Comedian and activist Bill Cosby says problems in the black community are like dirty laundry that need to be washed, not ignored.

The 70-year-old author and actor told crowds at a community college and a mostly black church in suburban Cleveland on Wednesday that it's time to address head-on problems such as teen pregnancy, crime and school dropout rates among blacks.

Cosby is sometimes criticized for drawing attention to problems in the black community. But his tough love message also is embraced by supporters.

The Rev. Marvin McMickle said people who attended Cosby's lecture only to see a celebrity were missing the point. He calls Cosby a celebrity who challenges people to look at themselves.