If you didn't grow up like I did then you don't know, and if you don't know it's probably better you don't judge.

Anger has a way of returning.

Nilda is watching the ground as though she's afraid she might fall. My heart is beating and I think, We could do anything. We could marry. We could drive off to the West Coast. We could start over. It's all possible but neither of us speaks for a long time and the moment closes and we're back in the world we've always known.

Run a hand through your hair, like the white boys do, even though the only thing that runs easily through your hair is Africa.

If we do not begin to practice the muscles of having a possessive investment in each other's oppressions, then we are in some serious trouble.

If you really want a prize, or if you really want applause, you should try to write as many books as humanly possible.

There's a long-term tradition of white supremacy in this country. [Donald] Trump isn't something entirely new. But then there is the crisis for white supremacy in this country now where you have people of color standing up for themselves in ways that they've never stood up for themselves or at least standing up for themselves in a generational, novel way.