Don't get all sentimental on me, Makes me think I'm gonna die.

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.

I work hard for the audience. It's entertainment. I don't need validation.

As the filmmaker, yes, I have to look out for everybody. But I don't have to know everybody's approach.

Don't aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference.

[Rose from "Fences"] couldn't just jump out there. Not just because of economic reasons but because how she was looked at in society at the time. There were a lot of factors that made you stay I guess.

If it ain't on a page, it ain't on a stage.