Cosby urges Detroit residents to change lives

Funnyman Bill Cosby spurred Detroit, Michigan, residents towards self-improvement and community spirit as he addressed an empowerment workshop in the city on Saturday.

The impassioned speech in front of a 600-strong, mainly black crowd saw Cosby reiterate previous directions.

He visited Detroit in October 2005 as part of a tour to encourage community involvement, while in January 2005 he urged black people to be more responsible for their children's futures.

Speaking at Wayne County Community College District's campus, Cosby said: "When I come back and come back and come back I'm making a statement that this is for real.

"You're about to listen, absorb and to challenge yourself to move in a positive direction. Strength, that's what we're after."

Detroit was listed second in the US Census Bureau's ranking of poorest big cities released in August, with over 30% of residents living in poverty.