Cosby, who was born in Germantown, a Philadelphia suburb, was bestowed with the honor for pioneering a path forward for African American artists.

Created in 1998, the award is named after Marian Anderson, a Philadelphian and one of the most celebrated singers of the 20th century. The award honors those humanitarians who have worked diligently for a cause that benefits society. Past luminaries of the award include Harry Belafonte, Gregory Peck, Elizabeth Taylor, Quincy Jones, Danny Glover and Oprah Winfrey.

According to Pamela Browner White, chair of the Marian Anderson Award, Cosby was selected because "no one has a stronger connection to Philadelphia than Bill Cosby, or a broader positive cultural impact. Bill Cosby has been someone that has made us smile. His humor has almost always been about neighborhoods, families, kids and marriage. He has used his profile to raise the sensitive discussion of accountability within the African American community. We honor his courage to speak his mind, and we honor his investment in a community that many have forgotten. We applaud not only what he has done for our country but also what he has done for Philadelphia."

Cosby's career has spanned five decades. He was the first African American to play a lead role on a television series, 'I Spy.' The artiste extraordinaire also created the famed cartoon series 'Fat Albert,' which aired in the '70s and was produced on the big screen in 2004.

Cosby also created and produced the educational Emmy Award-winning cartoon 'Little Bill,' which was based on his best-selling book series. Cosby, though, is most known for his iconic TV sitcom 'The Cosby Show,' about an upper-middle class close-knit Brooklyn family. The show earned him accolades and countless praise.

Cosby's philanthropic efforts and gifts as a performer have garnered him numerous honors: the Kennedy Center Honors Award, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, along with three Emmy wins and nine Grammys.

A staunch supporter of academia, Cosby received a master's and doctorate in education. Cosby has used his persona to bring attention to education, literacy issues and bad parenting, and at 72, he still chooses to unceasingly fight the good fight.

"Hey, hey, hey!"