Ever since I watched 'Roots,' I've dreamed of tracing my African ancestry and helping other people do the same.

The story of the African-American people is the story of the settlement and growth of America itself, a universal tale that all people should experience.

I have no plans to slow down.

Color categories are on steroids in Latin America. I find that fascinating. It's very difficult for Americans, particularly African-Americans to understand or sympathize with.

The historical basis for the gap between the black middle class and underclass shows that ending discrimination, by itself, would not eradicate black poverty and dysfunction. We also need intervention to promulgate a middle-class ethic of success among the poor, while expanding opportunities for economic betterment.

I didn't feel particularly close to my father.

Where do real conversations about citizenship occur? In our schools. Think about the things you learned in first grade. "My Country 'Tis of Thee," "I pledge allegiance to the flag," "America the Beautiful."