My parents are older, and they lead a somewhat sheltered life. It was difficult to talk with them about things that were embarrassing to me, and that I had never spoken to them about

During this period at the Department of Education, my working relationship with Judge Thomas was positive.

Certainly my life will not ever be as private and discreet, and perhaps I should even use the word insulated, as it was before

The real problem is that the way that power is given out in our society pits us against each other.

For my undergraduate work, I went to Oklahoma State University and graduated from there in 1977

I think, though, as African-American women, we are always trained to value our community even at the expense of ourselves, and so we attempt to protect the African-American community.

One of the things I was taught in law school is that I'd never be able to think the same again - that being a lawyer is something that's part of who I am as an individual now.