what I have learned. I remain in awe and I’m delighted to host this event, which simply could not be more special to me.”

For more information and to purchase tickets for An Evening With Bill Cosby, please visit www.billcosby.com and www.ticketmaster.com and/or by calling 205-929-1444.

One of America’s most beloved comedians of all time, Bill Cosby has captivated generations of fans with his comedy routines, iconic albums and best selling books such as Fatherhood. His comedy transcends age, gender, and cultural barriers.

For his philanthropic efforts and positive influence as a performer and author, Cosby was honored with a 1998 Kennedy Center Honors Award. In 2002, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor, was the 2009 recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and the Marian Anderson Award in 2010.

Robin Givens began her acting career with an appearance on The Cosby Show. The following year, she landed her breakthrough role as Darlene Merriman on the hit ABC series “Head of the Class” (1986-1991). During that time she co-starred with Oprah Winfrey in the miniseries “The Women of Brewster Place” (1989). Givens then starred in several back-to-back movies including a critically acclaimed starring role in “A Rage In Harlem” (1991) with Forest Whitaker, Danny Glover & Gregory Hines under the direction of Bill Duke; Boomerang opposite Eddie Murphy in 1992; Foreign Student (1992); Blankman with Damon Wayans and David Alan Grier (1994); She was listed among Empire Magazine’s “100 Sexiest Stars in Film History” in 1995. More recently Givens returned to films working with Tyler Perry on his The Family That Preys Together (1998) with Kathy Bates and the TBS series “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne,” as well as a recurring role on USA Network’s “Burn Notice.” Last season, Givens starred in recurring guest star role on the hit series “Chuck” as well as guest star roles on the CW’s “Nikita,” Lifetime’s “Drop Dead Diva” and BET’s “Reed Between the Lines” with Malcolm Jamal Warner. Then she starred in the Fox pilot series “Tagged” in 2011. She has worked extensively on stage including a successful stint on Broadway in the leading role of Roxie Hart in the Broadway production of Chicago (2006) and has performed in the Off-Broadway production of The Vagina Monologues (2006). In 2007, she published her first book, Grace Will Lead Me Home. She recently garnered rave reviews for her starring role in the acclaimed production of “Blues for an Alabama Sky” opposite Kadeem Hardison and Kevin T. Carroll at The Pasadena Playhouse under the direction of Artistic Director Sheldon Epps. She is Co-Chair of “Women Who Care.”

President George T. French, Jr. serves as the President of Miles College. Dr. French has been at Miles College for 10 years. He served as Interim President of Miles College and was a Member of the President's cabinet while serving as Director of Institutional Planning and Development.

Also, Dr. French directed the offices of alumni affairs, federal contracts and grants, Title III, institutional research and effectiveness, congressional relations, public relations, and long-range ... planning. Dr. French headed the largest capital fund drive in the history of the college, raising more than $40 million dollars. He was responsible for recent construction projects totaling nearly $24 million in renovations and new buildings across the campus.
Dr. French has received a Congressional Appointment to serve on the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) and his tenure will last through 2014. Dr. French has been a Member of the Diversity Advisory Council of Regions Financial Corp. since May 2010. He has been a minister in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church for the last 16 years, serving pastorates in South Boston and Virginia as well as Gadsden and Mount Carmel CME Church in Adamsville.

 

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