June Jordan once said something which is just wonderful. I'm paraphrasing her-that her function as a poet was to make revolution irresistible. Well o.k. that is the function of us all, as creative artists, to make the truth, as we see it irresistible.

Your silence will not protect you.

We're supposed to see "universal" love as heterosexual. What I insist upon in my work is that there is no such thing as universal love in literature.

The love expressed between women is particular and powerful because we have had to love in order to live; love has been our survival.

Even the smallest victory is never to be taken for granted. Each victory must be applauded.

We have to consciously study how to be tender with each other until it becomes a habit because what was native has been stolen from us, the love of Black women for each other.

In the recognition of loving lies the answer to despair.