Every once in a while, you live long enough to get the respect that people didn't want to give while you were trying to become a senior citizen.

I am a black man dedicated to expression; expression of the joy and pride of blackness. I consider myself neither poet, composer, or musician. These are merely tools used by sensitive men to carve out a piece of beauty or truth that they hope may lead to peace and salvation.

Every once in a while, you live long enough to get the respect that people didn't want to give while you were trying to become a senior citizen.

I think that the more people who speak out, and say things and take stands on positions that will better our community, the better off each and every other individual artist or otherwise, will be.

You should be able to do anything you can afford as an adult.

I would say if you are familiar with our history and the history of our art and literature that you see a clear cut pattern of people wanting to contribute, not only artistically, but in some practical purpose, for the benefits of the community.

I was one of the first three black students to go to an all-white school in Tennessee.