Pride was his life force; for us it was a live nerve that he could teach us to brush. One stroke, a good practice, and we could tingle for days ... First, he found the pride in each of us, then he taught us how good it could feel. What he was ultimately after was for every one of us to learn to light our own fires and glow our brightest.

High school dropouts are forfeiting their opportunity to pursue the American Dream.

The type of leukemia that I am dealing with is treatable. So if I do what my doctors tell me to do - get my blood checked regularly, take my meds and consult with my doctor and follow any additional instructions he might make - I will be able to maintain my good health and live my life with a minimum of disruptions to my lifestyle.

The Lakers fans have been great, even folks in the supermarket are welcoming me back.

In a typical history book, black Americans are mentioned in the context of slavery or civil rights. There's so much more to the story.

Fundamental preparation is always effective. Work on those parts of your game that are fundamentally weak.

I need about three seats lengthwise to sleep on a plane. It's not easy for me to curl up.