I knew that there were black people in Africa, of course, unfortunately because of movies such as 'Tarzan.'

You notice patterns. White guests often are mortified - that word again - when they learn their ancestors owned slaves. But I've never had a black guest who was upset to learn about white ancestry that probably involved forced sexual relations.

Censorship is to art as lynching is to justice.

My earliest childhood memory is of my father going crazy when the Giants won the World Series in 1954. He started whoopin' and hollerin' and jumpin' up and down all around the living room. I started crying because he scared me to death.

In fact, the class divide in the black community is now seen by some as a permanent aspect of our existence.

Very few, if any, first-generation black or white or Asian kids will pursue a Ph.D. They'll pursue the professions for economic security. Many will go to law school and/or business school.

Conspiracy theories are an irresistible labor-saving device in the face of complexity.