Comic Bill Cosby will be the guest speaker at the 85th Anniversary dinner for the Bermuda Union of Teachers next month.

The American comedian and actor made headlines last year, not for his humour, but for taking aim at blacks who failed to take responsibility for their economic status, blamed police for their incarcerations and taught their children poor speaking habits.

Mr. Cosby made his remarks at a Constitution Hall event in Washington last May commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Brown vs. Board of Education decision that paved the way for integrated schools in the US.

Mr. Cosby told a stunned audience that "lower economic people were not holding up their end of the deal".

"These people are not parenting, they are buying things for their children ? $500 sneakers for what? And won't spend $200 for Hooked on Phonics," he said.

Mr. Cosby also took aim parents for teaching their children poor speaking habits.

"They're standing on the corner and they can't speak English. I can't even talk the way these people talk: 'Why you aint,' 'Where you is'... And I blamed the kid until I heard the mother talk. And then I heard the father talk. ...Everybody knows it's important to speak English except these knuckleheads. ...You can't be a doctor with that kind of crap coming out of your mouth!"

The Bermuda Union of Teachers might be hoping for a repeat performance, but could not be reached for comment by Press time last night.