I was taught to respect everyone for the simple reason that we're all God's children. I was taught, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.... to judge a man not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character. And I was taught that character...is simply doing what's right when nobody's looking.

I think that anybody that stays in school, gets good grades, pays the price, I think we are wealthy enough in the public and the private sector in America to make sure that every child in America that wants to continue their education, they should be able to do that.

In addition, there is one title I cherish a great deal more than Congressman and that is the title of... Dad.

The American dream does not happen by asking Americans to accept what's immoral and wrong in the name of tolerance.

Education is a bipartisan issue that concern all communities of color and should be first, last and always about the student learning.

Serving in Congress has been more than an honor; it has been one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life ... It has been a wonderful ride. It has been a wonderful journey.

There's a whole lot more to the African-American community than entertainment and sports.