Art is not living. It is the use of living.

In our work and in our living, we must recognize that difference is a reason for celebration and growth, rather than a reason for destruction.

I am a post-mastectomy woman who believes our feelings need voice in order to be recognized, respected, and of use.

I have come to believe over and over again that what is most important to me must be spoken, made verbal and shared, even at the risk of having it bruised or misunderstood. That the speaking profits me, beyond any other effect....what I most regretted were my silences. Of what had I ever been afraid? ...Death on the other hand, is the final silence...my silences had not protected me. Your silences will not protect you.

Black writers, of whatever quality, who step outside the pale of what black writers are supposed to write about, or who black writers are supposed to be, are condemned to silences in black literary circles that are as total and as destructive as any imposed by racism.

In discussions around the hiring and firing of Black faculty at universities, the charge is frequently heard that Black women are more easily hired than are Black men.

I started writing because I had a need inside of me to create something that was not there