Racism built me into a person that was set up to be self-destructive.

I fooled some of the most brilliant people in journalism.

I think people can learn from my experience - you know, any young people who are under pressure, whether you work on Wall Street or you work in a factory in Alabama, and young journalists.

I don't know how one would define an affirmative-action hire. I ultimately do not know what role race played in my hiring.

I am immensely contrite. And I'm sorry for the damage I've done.

Racism built me into a person that was set up to be self-destructive.

I have lived a life that has been beautiful and painful at some moments. But I am convinced others can learn how to control a certain kind of rage that bubbles up in many Americans, particularly, but not limited to, women, blacks, and other minorities.