Unless we learn from history, we are destined to repeat it. This is no longer merely an academic exercise, but may contain our worlds fate and our destiny.

Either you deal with what is the reality, or you can be sure that the reality is going to deal with you.

It's always intrigued me that amidst the group called slaves there were individuals who were extremely able, who were extremely colorful, who were powerful personalities, who by no means fit the usual images of slaves. They were people who, through their personalities and abilities, were very respected in the community where they lived by both black and white.

I acknowledge immense debt to the griots [tribal poets] of Africa - where today it is rightly said that when a griot dies, it is as if a library has burned to the ground.

Beginning writers must appreciate the prerequisites if they hope to become writers. You pay your dues - which takes years.

Racism is taught in our society, it is not automatic. It is learned behavior toward persons with dissimilar physical characteristics.

I think one of the most fascinating things you can do after you learn about your own people is to study something about the history and culture of other people.