*Bill Cosby continues to promote his new book "Come On People" with a speech to the National Alliance of Black School Educators in Nashville, reports Tennessean.com.

The actor/activist urged the crowd at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center not to complain that "someone is airing our dirty laundry" when underachievement by black youngsters is talked about.

"We as a people have become cliched speakers when we address the concerns attacking our neighborhoods," he said, according to the Web site.

Teachers should go to the principal and say that conditions in the classroom are "horrendous," even when the principal doesn't want to hear it. Everyone should "wake up," march to city hall - not for higher salaries but to demand what's needed to provide solid public schooling, Cosby said.

Cosby's talk to the group that filled one of the hotel's largest ballrooms is part of an effort to launch the new initiative "Education is a Civil Right." It's a partnership between the alliance and the Pearson Foundation, which works to improve education.

Cosby praised the educators, but suggested that they take on even greater responsibility and action.

"You're so quiet," he said. "I bet I could get all of you to stand up and clench your fist if I blamed the white man."