What comes forth from you as an artist cannot be controlled. But you have responsibilities as a global citizen. Your history dictates your duty. And by writing about black people, you are not limiting yourself. The experiences of African-Americans are as wide open as God's closet.

I think that's the core of black aesthetics: the ability to improvise. That is what has enabled our [black people's] survival.

I am not a historian. I happen to think that the content of my mother's life - her myths, her superstitions, her prayers, the contents of her pantry, the smell of her kitchen, the song that escaped from her sometimes parched lips, her thoughtful repose and pregnant laughter - are all worthy of art.

Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength.

When the sins of our fathers visit us We do not have to play host. We can banish them with forgiveness As God, in his His Largeness and Laws.

I write for myself and my goal is bringing that world and that experience of black Americans to life on the stage and giving it a space there.

Freedom is heavy. You got to put your shoulder to freedom. Put your shoulder to it and hope your back holds up.