I grew up in the 1950s and '60s, when it was almost a holiday when a black act would go on Ed Sullivan.

I`m very cautious about what appears to be things put in place that will begin to roll back some of the progress that I believe we`ve made.

Who defines terrorists? Today's terrorist is tomorrow's friend.

I disagree with Muhammad. I'm against hate, anti-Semitism and homophobia. This is not a village of hate. It's a village of hope. Don't let midgets give us a bad name. There are still giants in Harlem, giants who will stand up for our children.

I don't think Dr. King helped racial harmony, I think he helped racial justice. What I profess to do is help the oppressed and if I cause a load of discomfort in the white community and the black community, that in my opinion means I'm being effective, because I'm not trying to make them comfortable. The job of an activist is to make people tense and cause social change.

We need to make some real fundamental change from the Constitution down in this country.

I've seen enough things to know that if you just keep on going, if you turn the corner, the sun will be shining.