You got to be right with yourself before you can be right with anybody else.

I think the play offers (white Americans) a different way to look at black Americans For instance, in 'Fences' they see a garbageman, a person they don't really look at, although they see a garbageman every day. By looking at Troy's life, white people find out that the content of this black garbageman's life is affected by the same things- love, honor, beauty, betrayal, duty. Recognizing that these things are as much part of his life as theirs can affect how they think about and deal with black people in their lives.

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

If you want to support a writer, produce the first five plays he writes.

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 dont write particularly to effect social change. I believe writing can do that, but thats not why I write.

The simpler you say it, the more eloquent it is.