We blacks look for leadership in men and women of such youth and inexperience, as well as poverty of education and character, that it is no wonder that we sometimes seem rudderless.... We see basketball players and pop singers as possible role models, when nothing could be further, in most cases, from their capacities.

The best way to judge a life is to ask yourself, "Did I make the best use of the time I had?

Seven out of 10 black faces you see on television are athletes. The black athlete carries the image of the black community. He carries the cross, in a way, until blacks make inroads in other dimensions.

I may not be walking with you all the way, or even much of the way, as I walk with you now.

We blacks look for leadership in men and women of such youth and inexperience, as well as poverty of education and character, that it is no wonder that we sometimes seem rudderless.... We see basketball players and pop singers as possible role models, when nothing could be further, in most cases, from their capacities.

Every time you win, it diminishes the fear a little bit. You never really cancel the fear of losing; you keep challenging it.

I have always drawn strength from being close to home.