I think it's hard to make a living as a writer, but I think it's hard to work at McDonald's too.... I think the commitment is to get up everyday and say, "I'm a writer, therefore what I'm supposed to do today is write." And to do that, and to do that and to do that.

It is a dangerous time to be a black woman in America. It’s a time when we are not safe in the streets or at home or at school or at work and nobody seems to be able to do anything about it. Nobody. Not us. Not our mommas. Not the police. Not the people we elected to look out for our interests. Nobody. We’re just out here. (p.53)

Domestic violence is the front line of the war against women.

Feminism is to sexism what black nationalism is to racism; the most rational response to the problem.

Discomfort is always a necessary part of enlightenment.

you can't know the meaning of the lesson until class is over!

What looks like crazy on an ordinary day looks looks a lot like love if you catch it in the moonlight.