To me, seeing a really great comedian is a bit like watching a musician or a poet.

Whenever the dollar is held supreme and capitalistic interests dominate, a higher value will always be placed upon property rights than upon human rights.

What price would God demand from the churches for having the audacity to lighten the color of his son's skin, and straighten out his nappy hair?

If it wasn't for Abe Lincoln, I'd still be on the open market.

My wife and I went to jail in Selma. The difference when I was back there recently? White folks? No. Black folks who were not scared. I was behind the president this time. When I was a little boy and ran around with trifling dudes, I was the only one scared of dogs. And I was bitten 14 times! Dogs smell scared. And that's the same thing with people: 50 years ago they smelled fear. There was no fear this time.

Luck is opportunity meeting up with preparation. So you must prepare yourself to be lucky.

I tell people, 'If you want to send a message to the White House, call my house.