Malcolm X made me very strong at a time I needed to understand what I was angry about. He had peace in his heart. He exerted a big influence on me.

After I got over the terrible pain of having something of mine taken from me, I began to think how bad everybody else must be feeling. It wasn't a nice time.

Nobody black or white who really believes in democracy can stand aside now; everybody's got to stand up and be counted.

I'm me, and I'm like nobody else.

As much as I try, when I open my mouth, Lena comes out, And I get so mad.

It's so nice to get flowers while you can still smell the fragrance.

My identity is very clear to me now, I am a black woman.