To be a survivor as an African American man - maybe any man - you have to be pretty tough. Or at least that's what we all understand.
John Edgar WidemanAs a writer, you don't know what the hell you're doing. You're just doing it. You hope it works out well.
John Edgar WidemanIf I had only a negative side of things to present, I think I would have much less of a drive to do it. Because what would be the point?
John Edgar WidemanMy grandfather had asked me many times whether I'd like to come to South Carolina with him. He wanted to introduce me to our people down there and I didn't want to go. In those days, the South was still a place where black kids were lynched. Something horrible could happen to you. I've had that feeling my whole life.
John Edgar Wideman