Bill Cosby is Marian Anderson recipient

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Bill Cosby (photo) will be the next recipient of the Marian Anderson Award.

The Philadelphia native is to accept the award and $100,000 prize at an April 6 ceremony at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

The comedian, actor and educator is being honored for his cultural impact as well as his work in encouraging academic achievement and calling for accountability in the black community.

The award is named for the famed singer and Philadelphia native who used her art in the service of social justice. It honors artists whose leadership benefits society. It was first awarded in 1998 to singer Harry Belafonte. Other past winners include author Maya Angelou and Sidney Poitier, Danny Glover, Elizabeth Taylor and Gregory Peck.