MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) _ Bill Cosby will visit Alabama for a two-day event aimed at highlighting schools in one of the poorest areas of the state.

Cosby on Thursday and Friday will speak in several cities across Alabama’s rural Black Belt region.

The actor and comedian will speak with high school students as part of the nonprofit Black Belt Community Foundation’s campaign to improve area schools.

Foundation president Felecia Lucky says Cosby is volunteering his time to bring exposure to schools in the region.

Black Belt counties have some of the state’s highest unemployment rates.

Cosby’s record of educational philanthropy has been overshadowed in recent months by sexual assault allegations from more than 25 women and two pending lawsuits.

Lucky says the foundation chose Cosby based on his history of advocating for education.