I've seen so much. And I've heard so many great performers. There are performers now that couldn't work back in the days when I came along.

I'm not alone, I'm free. I no longer have to be a credit, I don't have to be a symbol to anybody; I don't have to be a first to anybody.

50 years old is like springtime to me.

You have to be taught to be second class; you're not born that way.

Every color I can think of and nationality, we were all touched by Dr. King because he made us like each other and respect each other.

I made a promise to myself to be kinder to other people.

I don't have to be an imitation of a white woman that Hollywood sort of hoped I'd become. I'm me, and I'm like nobody else.