I have never really been a great artist. I have been a human being that has loved art, which is not the same thing. But I have loved and believed in art and the idea of universal brotherhood so much, that I have put everything I have into them, and I have been blessed.

What am I most ashamed of in my life? Not keeping my promise to my sister and being too scared of America to attend her funeral.

Sex was a pleasurable form of exercise, like dancing.

I love performing. I shall perform until the day I die.

The hate directed against the colored people here in St. Louis has always given me a sad feeling... How can you expect the world to believe in you and respect your preaching of democracy when you yourself treat your colored brothers as you do?

All my life, I have maintained that the people of the world can learn to live together in peace if they are not brought up in prejudice.

I think they must mix blood, otherwise the human race is bound to degenerate. Mixing blood is marvelous. It makes strong and intelligent men. It takes away tired spirits.