A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.

The most luxurious possession, the richest treasure anybody has, is his personal dignity.

The right of every American to first-class citizenship is the most important issue of our time.

I had to fight hard against loneliness, abuse, and the knowledge that any mistakes I made would be magnified because I was the only black man out there... I never cared about acceptance as much as I cared about respect.

I don't like needing anyone for anything.

Baseball is like a poker game. Nobody wants to quit when he's losing; nobody wants you to quit when you're ahead.

Next time I go to a movie and see a picture of a little ordinary girl become a great star… I’ll believe it. And whenever I hear my wife read fairy tales to my little boy, I’ll listen. I know now that dreams do come true.