I've always felt protected. That's the God's honest truth.

I'm from around Tennessee. I ran away when I was 12 years old and I ain't never looked back.

I'm very proud to be black, but black is not all I am. That's my cultural historical background, my genetic make-up, but it's not all of who I am nor is it the basis from which I answer every question.

Bad guys need love too.

We had a guy, a gentlemen by the name of Mr. Greenleaf who lived behind the house we were shooting [Fences], and he was like a part of the movie.He would come downstairs, and he couldn't hear well to say, "Ya'll want some coffee?"

Writing is a weapon and it’s more powerful than a fist could ever be.

My faith helps me understand that circumstances don't dictate my happiness, my inner peace.