We survive our love because we go on loving.

The music of language became extremely important to me, and obvious to me. By the time I was seven I was writing myself. I was a poet

But, based on my friendship with Evie as young mothers, I started going on freedom rides in 1966.

Overall, white men run America. From nuclear armaments to the filth and jeopardy of New York City subways to the cruel mismanagement of health care, is there anything to boast about?

Let me just say, at once: I am not now nor have I ever been a white man. And, leaving aside the joys of unearned privilege, this leaves me feeling pretty good.

Our earth is round, and, among other things, that means that you and I can hold completely different points of view and both be right. The difference of our positions will show stars in your window I cannot even imagine. Your sky may burn with light, while mine, at the same moment, spreads beautiful to darkness. Still we must choose how we separately corner the circling universe of our experience. Once chosen, our cornering will determine the message of any star and darkness we encounter.

Like a lot of Black women, I have always had to invent the power my freedom requires.