Cosby talks positive parenting at MLK scholarship breakfast

CHICAGO -- Comedian Bill Cosby says successful parents make it clear they want their children to succeed. He says that message wasn't there for people who are failing.

Cosby spoke at the Reverend Jesse Jackson's annual scholarship breakfast to honor the Martin Luther King Junior holiday.

Cosby has been criticized and accused of elitism and reinforcing stereotypes for rebuking black parents and people in low-income situations -- who he says are failing the civil rights movement by "not holding up their end in this deal."

But he received a warm reception at this morning's event in Chicago.

Cosby told the audience that some people have children without intending to help them succeed in life. He cited as an example absent fathers who aren't around to give positive messages to their children.