We all are doing the best we can. I would like to say that I'm a walking poster board for feminism and women's liberation, but there are things that I do in my life that deeply, deeply fall short of being a statement for being a strong woman. I am flawed as much as anyone else.

Be careful what you ask for because when you pray for rain, you have to deal with the mud as well.

Got to be who you are in this world, no matter what.

[My father] could see as far as he could see and my mother wanted us to go to college so it was a very real part of my life.

The lessons I learned in Sunday School have kept me on track

At the end of the day, it's not about what you have or even what you've accomplished. It's about what you've done with those accomplishments. Its about who you've lifted up, who you've made better. It about what you've given back" (23).

You'll see some great performances [in Fences]. And I'm not just saying that because I directed it either! You'll see!