We don't hear our president [Barack Obama] talking about the need for high-quality jobs for everybody, giving it priority, not just giving a speech in Detroit. That's fine, but speaking to Tim Geithner, speaking to Larry Summers. When are you going to make jobs, jobs, jobs a priority rather than Wall Street, Wall Street, Wall Street a priority? That's what I'm concerned about.

It's true that in reading an interview, I have a little critique of the objectification of women in a [Playboy] magazine that is perceived to doing that.

The problem is not just affirmative action, though. The problem is poor people, working people and their children, and affirmative action for the most part doesn't even apply to them.

I don't believe in the elimination of evil. But I believe in fightin' against evil.

If you are always trying to do something for a cause bigger than you - connected with serving others - then it is hard to be guilty.

Interrogate yours hidden assumptions

Music is the very cement that has not just held the black community together but holds black selves together in a fundamental sense.